Working with or near electricity is dangerous, which is why WorkSafe has set down minimum safe practices for doing work near electricity and communications networks.
Read their Guide for Safety with Underground Services.
It's important you understand your legal obligations and know what you need to do to keep yourself, the people working around you, your family, the community and our people who work on the network safe.
There are also safe working practice laws and regulations in place that must be followed by any contractors you employ to carry out the work:
Electricity Act 1992 and amendments
The Electricity Act is designed to protect the health and safety of members of the public in connection to electricity and provide for the regulation, supply, and use of electricity in New Zealand.
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and amendments
The Electrical Safety Regulations govern electrical safety, and are intended to support businesses to understand how to manage particular electrical hazards.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is New Zealand's workplace health and safety law. It came into effect on 4 April 2016.
New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances
This Code sets minimum safe electrical distance requirements for overhead electric line installations and other works associated with the supply of electricity from generating stations to end users.
