Service Strike — What To Do
Service Strike — What To Do
Hit a buried cable, gas main or water pipe? What you do in the next minute matters. Three services, three responses — and one rule that is the same for all of them: get clear.
Electricity cable
- Do not touch the cable, the machine, or anyone in contact with it
- Keep everyone back and treat it as live
- Call 000 if anyone is hurt; call the electricity distributor's emergency line
Gas main
- No ignition sources — no phones at the leak, no engines, no smoking
- Move people upwind and keep them back
- Call the gas emergency line; call 000 if there is fire or injury
Water / sewer
- Stop work and make the area safe from flooding or collapse
- Call the water authority; isolate the supply only if you can do it safely
Before you dig — every time
| Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) | Free — call 1100 or byda.com.au before any excavation |
Reference only. A damaged service is an emergency — life safety comes before the job. Report a damaged gas or electricity asset to the distributor immediately.
Sources: Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) · state energy & water distributors · Safe Work Australia
SiteKiln provides general guidance only. This is not legal, tax, financial or professional advice. Always verify information and seek professional advice if unsure. © SiteKiln 2026