• Obtain and review electricity cable plans before any excavation work.
• Scan the area with a CAT and Genny before breaking ground.
• Hand dig using insulated tools within 500mm of indicated cable positions.
• Treat all exposed cables as live until confirmed dead by the cable owner.
• Mark detected cable routes clearly on the ground surface.
• Brief all excavation operatives on cable positions and safe digging zones.
• Stop work immediately if an uncharted cable is discovered.
• Support exposed cables to prevent damage from backfill material weight.
• Contact the distribution network operator if a cable is damaged or exposed.
• Use an excavation permit system that confirms cable detection before digging.

• DON'T excavate with a machine within 500mm of a known cable position.
• DON'T use metal hand tools such as picks or crowbars near cables.
• DON'T move, bend, or stand on an exposed underground cable.
• DON'T assume cable covers or warning tape are always present.
• DON'T rely on service plans alone — always scan with a CAT and Genny.
• DON'T touch a damaged cable — evacuate and call the network operator.
• DON'T backfill over an exposed cable without proper support and protection.
• DON'T drive ground anchors or stakes without checking for buried cables.
• DON'T use a breaker directly above a known cable route.
• DON'T allow untrained operatives to excavate near electricity cables.

See also: CAT and Genny Safe Use | Working Near Electricity Cables