Underground Cable Awareness

Talking Points

1. 1 Dial 1100 before ANY excavation — this is a legal requirement under the Electricity Act
2. 2 Wait for the service provider to mark the cable positions — do not start digging until marks are clear
3. 3 Once marked: hand excavate within 500mm of the marked cable — expose by sumpling (shovel), not picks or power tools
4. 4 When cable is exposed, protect it — support with padding, do not pull or stretch
5. 5 If you cut or damage a cable — stop work immediately, call your supervisor, do not touch the cable, call 000 if the cable is sparking or smoking
6. 6 Cables may be deeper than marked in some areas — especially under driveways or prior fill — use EM locators to scan before mechanical excavation
7. 7 Marked services remain live unless confirmed de-energised in writing by the service provider

Control Measures

• Dial-before-you-dig enquiry submitted before any excavation
• Service provider plans obtained and kept on site
• Cable markers (paint, stakes) visible on ground surface during excavation
• Safe excavation procedure (hand expose within 500mm) included in toolbox talk for excavation work
• Supervisor or competent person present during excavation near marked services