Excavating near powerlines or underground cables

Before starting any excavation work, always contact Dial Before You Dig on 1100 to locate underground cable networks.

Working near underground and overhead electrical networks

Where any part of Western Power's underground or overhead electrical network is in an area subject to collapse, either

  • as a result of the proposed excavation or
  • if plant or machinery will operate near overhead powerlines

you must lodge a request to work near underground and overhead powerlines (PDF 188kb) and read the accompanying information before you can start work.

Western Power's Excavation Guidelines (PDF 387kb) outline the minimum requirements for excavating near underground and overhead electrical networks.

WorkSafe sets out a Code of Practice for excavation work and both WorkSafe and Energy Safety provide details of the regulations related to working in the vicinity of overhead powerlines and underground networks.

To view PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Contact us

If you have any further questions, or need help filling out the form, please contact Customer Service on 13 10 87 or email us.  

Fax

You can fax your application form to 08 9225 2004.

Safety

Dial Before You Dig

Before commencing any excavation work, always contact Dial Before You Dig on 1100.