Working Near High Voltage Cables

• Obtain cable records from the DNO before any excavation work begins.
• Scan with CAT and Genny to locate underground cables before each excavation.
• Hand dig within 500mm on each side of any known HV cable position.
• Look for warning tiles, marker tape, and cable route markers during excavation.
• Brief all operatives on the HV cable locations marked on the site plan.
• Stop work and call the DNO immediately if an uncharted cable is exposed.
• Use insulated hand tools when hand digging near known cable locations.
• Maintain the exclusion zone around exposed HV cables with barriers and signs.
• Contact the DNO if you need to cross or work parallel to an HV cable route.
• Report any damage to cable sheaths, warning tiles, or cable route markers.

• DON'T use mechanical excavation within 500mm of a known HV cable position.
• DON'T assume cable depth from records; actual depth varies significantly on site.
• DON'T touch, move, or work on exposed HV cables under any circumstances.
• DON'T rely on cable colour alone to identify voltage; always treat as HV.
• DON'T excavate without obtaining cable records from the DNO in advance.
• DON'T ignore missing warning tiles; cables may still be present below.
• DON'T drive ground anchors, fence posts, or stakes near HV cable routes.
• DON'T allow plant to track over known HV cable routes without assessment.
• DON'T attempt to repair or re-route an exposed HV cable yourself.
• DON'T use pointed tools such as pickaxes or forks near known cable positions.

See also: Underground Cables | CAT and Genny Safe Use