Person in high-visibility clothing beside a utility trench, with solar panels and wind turbines in the background.

Explosive ordnance assessment for overhead line pylons and pylon foundations

For an overhead line pylon, we consider the foundations and also earthing systems, access routes and assembly areas involving planned earthworks. FONTANA-EOD plans suitable investigations by pylon number, foundation geometry, depth and demolition condition. Send pylon position lists, foundation plans, design depths, working areas and construction phases so that services and documentation can be defined before drilling, excavation and demolition.

Assign pylon positions

Define coordinates and foundation geometry.

Assess the volume at depth

Record piles, excavations and boreholes.

Connect construction phases

Coordinate access routes, demolition and assembly.

Assess the power line project

Have pylon locations assessed Select suitable investigation services

Prepare pylon foundations with specialists

Clarify investigation needs before pylon foundation work and demolition

Before work at a pylon location, existing indications of a suspected hazard and planned ground interventions are used to clarify which explosive ordnance investigation is needed. This concerns ground investigation boreholes, foundation excavation, piles, earthing systems, temporary arrangements, access routes and removal of existing foundations.

Submit the pylon position list Assess deep-ground survey needs for foundations

Divide the pylon location by construction task

Plan pylon foundations, access routes and demolition areas separately

For explosive ordnance assessment, an overhead line pylon is more than a single point. Foundation groups, excavation, earthing, access route, crane area and demolition zone have different geometries and depths of intervention.

The investigation follows the actual construction sequence. Each pylon location can thus be addressed in sections, documented and handed over to the next trade.

For existing power lines, operational access, protection zones and existing steel or utility installations are considered as actual conditions for method selection.

Person beside a survey instrument on a construction site; a wheeled excavator with drilling equipment stands behind them.

New pylon on a new route

For new pylon locations, investigation needs are determined using the historical suspected hazard and planned foundations. The pylon position, foundation dimensions, excavation, working space and access route are recorded as a connected construction section.

If piles or deep boreholes are planned, the relevant depth volume is planned separately. For clear areas and individual foundation points, it is assessed which methods can cover the required volumes of ground.

Assess pylon foundations with reference to depth

Survey trolley on an undeveloped construction site, with soil piles and a row of trees in the background.

Replacement construction within the existing corridor

When existing pylons are replaced, old foundations, earthing systems, utilities and metal components influence the technical investigation. The work plan distinguishes between existing structures, demolition, new foundation points and areas accessible only after demolition.

A shift in the new pylon axis is checked against existing documentation. Results from the old location are not transferred to the new geometry without a spatial and depth-related comparison.

Have replacement construction assessed by specialists

Two people discussing plans at a table beside a vehicle on a construction site.

Pylon strengthening and supplementary foundations

Strengthening may require additional piles, foundation widening, anchors or earthworks beside the existing structure. The volume of ground affected then lies close to metal and electrical installations.

Surveyable subareas, deep localised ground interventions and zones that initially cannot be investigated are shown separately on the plan. Suitable supplementary methods are assessed for remaining zones. The network operator's operational and safety requirements are incorporated into access and execution.

Define the supplementary scope and documentation

Two people with a tablet beside a marked construction area; plans lie in the foreground.

Access routes and crane standing areas

Temporary access roads, crane pads and assembly areas may require soil replacement, formation preparation, drainage or load-spreading foundations. This creates additional intervention areas beyond the pylon foundations themselves.

Explosive ordnance investigation work relates to the construction activity actually intended. Areas without ground intervention and areas involving excavation or ground improvement remain distinguishable on the site plan.

Determine suitable methods for logistics areas

Ground investigation boreholes and preliminary investigation

Geotechnical boreholes, dynamic probing or groundwater monitoring wells may involve ground interventions before the final pylon design. Their investigation needs are clarified early using position, depth and existing indications of a suspected hazard.

The point list, design depth, drilling method, diameter and sequence are checked against existing suspected hazard and site information. Changes to investigation points are recorded.

Prepare ground investigation points

Person with a tablet at the edge of a cordoned-off excavation, with an excavator behind.

Removal of old pylon foundations

Removal of existing foundations often reaches areas that previously could not be reliably surveyed because of steel, concrete and earthing systems. The demolition sequence therefore determines when supplementary investigation becomes possible.

Excavation sections, stopping points, uninvestigated zones and handling of unusual findings are coordinated with site management and the specialist company before work begins. Necessary investigations and protective measures are planned before ground interventions during demolition or preparation of access.

Plan demolition and excavation with specialists

From pylon corridor to a construction-ready section

Prepare investigations for route planning, procurement and pylon construction

Explosive ordnance assessment develops with the design stage. Early route assessments answer different questions from a detailed pylon position list or removal of an existing foundation.

Before the investigation, the affected areas and depths and the results needed by designers or site management are defined.

Route and location planning

Early planning must clarify which pylon locations show historical indications of a suspected hazard and which areas are needed for access, working space and temporary arrangements.

The initial assessment does not provide a technical conclusion about present ground conditions, but defines the areas for which further investigation should be prepared.

The result is a spatially traceable basis for comparing options, scheduling and cost allowances.

Assess the historical evidence of ordnance

Foundation design and point list

Once pylon coordinates and foundation type are available, foundation points, design depths, diameters and working spaces are recorded on the site plan.

Four individual foundations or several piles are treated as individual technical investigation areas rather than as a single abstract pylon point.

Relocations and additional points are checked anew against the documented work status.

Assess foundation points and depth

Tendering and procurement

The specification must distinguish historical assessment, area survey, deep-ground investigation, exposure and investigation work during construction.

The number of pylons, point quantities, area sizes, depths, access, existing interference, surveying and documentation to be provided are clearly described.

This produces comparable tenders and clear triggers for possible additional services.

Structure the procurement basis and documentation

Construction and design changes

During execution, foundations may be relocated, access routes adapted or additional assembly areas needed. Each change is checked against the existing area and point documentation.

If the new geometry lies outside the area addressed or extends deeper, supplementary work is defined before ground intervention.

Site management thus receives a clear conclusion on which work may continue and where a new specialist decision is necessary.

Assess changed pylon geometry

Existing structures, demolition and restricted survey feasibility

Old foundations, earthing networks, steel components, utilities and site facilities can obscure surface surveys. These limitations are documented with positions and construction conditions.

Individual demolition steps may provide new survey access. Necessary investigations and protective measures are planned before preparatory ground interventions. For areas not fully investigated in advance, the technical suitability of explosive ordnance detection during construction is assessed. Each working layer is technically surveyed and assessed before controlled removal in layers with supplementary visual inspection follows; these steps are repeated until the agreed excavation base is reached.

An area that cannot be fully surveyed is not treated as showing no anomalies.

Carry out further work on unsurveyable zones

Anomaly or actual find

A survey anomaly initially describes an unusual physical response. Further evaluation or exposure establishes whether it arises from a technical interfering object or an object relevant to explosive ordnance.

If an unexpected suspicious object is found, work stops immediately and the competent authorities are notified without delay.

Further work follows the finding and instructions of the competent authorities.

Record findings and responsibilities traceably

Connect starting conditions, investigation and documentation

Assess indications of a suspected hazard and survey conditions for each pylon location

The property boundary or a general route assessment is insufficient for overhead line construction. The actual pylon, excavation, access route and logistics geometries are decisive.

The technical decision identifies the spatial scope and outstanding follow-up measures as well as the method.

New route with only an initial pylon distribution

Initial situation: The corridor is defined, but pylon locations and construction areas have not yet been finalised.

Technical step: Historical sources and known indications are related to the corridor, options and possible working areas.

Documentation objective: Designers can identify priority suspected sections and include technical investigations in the programme and budget.

Assess the corridor historically

Defined pylon location with shallow foundations

Initial situation: Foundation dimensions, excavation and working area are known; the near-surface area is accessible.

Technical step: A suitable area survey is selected according to the target object, ground conditions and interference environment.

Documentation objective: The survey area, anomalies, limitations and follow-up measures are documented in relation to the pylon location.

Plan an area investigation at the pylon location

Piled or deep foundation

Initial situation: Individual foundation elements extend substantially deeper than a near-surface survey zone.

Technical step: for the full point-specific volume at depth, it is assessed which areas existing investigations cover and which supplementary borehole or deep-ground survey suits the later foundation geometry.

Documentation objective: Each pile or drilling point receives an unambiguous status with design and investigation depths.

Investigate deep foundation points

Replacement pylon beside an existing steel structure

Initial situation: The new location is influenced by the old foundation, earthing, power line and existing pylon.

Technical step: Clear survey areas, zones obscured by technical interference and volumes of ground accessible only after demolition are planned separately.

Documentation objective: The report shows which conclusion is reliable under the respective construction condition and which supplementary work follows.

Define construction conditions and follow-up measures

Temporary access route involving soil replacement

Initial situation: A formation level, drainage or ground improvement is constructed for deliveries and crane operations.

Technical step: Sections involving ground interventions are recorded as separate investigation areas. Suitable supplementary methods are assessed for areas that cannot be fully investigated in advance.

Documentation objective: The permanent pylon foundation and temporary logistics area remain separately identifiable in the project file.

Clarify investigation needs for additional working areas

Suspected location within the foundation area

Initial situation: A survey or historical document indicates a point requiring further clarification within the planned volume of ground affected.

Technical step: Position, depth, interference environment and subsequent foundation are checked against each other; further investigation is prepared technically and organisationally.

Documentation objective: Exposure, findings, handover and remaining limitations are unambiguously assigned to the pylon position.

Document further investigations and measures

From pylon register to a verifiable project file

Document results and unresolved areas for each pylon number

Overhead line projects need documentation that remains consistent across many pylon locations and construction phases. Point lists, areas, depths and measures status must follow the same pylon and route references.

Each record identifies the applicable plan version and volume of ground actually investigated.

Pylon and route master data

The pylon number, route section, coordinate system, site plan, land parcel, plan version and intended construction phase provide the unambiguous spatial reference.

For replacement construction, old and new pylons and demolition and new construction areas are identified separately.

Foundation and intervention geometry

Foundation points, excavations, piles, boreholes, earthing systems, working spaces and design depths are taken from the technical design.

The documentation shows which geometry was actually investigated and how changes were recorded.

Historical basis for suspicion

Aerial photographs, maps, authority documents, historical reports and known information on finds are related to the pylon corridor and working areas.

The available sources and remaining gaps in data remain distinguishable from technical survey results.

Survey, drilling and field records

Survey areas, grids, borehole geometries, investigation depths, positioning, ground and surface conditions and technical sources of interference are recorded traceably.

Raw data, evaluation and the site plan use the same point and area identifiers.

Restrictions and unresolved areas

Old foundations, steel structures, earthing systems, lack of access or changed construction conditions can limit investigation.

These zones are marked on the plan. Suitable supplementary methods and possible investigation timing are assessed separately.

Pylon-specific final status

The report and site plan bring together results, findings, depths addressed, uninvestigated areas and subsequent decisions for each pylon number.

Site management can thus check the status of an individual location without transferring conclusions to other pylons.

Coordinate the pylon-specific documentation structure Have plan and point data assessed by specialists

Connect route planning, pylon positions and execution

Check the pylon register against investigation results when plans change

The dossier brings together historical evidence, technical investigation and construction progress. It shows which areas were investigated at each pylon location and which tasks remain unresolved before the next ground intervention.

For projects extending over several years, the development of planning, point lists and construction conditions remains traceable.

Project basis and pylon register

The route plan, pylon list, coordinates, foundation types, construction phases and plan revisions are maintained in a common structure.

Each file identifies the pylon and work status to which it applies.

Historical assessment for each section

Suspected areas, source references and unresolved data are assigned to the route section and affected pylon locations.

It thus remains clear whether a conclusion comes from a general corridor assessment or a point-specific investigation.

Area and point data

Survey areas, foundation points, boreholes, investigation depths and technical conditions are documented with geographical references.

The datasets can be linked to the foundation plan, access route and construction sequence.

Findings and action status

Anomalies, interfering objects, exposure work and actual finds receive an updatable status.

Outstanding points are recorded with follow-up measures, responsibility and timing references.

HSE and project communication

Network operators, designers, site management, HSE, contractors and competent authorities receive information relevant to their roles.

Handovers identify the pylon number, plan version, unresolved volume of ground and decision required before the next intervention.

Completion and updating

Reports, maps, point lists and records are brought together in a pylon-specific project file. Following actual exposure or clearance work, the corresponding findings and clearance records are included.

New pylons, relocated points or changed foundations are documented as supplementary work without extending earlier results.

Structure the project file and data handover Clarify documentation needs for pylon locations

From corridor planning to pylon assembly

How explosive ordnance assessment and overhead line construction are coordinated

The current plan version and work intended for each pylon determine the investigation sequence. Early historical assessment provides orientation; as planning advances, technical work focuses on individual foundation and working areas.

Pylon-specific documentation enables handover in sections without extending results to locations not investigated.

Record the route and pylon project

The corridor, pylon locations, new or replacement construction, foundation types, construction phases and required project decision are described.

The initial comparison distinguishes known volumes of ground affected from options still unresolved.

Organise documents and ordnance evidence

Historical assessments, authority guidance, old foundations, utilities, ground investigation data and existing survey reports are related to the pylon number and location.

Contradictions and missing evidence are recorded as specific clarification tasks.

Define foundations and working areas

Individual foundations, piles, excavations, earthing systems, access routes, crane and assembly areas are recorded by area, point position and depth.

This geometry provides the basis for the specification and fieldwork planning.

Define methods and construction conditions

The survey objective, ground conditions, surface, interference environment and required depth determine the suitable combination of historical, area-wide, point-specific or construction-stage services.

For demolition and existing areas, suitable supplementary methods and possible survey timings are assessed.

Prepare surveying and site access

Pylon positions, survey areas, boreholes, protection zones, access roads and contacts are checked before deployment.

Operational requirements and parallel trades are related to the intended work sequence.

Carry out surveys or supervision

Surveys, deep-ground surveys and controlled earthworks are carried out using the documented geometry.

Deviations, interference zones and inaccessible areas are recorded immediately for the respective pylon.

Assess data and findings

Survey values, anomalies, exposure work and field observations are checked against indications of a suspected hazard, foundation design and construction conditions.

For each unresolved area, the further investigation or measure needed is recorded.

Hand over and update pylon status

The report, plan, point list and limitations are prepared for the network operator, site management and subsequent trades.

Changes to the pylon position, foundations or working area trigger a targeted comparison with the existing status.

Bring together points, areas and construction conditions

State foundations, excavations and ancillary areas by position and depth

The explosive ordnance task follows the actual foundation and ancillary areas needed for construction and assembly. The pylon centre point or property boundary alone does not provide sufficient investigation geometry.

For each location, area-wide, linear and deep point-specific interventions are distinguished but documented using the same location reference.

Record foundations and working areas in the pylon plan

An overhead line pylon may consist of several foundation points connected by excavations, earthing systems and assembly areas. Replacement construction adds demolition zones and proximity to the existing structure.

For each point, design depth, diameter, foundation type and possible positional deviation are recorded. For area-wide excavations, slopes, retaining structures and space for equipment movement form part of the working area considered.

Method selection distinguishes clear survey areas, areas altered by technical installations and zones accessible only after a defined demolition step. The report links each limitation to specific later work.

Access routes and crane areas are included only where their construction actually involves ground intervention. The investigation scope is aligned with the intended earthworks.

Individual foundations and pylon legs

For pylons with several foundation points, each point receives its own coordinate and depth information. The excavation edge, slope or retaining structures and working space between foundations are also considered.

A conclusion for the pylon centre point does not replace investigation of the actual foundation geometry.

Piled and deep foundations

Piles, micropiles or deep boreholes are planned as point-specific volumes at depth. Design depth, diameter, installation method and possible deviations determine the survey and safety geometry.

A near-surface area survey is counted only where it traceably covers the required volume.

Working, crane and assembly areas

Crane positions, preassembly, anchoring or conductor-pulling areas may extend beyond the foundation area. Where excavation, ground improvement, foundations or drainage are planned there, a separate investigation area arises.

Temporary and permanent areas are documented with different identifiers.

Earthing and cable connections

Earthing rings, deep earth electrodes, control cables and connection cables create linear or localised ground interventions. Existing metal installations can also affect survey feasibility.

Suitable investigation methods are defined for the intervention axis, depth and construction condition.

Existing pylon and demolition corridor

Old foundations and steel components may screen relevant areas or obscure signals. The demolition plan defines when each zone becomes accessible and how it is assessed before the next work step.

Inaccessible areas remain identified as unresolved until the planned supplementary investigation.

Position changes and tolerance volume

Pylon locations and foundation points may move between design and execution. Documentation is therefore based on coordinates and recorded geometries as well as names.

If the new position lies outside the investigated area, the additional volume of ground affected is assessed before execution.

Investigate pylon and pile points with reference to depth Submit pylon geometry and the point list

Select an investigation

Select investigations according to pylon foundations and existing conditions

Consider depth and foundation type during method selection

The appropriate service depends on pylon type, foundation type, design depth, working area, ground conditions, alterations from technical installations and the historical suspected hazard. If planned ground interventions extend beyond the depth range covered by near-surface investigation, it is assessed which method can investigate the required volume of ground to the intended depth.

Select methods according to depth and foundation type

Clarify survey access within the demolition sequence

For existing power lines, old foundations, earthing strips, steel components, utilities and earlier construction work may restrict survey feasibility. Suitable supplementary methods and investigation timings before or after individual demolition steps are assessed for such areas.

Coordinate investigation with demolition conditions

Select methods according to foundations and the volume of ground affected

Which service addresses each part of the pylon location

No method automatically covers the route corridor, pylon area, pile point and demolition condition equally. Methods are combined according to the physical conclusions they can support and the subsequent intervention.

For each area, the documentation identifies which method was applied and which limitations affect the construction decision.

Historical aerial photograph analysis

Assesses whether, and in which parts of the route corridor, there is a historically supported suspicion of explosive ordnance.

It does not replace technical investigation of the present pylon foundations or working areas.

Magnetometry

Can detect ferromagnetic anomalies in clear areas and may be suitable for pylon or access route areas.

Existing pylons, earthing systems, fences, vehicles and scrap metal content can limit the ability to evaluate data.

TDEM

Detects time-dependent electromagnetic responses from conductive objects and can supplement certain area- or point-specific investigation questions.

Power line installations, ground conductivity and target geometry are assessed by specialists before deployment.

Ground-penetrating radar / GPR

Shows reflections at material and structural boundaries and can provide additional information on suitable surfaced or heterogeneous areas.

A radar reflection does not unambiguously identify explosive ordnance. It is checked against known installations and indications of a suspected hazard.

Deep-ground and downhole surveys

Investigates defined point-specific volumes at depth for piles, boreholes and deep pylon foundations.

Borehole position, surveyed interval, casing, design depth and later foundation are coordinated with each other.

Excavation supervision

Where explosive ordnance detection during construction is technically suitable, each working layer is surveyed and evaluated using technical methods. Controlled removal in layers and supplementary visual inspection then follow; these steps are repeated down to the agreed excavation base.

Excavation layers, stopping points, authority to give instructions, communication procedures, documentation and the volume of ground affected are defined in the work instruction before work begins.

Pylon number, foundation and construction condition

Check the pylon plan against investigation results before each construction section

The investigation plan identifies pylon and foundation coordinates, required depths and reasons for method selection. If points move or construction phases change, existing results are checked against the new plan.

Overhead line projects connect many spatially separate locations. Consistent naming and systematic updating are therefore as important as the fieldwork itself.

Treat each pylon location as a separate project decision

FONTANA-EOD starts by asking which ground interventions are actually intended at each pylon. Foundation groups, piles, earthing systems, access routes and assembly areas are not grouped into an undefined site area.

Method selection follows the suspected hazard, target object, foundation depth, ground conditions, surface and technical surroundings. Existing steel components and earthing systems are considered early as survey limitations.

During execution, point lists, survey areas and demolition conditions remain linked to the applicable plan version. Changes are assessed by specialists before an existing result is transferred to the new geometry.

Unusual findings are communicated with the pylon number, coordinate and volume of ground affected. Survey anomaly, technical interfering object and an actual find remain separate matters so that project participants act on the same information basis.

The final documents describe the work status reached and its limitations. The network operator and site management can identify which tasks remain unresolved before the next work step. Conclusions about uninvestigated locations cannot be derived from them.

Have pylon locations assessed by specialists Coordinate quality and data handover

Record pylon and foundation coordinates

The pylon number, coordinates, foundation points and construction phase are defined before work begins.

Justify method selection

Methods depend on the target object, depth, ground conditions and existing metal interference.

Coordinate access and working times

Access, protection zones, outages and parallel trades are incorporated into deployment preparation.

Assign results to the pylon plan

Surveys, drilling points, findings and limitations remain assigned to the current pylon plan.

Check plan changes

Relocated points, new foundations and additional areas are checked against existing documentation.

Identify outstanding tasks

The result identifies the next technical step for the documented location.

Prepare the next construction section

Hand over pylon locations with their respective work status

Describe the investigation scope for each pylon and construction section

Using this information, FONTANA-EOD describes the areas and depths to be investigated and documentation needed for each pylon location and construction section.

Agree the appropriate service

Recheck changed foundations before execution

If foundation points, pile geometry or excavation dimensions change, earlier results are compared with the new design. Temporary arrangements and additional working areas receive their own work status where they extend beyond the documented investigation volume.

Identify the scope of the evidence

Responsibilities through planning and construction

Who supplies documents, plans investigations and receives results

Network operators, designers, HSE, contractors, the specialist company and competent authorities have different tasks. Before execution, it is defined who reports design changes, tracks unresolved areas and receives results.

Technical assessment, operational permits to work and official decisions on a find are documented distinguishably.

Client and operator

Network operator, energy supplier or project company

Define the route section, pylon programme, construction phases, operational conditions and documentation needed.

They provide existing design, as-built and suspected hazard documents and commission the specialist services required.

Design

Power line, structural and ground design

Translate the project into pylon position lists, foundation types, excavations, piles, access routes and temporary working areas.

Changes to position or foundations are communicated so that the existing work status can be checked.

Operations and HSE

Installation personnel and safety organisation

Regulate access, protection zones, work near power lines, instruction and operational permits to work.

Their requirements determine when and under which conditions existing locations and demolition zones are accessible.

Construction execution

Foundation, power line and civil engineering contractors

Carry out drilling, piling, foundation excavation, demolition, earthing and access route construction within the agreed volume of ground affected.

Deviations in position, depth or construction method are reported to the specialists involved before ground intervention.

Specialist service

FONTANA-EOD

Assesses the suspected hazard and documents, develops the commissioned approach and records results and methodological limitations.

The work relates to the pylon position, foundation geometry and current construction condition.

Local emergency response

KBD, KMBD, KRD and competent authorities

In Germany, the ordnance disposal services of the federal states and the locally competent authorities carry out hazard-response and find-management duties. Their involvement is established for the project location; outside Germany, local responsibilities apply.

The local public order authority and, where applicable, building control are involved according to their project-specific responsibilities. Conditions and contacts are assigned to the actual pylon locations and construction sections; reporting procedures are defined before work begins.

If an unexpected suspicious object is found, notify the police immediately on 110 in Germany; outside Germany, the local emergency reporting procedure applies. The competent authorities determine the next steps.

Qualifications, risk assessment and circumstances of finds

Which specialist foundations work together in overhead line construction

The activity, project location, power line condition and construction method determine organisational requirements. The scope of services, qualifications, protective measures and documentation are defined for the specific pylon or route section.

The network operator's operational rules supplement the explosive ordnance work sequence. They do not replace specialist method selection or clear description of the area addressed.

Explosives legislation, occupational safety and project-specific responsibility

In Germany, § 7 SprengG concerns the commercial authorisation for activities requiring authorisation; § 20 SprengG concerns the certificate of competence of responsible persons. Under § 1b SprengG, searching for found munitions also counts as handling them. The requirements applicable to the project depend on the activity actually commissioned and the allocation of responsibilities.

The risk assessment connects ground investigations, boreholes, piles, foundation excavation, demolition, heavy equipment, the power line environment, protection zones, escape routes and communication with the intended explosive ordnance work.

DGUV Information 201-027 supports risk assessment and protective measures for explosive ordnance clearance work. The Baufachlichen Richtlinien Kampfmittelräumung contain requirements for historical and technical investigation, clearance concepts, procurement and documentation within their defined scope of federal responsibilities. Their application to the specific overhead line project is clarified separately.

A planned preliminary investigation differs from an actual find. If an unexpected suspicious object is found, stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch, move or further expose the object. Leave the danger area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting procedure. The competent authorities determine the next steps. Then inform site management and those responsible for the installation.

Contractual acceptance, operational permits to work and official decisions serve different functions. The project organisation defines which documents and decisions are needed before each work step.

The First Ordinance to the Explosives Act (1. SprengV) includes requirements concerning specialist competence and state-recognised training courses. In overhead line and pylon construction, the required qualifications are related to the activities actually commissioned and the volumes of ground affected.

DGUV Rule 113-003 concerns the dismantling or destruction of explosives or corresponding objects and also includes the disposal of found munitions. It applies according to this field of activity; it does not replace a risk assessment specific to the planned ground intervention.

Licensing and competence

The company, responsible persons and specific task area must suit the activity carried out.

Risk assessment

Foundation methods, volumes of ground affected, equipment, the power line environment, protection zones and reporting procedures are defined for the project.

Specification

Pylon positions, areas, depths, methods, quality control and documentation to be provided are clearly described before procurement.

Reporting of finds

Site management, HSE, the project developer and locally competent authorities receive an agreed information and reporting procedure.

Before tendering

Point quantities, foundation types, construction areas, access, qualification requirements and acceptance criteria are described comparably.

Provisional items have a clear technical trigger.

Before fieldwork

The plan version, surveying, protection zones, access, equipment, instruction and contacts are checked.

Changes before mobilisation are incorporated into the task.

If a suspicious object is found

Stop work immediately, do not touch, move or further expose the object, leave the immediate area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, the local emergency reporting procedure applies.

Then inform site management and those responsible for the installation. Resumption of work follows the instructions of the competent authorities.

Agree the regulatory framework and evidence Clarify the procedure for a find

Maintain traceable pylon positions and project status

Which documents are used in practice within the overhead line project

The results connect historical evidence, technical investigation, construction and handover. An unambiguous reference to the pylon number, coordinates, foundation geometry and plan version is decisive.

Pylon and route site plan

The plan connects the pylon position list, foundation geometry, working areas and current construction phase. It provides the basis for survey work, reporting and handover.

Assess pylon locations within the energy project

Two monitors displaying aerial photographs and maps; further aerial photograph printouts lie on the desk.

Historical assessment of suspected ordnance

The available sources and suspected areas support prioritisation of technical investigations but do not replace a present-day survey.

Develop the historical assessment of the suspected hazard

Depth-related documentation for foundations

Piles and deep individual foundations receive their own survey and assessment records. Changes are not inferred from general area conclusions.

Investigate pylon foundations with reference to depth

Excavation and demolition log

Where existing structures or demolition limit advance surveys, the actual earthwork process is recorded using the agreed methodology.

Provide specialist monitoring of excavation and demolition

Findings and handover documentation

The documentation connects the original anomaly, further work and subsequent decision relevant to the construction section.

Maintain findings and handovers in the project file

Pylon-specific project file

The network operator and site management can trace the work status of each pylon location using the same data structure.

Document the pylon-specific project file

Four people in orange high-visibility vests in front of two excavators on a construction site.

Person with a yellow survey cart on a footpath in front of a hedge.

From pylon location to a suitable specialist service

Specialist services for pylon foundations, working areas and demolition

Overhead line pylons involve historical clarification of suspected hazards, point-specific deep-ground investigation, demolition, excavation and a pylon-specific project file. The relevant scope of services is defined separately for each of these tasks.

Montage showing building construction, a railway, a utility trench, energy facilities, industry and road construction.

Sectors and applications

Plan ordnance assessments for transport, utility, energy and other infrastructure projects according to their ground interventions.

Compare other project types