Non-destructive digging (NDD) means exposing buried services with methods least likely to damage them, usually hand digging or vacuum excavation. Exposing a service at a point, often called potholing, is how its position is confirmed before excavation.
OpsChase’s utility locating software puts vacuum trucks and operators on the same board as locators and records each exposed service against the job.
Why potholing matters
The Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Best Practice Guide says potholed and exposed services meet Quality Level A for location accuracy under AS 5488, the Australian Standard for subsurface utility information. Plans and electronic locates alone do not. The NSW Excavation Work Code of Practice also describes exposing a short section of a service, usually with water pressure and a vacuum system, as part of examining the area before excavation.
Methods and their risks
BYDA’s guide covers two methods:
- Hand digging: round-edged spades, no picks or crowbars, non-conductive tools, and digging beside the service rather than on top of it.
- Vacuum excavation: widely used, but not to be assumed 100% safe. Pressure, nozzle type, distance from the service and how long the jet stays on it all affect the risk of damage.
The guide also says mechanical aids such as backhoes should not be used for potholing. Asset owner conditions on the method always come first.
What to record
For each exposure: the service, its depth and position, the method used, photos, and the quality level reached. Our locating report template shows where it fits.
How OpsChase handles digging crews
Trucks and operators are scheduled on the same board as locators. Potholing results are recorded with their quality level, and dockets and photos are captured on the job.
On OpsChase: one queue for your team and contractors, follow-up when a job goes quiet, and photos or sign-off before it closes. Book a demo — one site or many.
- Is vacuum excavation always safe for services?
- No. BYDA’s guide says it has been proven to cause damage, depending on pressure, nozzle, distance and time on the service.
- Can a backhoe be used to pothole?
- BYDA’s Best Practice Guide says mechanical aids such as backhoes should not be used for potholing.
- Does OpsChase schedule vacuum trucks?
- Yes. Trucks and operators sit on the same dispatch board as your locators.