The project manager , which undertakes earthworks or sounding work, for example, in the vicinity of networks, must to report to each network operator. He may delegate this declaration to a third party (a supervisor, an architect, a design office).

The declarant may be:

• Individual
• Local Government
• Prime Contractor
• Architect
• Bureau of Studies
• Operates networks when the work impacts underground networks or is close to air networks
• Company of building or public works

You have to declare to all network operators work in the vicinity of security-sensitive networks and non-security-sensitive networks.

The security-sensitive networks are:

• Transport, distribution and mining pipelines containing liquid or liquefied hydrocarbons, liquid or gaseous chemicals, combustible gases
• Pipelines for transporting or distributing steam, superheated water, hot water, chilled water or any other heat transfer or refrigerating fluid
• Electrical lines and public lighting systems other than ultra-low voltage and other than electrically insulated low voltage overhead power lines
• Installations for the use of public transport vehicles by rail or guided transport (subways, trams, cable cars, etc.)
• Pipes for transporting waste by pneumatic pressure or suction device
• Structures designed or adapted to prevent flooding and submersions
• Non-sensitive networks recorded as sensitive by the operator on the online service

The non-security sensitive networks are:

• Underground electronic communications facilities
• Other ultra-low voltage power lines and public lighting systems and insulated low voltage overhead power lines
• Sanitation pipes, containing domestic or industrial wastewater or storm water
• Pipes for the abstraction and distribution of water intended for human consumption, for the supply of industrial water or water intended for fire protection, pressure or free flow, including underground water tanks

The following work is not subject to a TD or TDICT:

• Work without a building permit, without impact on underground networks and located, in horizontal projection, more than 5 meters from any overhead electricity network (or 3 meters for low-voltage networks and traction lines of rail or guided transport networks)
• Work subject to building permits, without impact on underground networks, entirely outside the area of any aerial network
• Agricultural and horticultural work for the surface preparation of the soil to a depth not exceeding 40 cm
• Seasonal shifting agricultural work, such as watering and harvesting
• Unforeseeable work carried out in the event of an emergency justified by safety, continuity of the public service, the safeguarding of persons and goods or in the event of force majeure which is the subject of a urgent works notice
• Work with operators who have indicated in their DT receipt for the same project that they are not concerned and who have not sent any corrections within this time limit

To locate networks and obtain operator contact information, the project manager must interrogate the online service "Networks and pipelines" or contact a provider.

In the DT, the project manager provides the following information:

• Date of commencement of work
• Duration in days
• Right of way of the site (maximum perimeter of the work area including site preparation, storage and gear circulation areas)
• Operations which could have a impact on works located on or near the site

The project manager sends a DT to each network operator.

The declaration is made on the online service "Networks and pipelines" which provides a tool to delimit the right of way of the site with precision. He may also use the Cerfa form for the DT/DICT declaration.

All network operators have an obligation to respond to the project manager . They shall meet a response time starting after the date of receipt of the RFP.

For a Web-based DT, the time limit is 9 days.

For a DT not transmitted via internet, it is 15 days.

Public holidays are not counted.

The period may be extended by 15 days the network operator must, in the presence of the declarant, carry out on-site location measurements with the best possible accuracy.

The operator must respond by sending the project manager a receipt with the network location plans. This receipt is sent by registered mail, fax or e-mail.

Project Work Declaration and Commencement of Work (DT-DICT) Receipt

The operator's response provides the project manager with the information needed to carry out the work under the best possible safety conditions. It details the following:

• Location of existing works
• Specific technical recommendations related to the configuration of works
• Specific recommendations to be taken according to the planned working techniques
• Headings relating to specific works or works of the technical guide for carrying out work in the vicinity of networks
• Reporting of safety-critical devices within the right of way

The response may also include further investigations to update the plan of the networks located on the site right of way. In this case, the project manager must have these investigations carried out by a certified company before work commences. They are at the expense of the network operator.

Where the works contract or the work order is not signed within 3 months of the date of consultation of the online service, the T&D must be renewed.

This is not necessary if the works contract provides for technical and financial measures to take account of additional works or modifications to works. However, this must not jeopardize the project.