This Service Location & Potholing SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to locate and safely expose underground services before trenching or excavation on civil and earthworks sites. It covers Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) referrals and service plans, electronic locating, tolerance zones, non-destructive excavation by vacuum, hydro-excavation or hand digging, and protecting and recording exposed services. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Civil and earthworks contractors
Non-destructive digging and vacuum excavation operators
Service locating businesses
Plumbing and drainage contractors
Telecommunications and utility contractors
Local council works crews
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, arcing or burns from live underground cables
Fire, explosion or gas release from a damaged gas main
Damage to water, sewer, communications or fibre optic services
Collapse of pothole or excavation walls
Being struck by the vacuum hose or high-pressure water or air jet
Musculoskeletal injury from hand digging and shovelling spoil
Mobile plant operating in or near the work area
Noise from the vacuum excavation unit
Slips, trips and falls into open potholes or over hoses
Contaminated ground, groundwater or spoil, plus sun and heat
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from training and the BYDA enquiry to locator equipment, ground conditions and exclusion zones
A 12-step operating procedure covering electronic locating, tolerance zones, non-destructive digging and protecting exposed services
Isolation and energy control for live cables, gas mains and other services whose status can't be confirmed
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for striking or damaging electrical cables, gas mains and other services, including electric shock
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 Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover operating the excavator or vacuum truck?
No. Operation of the excavator or vacuum excavation unit is covered by its own plant-specific SOP. This one covers locating, potholing and exposing services.
Which non-destructive methods are included?
It covers vacuum excavation, hydro-excavation and hand digging within the tolerance zone of located services, along with electronic cable and pipe locators and ground-penetrating radar where used.
What happens if a service doesn't match the plans?
Work stops, and the crew follows the process for contacting the relevant asset owner before carrying on.
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.
