A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by LSBUD and the UK Government’s department for science, innovation, and technology (DSIT), paving the way for the two to work in partnership to improve safe digging practices.
The agreement between safe digging specialists 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 stated that the register was not intended to replace or replicate LSBUD’s established service. LSBUD is now working with Ordnance Survey, who operate NUAR on behalf of government.
LSBUD said the two services will complement each other, with it facilitating the ambitions of register 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 July 6. 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, MD of LSBUD, signed the memorandum on behalf of LSBUD. He said, “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.
“It is very apt that the theme of this year’s National Safe Digging Week’s is ‘The Power of Collaboration’. It echoes our thinking and our ambition to keep people safe while digging. We are thrilled to have OS and DSIT on board for this journey, and can’t wait to make a real, purposeful impact together.”
