Question: We don’t have time to wait for Dial Before You Dig plans. Can you just come out and we will sign a waiver to say that we accept full responsibility?

Answer:

Sorry, but NO.

We have set rules in place for a reason. Over the years, as mistakes have been made, lessons have been learnt and procedures are put into place so similar mistakes don’t happen again.

Our procedures are the same as those recommended by Worksafe.

And I’m sorry, but just because somebody has forgotten to book in a locator, or a deadline has been pushed forward, or something else has come up that means you cannot wait, that does not mean we will ignore the rules we have in place.

Besides, it really doesn’t take that long to get plans back from DBYD. To prove it I did a video in which I filmed myself doing a request. Take a look, you will be surprised on how fast the plans do come back these day.

Why we require the plans

Current Dial Before You Dig or Before You Dig Australia plans help us identify which asset owners may have underground services at the site and what information is available before work begins. The plans are one part of our safety process. They do not replace onsite locating, but they provide essential background before we attend.

Why a waiver is not enough

A waiver cannot remove the risk to workers, customers, neighbours or essential services. It also cannot replace the safety procedures we apply to every job. For that reason, we will not attend and ignore the required planning information, even when a project is urgent.

What you can do

Submit the Dial Before You Dig request as soon as possible and send us the returned plans before the appointment. If you are unsure which plans are needed or how to supply them, contact us. We can explain what information must be ready so the booking can proceed safely.