Overview
Since 1 June 2019, earthworks contractors were given greater clarity on the requirements they have to comply with for projects which involve earthworks to be carried out in the vicinity of underground telecommunication cables, through the issuance of a standardised set of Earthworks Requirements.
The Earthworks Requirements include a 9-Step Process which need to be complied with by the earthworks contractors prior to the commencement of earthworks. The Earthworks Requirements were jointly developed by IMDA and the relevant Telcos through an industry consultation together with some major contractors.
These requirements aim to minimise the risk of telecommunication cable cut incidents, which have been a leading cause of telecommunication service disruptions in recent years, and to provide greater clarity for both Telcos and earthworks contractors in terms of the requirements to be adopted.
The industry is to ensure compliance with the following 9-Step Process and the Earthworks Requirements so as to prevent damage to underground telecommunication cables.
Earthworks Requirements
9-Step Process
Step 1: Obtain service layout plan from Telco
Step 2: Engage Licensed Telecommunication Cable Detection Worker (“TCDW”) to carry out cable detection work
Step 3: Submit Notice for Commencement of Earthworks (“NCE”) to Telco
Step 4: Conduct Joint Site Meeting
Step 5: Obtain Conditional Approval for Digging of Trial Holes from Telco
Step 6: Dig Trial Holes to ascertain exact location / route of telecommunication cables
Step 7: Conduct Joint Trial Holes Inspection
Step 8: Submit Application for Final Approval for Commencement of Earthworks to Telco
Step 9: Obtain Final Approval for Commencement of Earthworks from Telco
English (with English subtitles) video
Mandarin (with Chinese subtitles) video
English (with Tamil subtitles) video
Mandarin (with Bengali subtitles) video
Click on the links below to view the hi-res infographic in your preferred languages to better understand the 9-step process.
Who is this for?
The industry including earthworks contractors and workers (both local and foreign).
Contact
For more information, please contact us at 6377 3800 or email us at info@imda.gov.sg.