November is Safe Digging Month

Join beforeUdig in promoting safe excavation practices across New Zealand.

Every project starts with the ground, but what lies beneath could be dangerous. Safe Digging Month is your reminder to plan ahead, request a locate, and dig safely.
Make the safe choice today, protect lives, property, and essential underground services.

  • Plan

    Plan ahead by lodging your beforeUdig enquiry at least two full business days before starting any excavation to ensure you have the correct information and safety measures in place.

  • Prepare

    Prepare by reviewing the utility plans. Contact the utility if you need assistance. Look for clues onsite such as pit lids, marker posts and meters. Engage a qualified locator which includes undertaking electronic location and marking out prior to potholing.

  • Pothole

    To establish the exact location of all underground utilities, pothole if permitted using the asset owner’s stated method as specified on the asset owner’s plan and / or information pack - typically, a slit trench, hand dug using a non-conductive shovel.

  • Protect

    If potholing has occurred, protect the infrastructure by using various methods, such as communicating to all working on site, erecting barriers and / or marking the location of the exposed infrastructure.

  • Proceed

    You should only proceed with your excavation work after you have planned, potholed (unless prohibited) and have protective measures in place.

Don't Play Around Your Safety

Life isn’t like a Minesweeper Game, you can’t just reset and try again when it comes to safety.

Our Safety Video is here to remind you that one wrong move could cost more than just time. It’s time to stop playing around with your safety and start digging smart.

You’ve seen the video. You’ve got the message. Now it’s time to put your skills to the test!

Our beforeUdig Minesweeper Game is here to challenge your decision-making and safety know-how in a fun and interactive way. Can you navigate the grid without making a costly mistake?

SAFE DIGGING GUIDE

At every stage of your excavation project, there are measures that should be taken to ensure the safety of those digging. We have put together this handy guide to help prepare, so you can complete your works safely without damaging any cables or pipes.

It’s Time for Our Annual

beforeUdig Photo Competion

Open to everyone in the industry, this is your chance to showcase how you promote safe digging practices and prevent damage to underground utilities across New Zealand.

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