To acquire a ground disturbance permit, you will need to adhere to specific safety procedures. Ground disturbance is defined as any work operation or activity on or under the existing surface that results in a disturbance or displacement of the soil. However, this excludes routine, minor road maintenance; agricultural cultivation less than 450mm deep over a pipeline; or hand-digging no more than 300mm deep, provided it doesn't permanently remove cover from a buried facility. [1]

Prior to any ground disturbance or removal of existing concrete, you must contact the owner of any buried or concrete-embedded facility that may be affected, advise them of the proposed activities, and ask them to identify and mark the location of the facility. Do not begin until this is done. Workers should be aware of these locate marks, and steps should be taken to re-establish them if they are moved or destroyed. [2] [2] [2]

When excavating with mechanical equipment, ensure that such equipment is not used within the hand expose zone of a buried facility until the facility is exposed to sight by hand digging or a non-destructive technique acceptable to the facility owner. [2]

If the ground to be disturbed is within a pipeline right of way, contact the operator or licensee of the pipeline and obtain their consent to disturb the ground. Mechanical excavation equipment must not be used within 600 millimetres of a buried pipeline unless under the direct supervision of a representative of the pipeline owner. [3] [3]

Any exposed buried facilities must be protected and supported to prevent worker injury. If a pipeline is exposed during work, notify the pipeline operator or licensee before backfilling the excavation. [3] [3]

Before a worker enters an excavation deeper than 1.5 meters and closer to the wall or bank than the excavation's depth, ensure they are protected from cave-ins or sliding materials. [3]