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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Working near Telstra underground cables

Prior to any site works taking place it’s always a good idea to obtain a plan of Telstra’s underground network to make sure you don’t accidentally damage any underground cabling near or on your work site.
Saturday, 01st June 2019

Find out who to talk to and what to look for in relation to telephone cabling. The location of underground cables can usually be easily sourced via Dial Before You Dig or by calling 1100. 

Once you know what you’ve got, you then need to know the restrictions on working near telephone cables. 

Working distances 

Telstra requires the following minimum distances to be maintained at all times during any construction activity. However, where these distances cannot be maintained the person responsible needs to contact the Network Integrity Help Desk on 1800 653 935 (7.00am – 7.00pm AEST) and discuss alternative protection options. 

 
Construction Activity Distances 
Jackhammers / pneumatic breakers  Not within 1.0m of actual location
 

Vibrating plate of Wacker Packer compactor

 Not within 0.5m of Telstra ducts. 300mm compact clearance cover before compactor can be used across Telstra ducts
 Boring equipment (in-line, horizontal and vertical)  Not within 2.0m of actual location. Constructors to hand dig (pothole) and expose plant
 Heavy vehicle traffic (over 3 tonnes)  Not to be driven across Telstra ducts (or plant) with less than 600mm cover. Constructor to check depth via hand digging
 

Mechanical excavators, boring and tree removal

 Not within 1.0m of actual location. Constructor to hand dig (pothole) and expose plant

 

Minimum cover

Once the construction works are completed, Telstra requires conduit to have a minimum cover depth depending on the location. 

Location Depth 
Footway Minimum 450mm
Roadway Roadway Minimum 450mm at drain invert and 600mm at road centre crown 

To find out more, contact HIA’s Building Services team.

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