Safety with Underground Cables

Warning

Extreme care should be exercised when digging in the vicinity of electrical cables and equipment.  Positions are subject to reasonable tolerance. Depth of cover may have changed since installation.  It is your responsibility to pothole and verify the position and depth of cables before excavation.

If cables are not in the position shown on the plan or you require help, call MainPower (03) 311 8300 for further assistance.

Dig To Live

Always consider underground-buried services if carrying out any work involving ground penetration or digging

For details of underground services in North Canterbury contact MainPower for assistance on (03) 311 8300.

"Many incidents, some of which can involve serious personal injury, occur when underground services are damaged during excavation and other work involving ground penetration. Not all damage is immediately obvious”¹  In addition supply disruption and repairs can be costly and extremely irritating to customers.

MainPower Services:

Copies of plans showing MainPower’s electricity cables are available by calling (03) 311 8300 between 8am and 5pm weekdays.  We require 48 hours notice to provide plans.

MainPower does not hold accurate records of privately owned cables connected to its network system.

Mark-out Services:
MainPower can trace cables using an electronic locator.

On-Site Supervision:
For difficult work or locations MainPower can provide on-site safety supervision.

Key Steps to Safe Digging:

1.    Obtain up to date plans from the relevant local authorities

2.    Use a cable locator to mark-out the underground services before commencing work

3.    Practice safe digging procedures

Safe Digging Procedure:¹
*     Hand dig trial holes to confirm the position of underground services - spades and shovels are safer than picks or forks.

*     Do not use powered hand tools or mechanical excavators within 500mm of the marked service.

*     Backfill around services with fine material. DO NOT use rocks, bricks, mass concrete or similar material.

*     Always treat underground services as alive

When Damage Occurs:
*     If any damage, no matter how slight, occurs contact the local authority so the cable can be inspected while it is still exposed.

*     If you are in a vehicle when a cable is hit- remain seated. If you must exit the vehicle, jump as far clear as you can.  Ensure that you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.

1. Guide for Safety With Underground Services- OSH, Department of Labour 2002