In collaboration with industry stakeholders we have developed a six part series Avoiding Utility Strikes that outline what you need to know to avoid striking underground utilities and overhead power lines.
This toolbox series has been designed to assist business operators comply with their work health and safety responsibilities.
Underground essential services
How to access free underground essential service information. Before you dig, it's essential to know what underground infrastructure is in your work area.
NOTE: Before You Dig (external site) enquiries must be lodged online. If you need assistance with any Before You Dig service including lodging your enquiry online or establishing or accessing your online account, please call the National Help Desk on 1100 during business hours.
The ‘Look up and Live’ web application (now hosted by Before you Dig) provides an interactive map displaying Australia’s above ground utility network information. You can access the online planning tool here - Look up and Live (arcgis.com)
Underground essential services information - Transcript
Locating underground utilities
Locating underground utilities is a vital process in avoiding a utility strike. This video explains how to look for visual clues, using cable locators and why potholing is a critical process.
Locating underground utilities - Transcript
Excavation work
Excavation work covers techniques to minimise risks during the excavation process.
Working near overhead powerlines
Before working near overhead powerlines, it's important to understand the safe approach limits for people and minimum safe clearance distances for machinery to ensure work is carried out safely.
Working near overhead powerlines - Transcript
Building near power lines
How to safely build a structure, including a scaffold near an overhead powerline.
Building structures near overhead powerlines - Transcript
When things go wrong
What to do if you strike a gas or power line.
When things go wrong - Transcript
Further information
Working safely near overhead powerlines (external site) - Office of the Technical Regulator
Identifying powerlines (external site) - Office of the Technical Regulator
Request for Network Access (external site) - SA Power Networks