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 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.

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.

Excavation work - Transcript

Sample - Permit to excavate

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 - Office of the Technical Regulator

Identifying powerlines - Office of the Technical Regulator

Request for Network Access - SA Power Networks

Code of Practice - Excavation Work

Dial before you dig accredited cable locators