More and more people continue to use the Dial Before You Dig service. Over the last twelve months in particular there has been astonishing levels of growth in the number of enquiries lodged around Australia. This confirms that more and more people understand the importance of the national referral service for information on underground infrastructure.

Awareness of the service has never been higher – but what about a true understanding of safe excavation?

With so many people lodging enquiries, including many new users, it may be timely to emphasise the importance of following all the steps required to ensure underground assets are not damaged. Lodging an enquiry through Dial Before You Dig is only the first step – and this is the case whether your project is being carried out using traditional excavation methods or through new and innovative Trenchless Technology.

Important steps when planning your project

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Firstly, the plans you receive from the utilities only indicate the presence of assets in the area and cannot be used to determine the exact location. That means you need to locate the assets by either potholing – hand digging to expose the assets – or using the services of an experienced locator.

Make sure that you know exactly where the underground assets are before you commence your project. Never assume that the assets run in a straight line or at a set depth. It is important that you understand exactly where the pipes and cables run along the entire length of your project.

Study your plans and make sure you understand them, ensuring they are always available on site for reference. If you need any assistance at all use the contact numbers provided by the utilities on the paperwork.

Other important things to remember when working around underground infrastructure include making sure the plans you have received through the Dial Before You Dig service are not out of date. If your plans have or are about to expire make sure you re-submit your enquiry with Dial Before You Dig. Always pay attention to clues at your work site such as marker posts and inspection points and make sure you are constantly communicating with your co-workers on site.

The 4 P’s of safe excavation

Plan – Start off by using the Dial Before You Dig service.

Pothole – Locate the assets detailed on the plans.

Protect – Once you have found the assets, protect and support them to make sure they are not damaged while you are working around them.

Proceed – Only when all of the above steps have been carried out do you begin your project.

Damaging underground assets can be both costly and dangerous. While it is good to see Australia embracing Dial Before You Dig, it is important to understand that the job of protecting underground infrastructure involves more than just using the service.