A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by LSBUD and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), paving the way for the two organisations to work in partnership to improve safe digging practices.
The agreement between safe digging experts LSBUD and DSIT, responsible for establishing the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR), marks a joint commitment to improving the safety of those carrying out street works, and reducing accidental damage to the UK’s critical underground infrastructure.
The MOU recognises LSBUD’s safe dig workflow risk analysis, communication exchange and work management functionality, as well as its extensive expertise and preexisting industry relationships.
The MOU also states that NUAR was not intended to replace or replicate LSBUD’s established service. Indeed, LSBUD is now working with Ordnance Survey, who operate NUAR on behalf of government.
The two services will complement each other, with LSBUD facilitating the ambitions of NUAR, and working closely with DSIT to ensure the infrastructure data is used effectively and efficiently. With interoperability in mind, the MOU also covers Ordnance Survey, as the Government’s appointed operator of NUAR.
The agreement, first announced at LSBUD’s National Damage Prevention Day, is being unveiled as part of National Safe Digging Week, which began on 6th July. This awareness week is dedicated to promoting excavation safety and preventing damage to underground infrastructure, with this year’s theme aptly focusing on ‘The Power of Collaboration’.
Richard Broome, Managing Director of LSBUD, who signed the memorandum on behalf of LSBUD, commented:
“We welcome this agreement and are looking forward to working alongside Ordnance Survey and the Government. The understanding is a big relief for our safe digging community, and we have already taken great strides forward, setting up the first planned industry workshop.
“For us, it’s not about competing with each other. It is about safety. It always has been, and it always will be. By focusing on data sharing, integration and collaboration, we can move the industry forward, and do so safely.”
LSBUD is a free to use online search service that any individual can use to check their works against over 170 asset owners’ utility assets. The assets include 2.5 million kilometres of underground and overhead pipelines and cables in the electricity, gas, high pressure fuel/oil, heating, water, and fibre optic networks. The service processes over 4 million enquiries per annum.
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