Potholing is the means to ‘validate’ buried utility assets by physically exposing them through small, excavated holes. Trenching or strip trenching is the means to ‘validate’ buried utility assets by physically exposing them through narrow trenches. All buried assets should be validated before commencing excavation. Validated assets (potholed and exposed) conform with AS5488 – 2013 Quality Level A in terms of location accuracy.
Underground services that have been located electronically or by GPR also need to be potholed and exposed to meet Quality Level A accuracy which is required prior to any excavation.
In all cases any work in the vicinity of a buried service or utility should be done in accordance with the utility asset owner’s requirements and if applicable any relevant legislation.
By engaging Utility ID you can be assured that all necessary duty of care requirements are followed and met. We have implemented a comprehensive WHS Management System that ensures all hydro excavation activities meet model WHS legislative and regulatory requirements.