Power cable strike during excavation

WorkSafe ACT was recently notified of an incident where an excavator’s mud bucket struck an underground high voltage power cable during service location work.

While it was lucky this didn’t result in a power outage across north Canberra suburbs, it put the health and safety of workers at significant and immediate risk. The power cable could not be turned off and deenergised during the repairs and Evoenergy repaired the cable at a cost to the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) it is the responsibility of the PCBU to manage the risks associated with excavation work.

Underground assets:

Underground assets are services that supply electricity, communications, gas, water and sewerage.

If these assets are damaged during excavation work it can result in injury, or death and can cause interruptions to electricity, communications, gas, water and sewerage services.

Managing the risks:

A risk assessment is not mandatory for excavation work. However, in many circumstances it is the best way to identify the hazards and the risks and determine the best control measures.

Excavation work that is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping; or is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services, is classified as high-risk construction work. This means a safe work method statement (SWMS) must be prepared.

When excavation work is undertaken near underground assets, a PCBU must:

  • ensure controls are implemented and in place to reduce the risk of an asset strike by excavation plant
  • advise the utilities provider of proposed works, and
  • incorporate any requirements of the utility’s owner into the SWMS for the excavation work.

It is strongly recommended that workers undertake Evoenergy training to be authorised to work on or near the Evoenergy electrical apparatus and in accordance with Evoenergy Electrical Safety Rules.

What happens if I hit an underground asset?

If you hit an underground asset, you MUST immediately cease work and notify WorkSafe ACT by calling:

  • Business hours: 13 22 81
  • After hours: 0419 120 028

Depending on the underground asset that was struck, you will also need to contact the respective provider. In the ACT, our main providers are Evoenergy and Icon Water and can be contacted via:

  • Electricity: 13 10 93
  • Gas: 13 19 09
  • Water: 02 6248 3111 (option 1)

Further information

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