Working safe
Dial Before You Dig
Ausgrid has a large network of underground cables. For safety reasons, it is extremely important that you check for electrical cables and other utility cables (including gas, water and sewerage) before you start to dig or excavate.
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.
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.
Ausgrid Network Standard NS 156 working near or around underground cables, contains comprehensive information concerning all the issues that arise when excavating near underground cables (such as safety hazards from asbestos conduits and organochlorine pesticides).
You must consult the standard, and comply with the requirements in this standard if you are excavating near our electricity mains. Our summary brochure Working near Ausgrid cables will give you a brief overview of how to prepare for excavation works near or around electricity cables.
You must read and understand our guide Reading Ausgrid plans and make sure that workers engaged in excavation works fully understand how to read and interpret the plans.
Your Dial Before You Dig plans should arrive or be ready for collection within three working days. Please check the details. If you require assistance when reading and interpreting your plans please call Ausgrid Dial Before You Dig on 49 51 0899.