Electrical hazards associated with underground cables
This information bulletin describes a number of hazards that exist when working above, in proximity to, or exposing low voltage and high voltage underground cables.
These hazards may result in:
- Electrocution
- Damage to underground electrical assets
- Disruption of the electricity supply, an essential service.
Which may result in:
- Police, NT WorkSafe and Coronial Investigations
- Criminal prosecution
- Civil prosecution
- Substantial project delays
- Lost time injuries.
Work in proximity to underground cables without the written authority of the operator of the electricity infrastructure is a breach of Regulation 170 of the Electrical Safety Regulations 2024.
- Place or maintain, or cause to be placed or maintained, a corrosive, abrasive, heavy or deleterious material or substance above an underground powerline.
- Make an opening in the ground surface that may endanger an underground power line.
- Remove, tamper with or cover any underground line marker.
Remember! You can’t see underground cables – Don't dig blind.
Before You Dig Australia
Website: www.byda.com.au
Power and Water Corporation
Telephone: 1800 245 092
Website: www.powerwater.com.au