This Service Location Before Digging SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out the checks to locate underground services before small-scale digging such as post holes and small excavations for fence posts and footings. It covers lodging a Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) referral, checking plans against the site, looking for above-ground indicators, using a hand-held cable and pipe locator and hand digging before switching to a powered auger. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Fencing contractors
Landscapers and garden construction businesses
Builders digging small footings
Shade sail, pergola and carport installers
Signage and post installers
Property maintenance businesses
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Electric shock or arc flash from live underground cables
Explosion, fire or gas escape from striking a gas main or pipe
Flooding or damage from striking water or sewer pipes
Damage to telecommunications or data cabling
Moving parts and kickback from powered post hole augers
Flying soil, stones or debris while digging
Musculoskeletal injury from hand digging and repetitive motion
Slips, trips and falls on uneven ground and spoil piles
Sunburn and heat-related illness
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from the BYDA referral and asset owner plans to site indicators, the locator and marking out holes
A 10-step operating procedure covering locator scans, treating signals as live services, hand digging and when to use a powered auger
Isolation and energy control for switching off and isolating powered post hole augers and digging tools
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for struck services, gas smells, arcing or sparking and water flowing from the ground
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Fencing SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Do BYDA plans tell me how deep services are?
No. The SOP makes clear that Before You Dig Australia plans show the presence and approximate location of services, not a safe digging depth, so workers locate and hand dig before using powered tools.
Does it cover larger excavations and potholing?
No. It's written for small-scale digging such as post holes, fence posts and small footings. Formal potholing ahead of trenching and larger excavation is covered by a separate Service Location & Potholing SOP.
Does it cover operating the post hole auger?
No. The powered auger is operated in line with its own plant-specific SOP. This SOP covers when it's safe to switch to the auger.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
