Safer Digging
Accidentally digging up a buried cable can be expensive and inconvenient. Not just for us, but for you too.
By following a few simple rules you can avoid cables and the hassle of damaging them.
Three simple rules
1. Plan
Before you start a job, contact BeforeUdig to get a cable plan for your site. If the plan indicates Chorus or Telecom cables in the vicinity, two options are available:
- You can request an on-site cable location.
- You can apply for a free set of service plans.
2. Cable locate
Our technician will indicate where cables are located by marking the ground to provide a digging guide. These lines will be marked in purple.
3. Hand dig
A corridor marked by two dashed purple lines indicates approximately where our cables run. Hand dig between the lines to expose the cable before using machinery. Where high capacity cables are at risk, we offer a free ‘standover' service with our technician on site in an advisory role to assist with your digging.
You must hand dig to identify the exact position and depth of the cable before full excavation begins.
Note: For all high capacity cables (e.g. Fibre Cables), a line is marked 750mm (or occasionally more if required) on either side of the estimated cable route. To minimise the risk of damage, it is recommended that digging within the two marked lines is done using hand tools.
