The Pre-Excavation Management Course (PEMC) is designed to strengthen industry capability in managing excavation risk where underground utilities are present.
Ground disturbance remains one of the highest-risk activities in the construction industry in Australia. Utility strikes continue to result in serious injury, service disruption, regulatory action and significant financial loss.
PEMC provides structured, practical guidance that links the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work and AS 5488 Classification of Subsurface Utility Information (SUI) to the real-world decisions required before excavation begins.
The course equips participants with the knowledge and tools to take reasonably practicable steps to identify, assess and manage subsurface utility risks in a defensible and systematic way.
PEMC covers regulatory obligations and recognised industry best practice for identifying, locating and managing underground utilities. Participants gain practical insight into:
- Duties of PCBUs, supervisors and workers
- Legal, financial and reputational consequences of utility strikes
- Risk assessment processes and implementation of reasonably practicable control measures
- Sourcing and interpreting utility information, including Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) plans and the Look Up and Live app
- Applying AS 5488 quality levels to excavation planning and decision-making
- The role, competency and independent assessment of Certified Locators
- Documenting and demonstrating reasonably practicable steps in pre-excavation planning
Delivery Options
The PEMC is available through flexible delivery formats to suit different teams and work arrangements:
- Scheduled webinars (online sessions on set dates)
- On-demand webinars (self-paced online access)
- Face-to-face delivery (onsite or at a suitable venue for your team)
To arrange face-to-face delivery for your organisation, please contact us to discuss scheduling and pricing.
Funding Available
Depending on location and eligibility, training subsidies or rebates may be available to assist with course fees.
- Queensland: Eligible construction industry workers may access funding through Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), subject to eligibility criteria and availability.
- Tasmania: Eligible businesses may access training rebates through Keystone Tasmania, subject to approval and application timing requirements. Applications must be submitted prior to commencement of training.
Funding availability, eligibility criteria and rebate amounts are determined by the relevant bodies and may change over time. Places are limited. For current information, contact us at [email protected] or call 1300 340 017.
Certificate of Completion
Participants who successfully complete the Pre-Excavation Management Course (PEMC) will receive a Certificate of Completion, valid for three years from the date of issue.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CERTLOC Certified Locators
CERTLOC Certified Locators who successfully complete this course will be awarded 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), credited towards their next certification renewal and supporting their ongoing professional development.
As 50 CEUs are required within the two-year certification period for renewal, this course contributes towards, but does not satisfy, the full CEU requirement.
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re looking to attend a scheduled webinar, complete the course on demand or arrange training for your organisation, we have an option to suit your needs.
Choose one of the options below to get started.
Contact us to discuss the best option for your needs or if you need assistance with your booking.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 340 017