Service Guidelines Launch

NEW STANDARDS TO FURTHER PROTECT VICTORIAN LIVES
AND ASSETS

New safety guidelines to help protect the lives of Victorians and prevent damage to essential underground services were launched today by Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor.

Careless excavation threatens lives and livelihoods and can result in millions of dollars worth of damage to services, such as gas and water pipes, electricity and communication cables, Mr Batchelor said.

New Dial Before You Dig Service Guidelines, endorsed by Energy Safe Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, will assist excavators to make informed decisions before they begin to dig and reduce the risk of injury, damage or disruption.

Mr Batchelor said the guidelines outlined:
•The responsibilities of people and companies planning to dig, including excavators, planners and engineers;
•The responsibilities of asset owners, including water, gas and electricity companies; and
•Information about Dial Before You Dig in Victoria and the service it provides.

The guidelines were developed following significant stakeholder consultation, Mr Batchelor said.

Energy Safe Victorias Director of Energy Safety Ken Gardner said the location of pipes and cables underground was not easy to predict.

They are often laid at varying depths on both public and private property, Mr Gardner said.

Unsuspecting diggers can very quickly find themselves cutting essential services to their own home or in some cases to entire neighbourhoods, towns or cities.

WorkSafe Victoria Executive Director John Merritt said the guidelines would help reduce the risk of damaging incidents that could cause injury or worse, fatalities.

Victorian State Manager for Dial Before You Dig Mark Binks expects that with the release of the new Service Guidelines, individuals and organisations will operate in a safer environment and that the Guidelines will reflect Dial Before You Digs greater influence as an authority figure in the industry.

Dial Before You Dig is a free referral service available to professional contractors, underground asset owners and individuals undertaking excavation. It provides information that can assist them excavate securely and safely.

For more information or a copy of the Dial Before You Dig Service Guidelines visit http://www.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au

Category:

Education

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• minister launch