Cables and pipes

All interested parties are working hard together for a better excavation process. There is now legislation, a directive, supervision and a cooperation platform. GOconnectIT supports the improvement of the excavation process with advice, guidance, digitisation and more.

In The Netherlands since 2018 there is the WIBON to prevent digging damage. The law, also known as the regulation of excavators, sets out the obligations of all parties involved before, during and after the excavation process.

A very important point in the WIBON is the provision of information exchange so that it is increasingly known where cables and pipelines are located, which reduces the chance of excavation contractors hitting cables and pipelines.

For excavation contractors, this means that they must submit an excavation notification (Klic request) before they can dig. By doing so, they request all the information about the location where they want to dig, which network operators are obliged to provide.

Because the excavation process in large projects has many points of interest, the CROW 500 guideline was drawn up. This guideline provides five phases and the accompanying points of attention to check in order to minimise the risk of excavation damage.

• Initiation phase - time and budget
• Investigation phase - orientation and inventory
• Design phase - locating action plan
• Work preparation phase - work instructions andexcavation notification
• Execution phase - instruction and evaluation

The government has entrusted the Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands with the task of supervising compliance with the Act on Information Exchange on Aboveground and Underground Networks (WIBON). To this end, the Agency visits locations and can issue fines.

The Cables and Pipelines Platform in The Netherlands is an important link in the reduction of excavation damage. The platform is engaged in exchanging knowledge and experience, entering into partnerships and developing innovative solutions. Our specialist Rudi Zoet has been platform coordinator since 2019.

It is important to start working with cables and pipes well before the implementation phase of a project. By starting early with the preparatory phase, there is a greater chance of successful implementation.

GOconnectIT advises and assists (semi) public authorities, excavation contractors and network operators in the excavation process. Our consultants also often have a useful contribution to make in the role of supervisor and excavation desk. Please contact us for more information.