Contractor information
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Treat all overhead lines, electrical cables and ducts as “live” until positively proven otherwise.
Safe working practices must be followed when working near overhead lines, power poles, stay wires, underground electricity cables and ducts.
Refer to the following table for minimum safe working distances which must be observed when working with mechanical plant and handheld power tools.
Overhead lines | 4.0m | Reduced distances near lines owned by EA Networks may be considered by application to our Control Room by completing a close approach request form. |
Power poles and stay wires | No greater depth than 300mm within 2.2m of pole | Excavation closer to EA Networks poles and stay wires may be considered by application to our Control Room by using a close excavation request form. |
Electrical cables and ducts | 0.5m | Refer notes below for DOL safe working practices when working near electrical cables and ducts. |
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Electrical cables and ducts
Safe working practices are defined in the DOL ‘Guide for Safety with Underground Services’ 2002, which requires contractors to:
Obtain cable plans
Forward a location plan showing the extent of excavation works to EA Networks.
Allow a minimum of ten working days' notification. EA Networks will supply all available plans.
NOTE: There may be other power cables in the vicinity of the proposed works which are not the responsibility of EA Networks (e.g., lighting and private power cables).
Locate cable position from plan and verify with a cable locator
DOL requirements are that contractors should take all practicable steps to verify the cable position from the plan with a cable locator.
Hand-exposed cables
It is the contractor’s responsibility to expose by hand all cables and ducts before mechanical excavation and ensure that the total number of cables either indicated on plans located on site or as instructed are accounted for, as there may be multiple cables in close proximity in one trench, either in separate trenches or in the same trench at different depths.
Issued plans
All plans issued for work need to be destroyed after completion of work, as plans are continually updated by EA Networks and can quickly become inaccurate.
If you'd like to download a copy of this information to have on hand, click below.
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