Why Risk It? The True Cost of Cutting Corners on Utility Checks in DCP Testing
At Dunelm Geotechnical & Environmental, we see too often how easy it is to overlook proper procedures in the pursuit of speed or cost savings. Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to assess soil strength on site, and it’s often carried out with only a basic check using CAT scanners and Genny locators to avoid striking buried services.
While these tools are helpful, they’re far from fool-proof. They can miss smaller cables, broken ducts, or outdated markers, leaving a significant margin for error. This topic was recently explored in more detail by Dunelm in GeoDrilling International, where we discussed the wider industry implications of inadequate utility checks during DCP testing. You can read the full article here: https://www.geodrillinginternational.com/site-investigation/news-analysis/4515577/gi-industry-waving-cat-genny-dcp-testing
The risk of striking an underground utility, whether it’s a live electrical cable, a water main, or a fibre-optic network, can have devastating consequences. Not only can this cause serious injury to site operatives, but it can also result in costly repairs, environmental damage, and potentially weeks of lost productivity. Worse still, the reputational damage to the contractor or consultant responsible can be severe, undermining trust and future work opportunities.
For the sake of what? A relatively small financial saving of perhaps £80 per test???
A better way…
We believe there’s a much better way. At Dunelm, we advocate for the use of a hand-dug, L-shaped inspection pit at every DCP testing location. This additional step, while adding time and cost provides unequivocal, visual confirmation of what lies below the surface. It’s a proactive, positive safety measure that removes guesswork and minimises the risk of service strikes altogether.
British Standards (BS 5930:2015+A1:2020) and CIRIA guidance (C681) already endorse this practice, and HSE’s HSG47 is clear: hand-dug inspection pits are the definitive method for positive identification of underground services. It’s not just best practice – it’s common sense. Yet many in the industry still see this as an unnecessary expense. We’d argue the opposite. The relatively minor upfront cost of an inspection pit is dwarfed by the financial, legal, and insurance consequences of a service strike. When weighed against these potential liabilities such as compensation claims, emergency call outs, and environmental fines, the extra spend is not just justified, it’s essential.
For clients, adopting this approach also brings peace of mind. It shows a commitment to safety and to delivering work to the highest standard, building trust and reinforcing reputational strength in a competitive industry.
As geotechnical professionals, it’s time to put the days of “waving a CAT & Genny” behind us and embrace verified safety as the standard for every DCP test we conduct. Let’s protect our people, our clients, and our industry’s good name, because a few pounds saved upfront simply isn’t worth the risk.
