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City of London gas leak leads to evacuation of around 5,000 people
A damaged gas main prompted a major evacuation in the City of London, with a road closure remaining in place while engineers complete repairs.
A gas leak in the City of London led to around 5,000 people being evacuated after a gas main was damaged during construction work. 
People gather in the City of London during the incident.London Fire Brigade was called to Old Broad Street at 10:55 BST, where crews found a ruptured six-inch gas main at a six-storey office building. A 200-metre cordon was put in place, and nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Cadent said the pipe had been severely damaged by a private construction team and that the work was unrelated to its own pipework. 
Emergency services attend the scene on a London street.The cordon has since been removed, although a road closure remains while engineers complete repairs.
Preparation is essential before excavation begins
Every excavation takes place in its own conditions, but incidents involving underground services underline the need to plan work carefully before breaking ground. Damage can put workers and the public at risk, disrupt essential services and bring work to a halt.
Teams should understand what may be buried in the work area, check service information and confirm findings on site. The excavation method should suit the ground conditions and the task, and everyone involved should know their role before work starts.
Vacuum excavation can help teams expose underground assets with greater control. Its effective use depends on appropriate planning, the right equipment and operators who have been trained to use it safely. It forms part of a wider safe system of work; it does not replace the need to locate services and assess the site.
Building knowledge on site
Practical training helps operators develop the knowledge and confidence to work with vacuum excavation equipment. It also gives teams an opportunity to reinforce the procedures that support careful, controlled excavation.
At VAC-EX Training, we provide training for people using vacuum excavation equipment in the field. If your team is looking to build its knowledge or arrange training, contact us to discuss your requirements.