Free Industry Resource
The Essential Safe Digging Guide for NZ Professionals
Download the definitive guide to utility damage prevention. Learn the 5 Rules of Safe Excavation, compliance requirements, and best practices used by leading contractors across New Zealand.
Enquiries lodged annually
Utility members nationally
Years preventing damage
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Complete the form below to download the guide.
Inside the Guide
What You'll Learn
The Safe Digging Guide covers everything you need to protect your team, avoid costly utility strikes, and stay compliant on every excavation project.
Lodging Enquiries
How to submit a FREE beforeUdig enquiry at least two business days before your project begins, and what to expect from utility asset owners.
Locating Underground Services
Best practices for hiring professional locators, using electronic detection equipment, and the importance of beforeUdig Certified Locators.
5 Rules of Safe Excavation
The complete framework: Plan, Prepare, Pothole, Protect, and Proceed. Follow these steps to prevent damage on every dig site.
Legal Compliance
Understand your legal obligations including permit-to-dig requirements, asset owner instructions, and health and safety regulations for excavation work.
Damage Response Procedures
Critical steps to take if utility damage occurs, including emergency contacts, reporting obligations, and how to protect yourself and your crew.
beforeUdig App & Tools
How to use the beforeUdig mobile app and online platform to request plans from anywhere, track your enquiries, and manage your projects.
Featured in the Guide
The 5 Rules of Safe Excavation
Following these five key rules ensures the right steps are taken to prevent damages to utility cables and pipes, and keep you safe.
PLAN
Lodge your beforeUdig enquiry at least two full business days before starting any excavation.
PREPARE
Review utility plans, look for onsite clues, and engage a qualified locator for electronic detection.
POTHOLE
Establish the exact location of all underground utilities by potholing using approved methods.
PROTECT
Communicate, erect barriers, and mark the location of exposed infrastructure to prevent damage.
PROCEED
Only proceed after planning, potholing, and having all protective measures in place.
Enquiries lodged annually
Notifications sent to utilities
Utility & asset owner members
Years preventing damage in NZ
Who Is This For
Built for Every Professional Who Digs
Whether you manage large civil projects or small residential jobs, this guide is your essential reference for safe excavation practices.
Contractors & Builders
Civil, electrical, plumbing, and general contractors who excavate near underground utilities on a regular basis.
Utility Locators
Professional locators who use electronic detection equipment to identify and mark underground cables and pipes.
Engineers & Consultants
Design engineers and project consultants who plan excavation works and need to understand utility protection requirements.
Utility & Asset Owners
Network operators and asset owners who want to reduce third-party damage to their infrastructure and improve safety outcomes.
Landscapers
Landscaping professionals who dig trenches, install irrigation, or carry out earthworks on residential and commercial properties.
Health & Safety Managers
H&S professionals responsible for ensuring excavation crews follow safe digging practices and comply with NZ regulations.
Ready to Dig Safer?
Get the free Safe Digging Guide and equip your team with the knowledge to prevent utility damage, stay compliant, and protect lives on every project.
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