This initiative was established in 2019 to highlight the dangers of digging ‘blind’ and raise awareness of the importance of searching before you dig. As the safe digging community continues to grow at a rapid pace, it is more important than ever that industry professionals, farmers, consumers, and anyone else undertaking digging projects, understand how to work safely around the UK’s underground infrastructure of pipes and cables.
We operate over 82,000 miles of pipeline as the largest gas distribution network in the UK. Last year saw another record number of enquiries through LinesearchbeforeUdig (LSBUD) for works around our assets, with 1.8 million searches undertaken in our geographical region, and over 1.5 million of these enquiries affecting our assets.
More searches mean that more people are carrying out works with a copy of our plans, however from this point we are heavily reliant on third parties working safely in accordance with our Specification for Safe Working in the Vicinity of Cadent Assets.
This dedicated week falls during the UK’s busiest time for digging, with July statistically the highest risk month for excavating. The aim is to help prevent people from striking any underground asset at any time, but this is even more important at a time when projects and excavation work is at its peak.
Latest research from LSBUD into safe digging practices shows that there are almost 1,000 people a month panic searching on Google after hitting an underground asset. Not only does this show that people are not searching before putting a spade in the ground, but they also don’t know what to do once the accident has happened. That means approximately 12,000 people each year are putting themselves in danger via unsafe digging practices, and they are accentuating this risk by having no idea what to do next.
LinesearchbeforeUdig (LSBUD) is a free to use service that any individual can use to check their works against over 150 asset owners’ utility assets.
As the network operator, we are here to help excavators work safely near our assets. This means:
If you hit a gas asset, whether the damage is visible or not, or in the event of an emergency, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*.
If a Cadent asset is damaged, even slightly — and even if no gas leak has occurred — then the following precautions should be taken immediately:
The below video plays out true events — fortunately not a true story — from situations that have occurred over the past year.
We all live and work in the communities we serve — don’t have the same regrets as Mark and take any risks.
Welcome to a new series exploring the risks, realities, and responses to third-party interference across the Cadent network. Hosted by Geoff Radley – Head of Engineering and Dan Mee – Principal Integrity Engineer, we have launched a new series exploring the risks, realities, and responses to third-party interference.
This series dives deep into the world of damage prevention, highlighting how uncontrolled third-party activities can endanger people, infrastructure, and the environment. The first episode, joined by Richard Broome – Managing Director at Line Search Before You Dig, sets the scene for what’s to come.
Visit our webpage for more information on how to dig safely - Digging Safely - Cadent Gas Ltd.
Future Energy Networks (FEN) | Utility Strike Avoidance Group (USAG) | (LSBUD) (Linesearch BeforeUdig) | IGEM - Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers | Cadent Gas Limited | Health and Safety Executive | HAUC(UK) | UKOPA
#NSDW2025
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
As an organisation providing a vital service to millions of households across the UK, we are keen to be seen as a force for good within the communities we serve.
A Cadent Design Specialist shares how organising canal clean-ups and school volunteering has made a real impact — and how our two paid volunteering days empower everyone to give back.
Following a major gas main fire in Chester, we prioritised safe restoration, customer care and continuous updates — and were humbled by the community’s support and positive feedback.
David is proving it’s never too late to learn — starting an HR apprenticeship after 14 years at Cadent to build new skills and shape his future career.
Hollie is gaining hands-on experience across finance teams while studying for her ACCA — building skills and confidence through our Future Professional Programme.
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