Striking a gas main, power cable or fibre line can injure workers, shut down a site and cost far more than the job itself. Use this checklist before any excavation near underground services.
How to use it: print this page or save it as a PDF, then tick each item on site. Free to use and share.
1. Before Work Starts
Lodge a free Before You Dig Australia (BYDA, formerly Dial Before You Dig) enquiry for the exact dig area
Check each asset owner’s response and note how long the plans are valid
Plans are on site and every crew member has read them
Private services checked (site plans, previous works, owner knowledge): BYDA does not show private lines
SWMS covers excavation near services, and everyone has signed it
Emergency contacts listed: asset owners, 000 and the site supervisor
2. Locate and Mark
Services located on the ground with suitable detection equipment
Marks painted or pegged, and protected from being disturbed
Depth unknown? Treat it as shallow until it is proven otherwise
Any unknown or unmarked service reported before digging continues
3. Expose with NDD
Use non-destructive digging (hydro or air vacuum excavation) to pothole and visually confirm every service within the risk zone
Water pressure and wand distance set to suit the service type
Exposed services supported and protected
Location and depth recorded (photos and measurements)
4. Mechanical Excavation
Only start mechanical digging once services are visually confirmed
Keep to the asset owner’s clearance distances
Spotter in place when plant works near exposed services
Spoil kept clear of the excavation edge and services
5. If a Service Is Struck
Stop work and move people away; no ignition sources near gas
Call 000 if anyone is at risk, then the asset owner’s emergency number
Do not try to repair or cover the damage
Report the incident to your supervisor and record what happened
General guidance only. Always follow the asset owner’s requirements, your site rules and current SafeWork NSW guidance.
Grana Works Pty Ltd · 0450 870 482 · granaworks.com.au · ABN 79 690 722 340
Need Services Exposed Safely?
Grana Works provides non-destructive digging and vacuum excavation across Greater Sydney. Call before you dig near live services.