Prevent from graph damage

At Open Dutch Fiber (ODF), we understand how important it is to prevent excavation damage during our operations. We realize that excavation work inherently involves risks, especially when it comes to hitting underground infrastructure. Our top priority is to minimize damages, and we take various measures to ensure this:

1. Close collaboration with contractors and supervisors

We work closely with our contractors and, in addition to the municipal supervisors, we have our own inspectors to ensure that the work is carried out according to the agreed guidelines. This provides an extra layer of control and certainty.

2. Call before you dig and trial pits.

Our contractors submit a Klic (Cables and Pipelines Information Center) notification before they start digging. Based on this, they receive data from the Cadastre to view the cables and pipelines of a location. This way, they know where they can and cannot dig. If the excavation route is close to medium or high voltage power cables, or high-pressure gas pipelines, trial trenches are dug according to the CROW500 guideline. This is a new legal guideline to dig carefully and provides information about underground and aboveground networks. This guideline aims to reduce the occurrence of excavation damages. Moreover, manual digging is always done when there are existing cables or pipelines nearby. When making house connections, existing pipelines are always carefully manually exposed.

3. Safety and Health Planning (V&G)

Before starting, the contractor prepares an execution plan describing how damage to existing cables and pipelines will be prevented. This plan is thoroughly reviewed by our team at ODF to minimize risks.

Despite all our efforts, it is unfortunately not always possible to completely prevent excavation damages. Some networks are not always located according to the Klic registration, due to outdated drawings and changing reference points. Furthermore, existing cables and pipelines may sometimes be shallower than expected due to the ground conditions (hardness of the soil). In some cases, the shut-off valve of a gas pipeline may be located at the top instead of - according to the guidelines - at the bottom.

When excavation damages occur, we respond immediately and purposefully.

4. Prompt reporting and action

Any damage must be reported immediately to the grid operator, main contractor, and ODF. In case of a dangerous situation, such as a gas leak, the fire department is immediately called in and the area around the damage is evacuated.

5. Toolbox meetings and training

Our contractors inform their subcontractors through toolbox meetings about the correct procedures in case of damages. Through a short presentation, people are encouraged to think about safe practices while carrying out their daily tasks. This ensures that employees are well-trained in how to act in case of damage.

6. Participating in consultations with the industry and the government.

There are various consultations with the industry and the government (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate), where continuous efforts are made to prevent grave damages. The discussions also focus on how safety can be ensured in case of damages. ODF actively participates in these consultations and complies with the agreements and guidelines that result from them.

Safety of residents comes first

We aim for a safe and careful execution of excavation works, with the safety of residents and employees being our top priority. As ODF, we closely monitor excavation damages and work together with our contractors to minimize risks.

The safety and satisfaction of residents and employees are our priority, and we continue to strive to minimize damage caused by digging.