Safety

Worksafe has set minimum safe working practices for carrying out any work near underground utilities such as power, gas, water and telecommunications. You are encouraged to read this guide before performing any works. The guide can be downloaded for free by using the following link https://worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/excavation/excavation-safety-gpg/

There are also further government laws and regulations that specify safe working practices and the penalties for carrying out unauthorised work near utilities. These include:

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 - New Zealand Legislation
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 - WorkSafe

Electricity Act 1992 and amendments:

• Electricity Act 1992 - New Zealand Legislation
• Electricity Act 1992 No 122 (as at 23 December 2023), Public Act

Gas Act 1992 and amendments:

• Gas Act 1992 - New Zealand Legislation
• Gas Act 1992 and associated Acts - WorkSafe

NZECP34:2001 Electrical Safe Distances:

• NZECP 34:2001 Electrical Safe Distances - WorkSafe
• Electrical codes of practice - WorkSafe

Health and Safety in Employment (Pipeline) Regulations 1999:

• Health and Safety in Employment (Pipelines) Regulations 1999 - New Zealand Legislation
• Pipelines - Safe Work Instrument - WorkSafe

Electricity Safety Regulations 2012:

• Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2012 - New Zealand Legislation

Utilities Access Act 2010:

• Utilities Access Act 2010 - New Zealand Legislation
• National Code | NZUAG

Local Government Act 2002:

• Local Government Act 2002 - New Zealand Legislation

Cadastral Survey Act 2002:

• Cadastral Survey Act 2002 - New Zealand Legislation