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Underground and Overhead Services Strike Prevention Awareness

Underground and Overhead Services Strike Prevention Awareness

A practical awareness course on not hitting the services that run under and over every worksite. Learn why striking gas, electricity, water or telecommunications is life-threatening and costly; how the free Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry works before any excavation; why plans are indicative, not exact; how to locate and pothole in the tolerance zone; how to work near overhead powerlines using approach distances, spotters and the knowledge that tiger tails are markers not insulation; and exactly what to do the moment a service is struck or plant contacts a line.

About 50 minutes100% online, self-pacedSix months of access

What You Will Learn

  • Explain why striking underground or overhead services, gas, electricity, water and telecommunications, is life-threatening and costly, and why prevention starts before the first dig or lift
  • Describe the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry process and the 5Ps of safe excavation, and why utility plans are indicative rather than exact
  • Explain how services are located and exposed safely in the tolerance zone using potholing and non-destructive methods, and why the asset owner's stated method governs
  • Explain why overhead powerline approach distances vary by voltage and jurisdiction, why tiger tails are markers not insulation, and when a trained spotter is required, checking the current local rule and network operator
  • Describe the correct response to a service strike or powerline contact: stay in the cab if plant is in contact, keep others clear, and call the network operator and 000

Course Content

Final Assessment: 10 questions, 80% pass mark, retakes available

Who This Course Is For

Excavator and plant operators, civil and utility crews, plumbers and drainers, landscapers and fencers, farmers, labourers, site supervisors and anyone who breaks ground or operates plant near buried or overhead services.

Written by Kam Askari, Managing Director of Creative Directions Management Consulting Pty Ltd, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Lead Auditor. MBA, Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, MAICD. Checked against the sources listed below.

Sources and Legal References

Always rely on the current version on the regulator’s website.

Accreditation: This is a non-accredited awareness course only. It is not a nationally recognised qualification, not an RTO Statement of Attainment and not a high-risk work licence. It does not authorise you to excavate, to locate services or to work on or near live (energised) electrical or other services. It does not replace accredited units such as RIICCM202E 'Identify, locate and protect underground services', the trained/registered powerline spotter courses required in some states or the authorisation and permits issued by your electricity network operator. Competency, a documented plan (SWMS/permit) and your employer decide who may do this work. Never take it on based on this course alone.
$49.00
inc GST

Seven day refund if you have not started

For employers and teams

Buy Seats for Your Team

$49.00 per seat, inc GST

Total inc GST$245.00

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