Dial Before You Dig

Dial Before You Dig is a FREE national referral service supported by Ausgrid and other major service providers that supplies plans of where electricity, water, gas and telecommunications cables and pipes are located so you know whether it is safe to dig. Call DBYD on 1100 (Free call).

NSW legislation requires people who are planning excavation work to obtain copies of underground electricity cable plans from Dial Before You Dig. The plans must be no more than 30 days old when excavation commences.

The aim of the legislation is to ensure workers can establish the exact location of cables and avoid coming into contact with them or damaging them. It also ensures worker safety and prevents disruption to Ausgrid's electricity network.

Before you start work

1. Refer to Ausgrid Network Standard NS 156 working near or around underground cables for comprehensive information the issues arising when excavating near underground cables (such as safety hazards from asbestos conduits and organochlorine pesticides). You must comply with the requirements in this standard if you are excavating near our electricity mains.
2. Read the summary brochure Working near Ausgrid cables for an overview of how to prepare for excavation works near or around electricity cables.
3. Refer to Reading Ausgrid plans and make sure that workers engaged in excavation works fully understand how to read and interpret the plans.
4. Read the Important Information for liability and disclaimer information.

How long will it take to receive plans from Ausgrid?

Your Dial Before You Dig plans should arrive or be ready for collection within three working days. If you require assistance when reading and interpreting your plans please call Ausgrid Dial Before You Dig on 02 49 51 0899.

Looking for information on working in confined spaces?

Check the Ausgrid confined space register.