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Whenever you are digging on private or public property, or working near overhead lines there is a serious risk to life and property if you don’t follow the right safe working practices.

In this section:

• Building Near Powerlines

  You must ensure that structures such as garages and extensions to houses remain well clear of overhead lines.

• Cable and Pipe Depths

  Our cables and pipes are laid at different depths in the ground, varying from 600mm to over 1200mm.

• Disconnecting Power

  Make sure you disconnect the power before you remove or demolish a building.

• Safety Disconnections

  When you plan to work on your building where the electricity supply enters the building, for your safety Northpower will disconnect and reconnect the electricity free of charge.

• Safe Digging

  Call us at least two days before you begin work on (09) 430 1803, and we’ll provide free up-to-date reference maps showing underground cable locations.

• Travelling with High Loads

  You must apply for a High Load Permit if you plan to move any tall structure such as a house or a boat.

• What to do in an Emergency

  If you hit an electricity cable or overhead line call us immediately on 0800 10 40 40.

• Working Near Powerlines

  Follow the four metre rule: All work activity must be kept at least four metres from overhead lines.

• Working Near Service Lines

  When digging always find out first where network cables and pipes are – get reference maps, or have us mark out the locations for you.

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