Electrical & Excavation Safety

About this topic

Electrical and excavation hazards cause some of the most severe injuries on construction sites. The White Card exam tests your knowledge of mandatory safety devices, exclusion zones, and underground service requirements.

Key facts to remember

• All portable electrical equipment must be tested and tagged (AS/NZS 3760) at regular intervals.
• RCDs (safety switches) are mandatory for all portable electrical equipment on construction sites.
• Minimum 3 m exclusion zone from overhead power lines, verify with your PCBU.
• Always call Dial Before You Dig (1100) before any excavation work.
• Any excavation over 1.5 m deep requires edge protection, battering, or benching.
• Never enter an unprotected deep excavation, soil can collapse without warning.
• Only a licensed electrician can perform electrical installation work.

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