Under the Telecommunications Act 1999, contractors are required to carry out
telecommunication cable detection work (TCDW) prior to starting earthworks. To
this end, a licensing scheme for telecommunication cable detection workers
together with the sale of the plant map was implemented in order to minimise
telecommunication cable cut incidents at construction sites. The scheme is to
ensure that the contractors engage only qualified persons to detect the location
of the telecommunication cables before carrying out any earthworks. In addition,
the contractors are required to notify the telecommunication system licensee(s),
i.e. StarHub, for commencement of earthworks and obtain updated plans from the
telecommunications system licensee(s). Contractors should also consult the
telecommunication system licensee(s) on the precautionary measures (e.g. adhere
to the Dos and Don’t) to be taken to avoid damaging the telecommunication
cables.