ELE/Specific Hazards/TBT-ELE-007

Underground Cables

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Underground Cables

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-ELE-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Underground electricity cables are present beneath most roads, footpaths, and developed sites.
  • Contact with a live underground cable can cause fatal electrocution and severe arc flash burns.
  • Cables may be low voltage, high voltage (up to 132kV), or extra high voltage above that.
  • High-voltage cables can arc through soil to a metal tool before the cable is physically struck.
  • Cable positions on service plans are approximate — actual locations may differ by up to 500mm.
  • HSG47 requires cable detection using a CAT and Genny before any excavation work.
  • Hand digging is required within 500mm of the indicated cable position using insulated tools.
  • Cable covers or warning tape above cables may have been displaced or removed over time.
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require safe systems of work near buried cables.
  • Exposed cables must not be moved, kinked, or stepped on until confirmed dead.

Why?

Prevent electrocutionStriking a live underground cable causes fatal shock and severe burns.
Arc flash dangerHV cables can arc to metal tools before physical contact is made.
Legal complianceHSG47 and Electricity at Work Regulations mandate cable detection before excavation.
Service continuityDamaging cables causes widespread power cuts affecting critical infrastructure.
Do Don't
  • 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
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