It's important you know what your obligations are when it comes to protecting Australia's underground networks.

The following 'good practice' guidelines should be complied with when undertaking any form of excavation:

• all constructors have a Duty of Care to observe with regard to underground networks when digging or excavating.
• underground network information should be sought well in advance to construction activities. These are available from asset owners through the national Dial Before You Dig service and depending on the method, will take 2 working days to be sent to you.
• should the scope of works change, or plan validity dates expire, you must submit a new Dial Before You Dig enquiry.
• always perform an onsite inspection for the presence of assets. Should you require an onsite location, contact the asset owners directly.
• constructors must dig by hand when excavating or working close to underground networks.
• if you damage an underground asset you must advise the asset owner immediately

Note: Each asset owner will provide specifications on the safe distances for excavating when in the vicinity of their networks.