Electrician SWMS Kit · SWMS 04
Cable trenching and work near underground services
Trenches and excavation for cables, including work near underground electrical, gas and other services, and silica from cutting or chasing.
Ships as two files: Model WHS (NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, ACT, NT, WA) and a Victorian OHS version. Model (g) trench or shaft deeper than 1.5 m, or a tunnel. Victorian 8 (trench) and 19 (tunnel) are separate. Also (i)/(j) near gas or fuel lines. Not compliant until you make it specific to the site with the workers doing the work.

What the task table covers
- Locate services before the ground is opened. Strike on a live cable or a gas main
- Excavate. Collapse of a trench deeper than 1.5 m, plant, silica dust from sawing
- Lay and terminate cable. Damaged sheath, joints made up in water, manual handling of drums
- Backfill and leave the site. Open trench left for the public, unmarked live cable
Silica dust is a prompt on this SWMS where the work cuts masonry or concrete.