The point of the permit is to check-box that someone (facilities) has confirmed that a cut isn't going to strike something. Someone with a brain needs to figure out if there's something a-foot. There are lots of tools to help with this. Metal detectors, signal injector detectors, building drawings. Same as ALL the utilities do on a USA (Underground Service Alert) call before digging.

Someone should be assigned the responsibility of providing good internal company service. They should be provided with all the tools they need to do it. It could easily save a life or several, and will cost the company a fraction of a death.

Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com

It seems obvious that your permit system does not work! Those who approve it must learn that they are NOT a rubber stamp and that THEY are responsible when something goes wrong. If your documentation is incomplete then as itsmoed says there are tools and the work may take longer...

Best regards, Morten

Under the current permit system, who marks nearby utilities? Hint: it should be the person that should've been laid off the second (if not first) time an accident happened.

Afternoon,

Who writes and approves the permits? Is the issue definitely the permit, or is the contractor drilling in the wrong place?

I am not 100% of the underlying UK legislation or even if it would apply to your situation, however my understanding is that the owner of the site is the main dutyholder and should be checking whatever contractors are doing, in case it comes back to bite.

If somebody at your company already approves the permits, then they need to explain at least why they aren't physically walking the job and checking, but possibly they should be put in another role because they aren't cut out for that one.

Design drawings should never be trusted and every job ought to be walked. Ensure the company rep has appropriate tools to verify that there are no pipes or cables in the way.

HTH