These Terms and Conditions apply to Services provided by Geoscope Utility Detection Services Pty Ltd and form part of the agreement between Geoscope and the Client whenever the Client requests, books, orders or accepts Services from Geoscope.

1. Definitions

1.1 “Geoscope” means Geoscope Utility Detection Services Pty Ltd, its successors and assigns, and any person acting with its authority.

1.2 “Client” means the person, company or entity requesting or accepting Services from Geoscope. Where more than one person or entity engages Geoscope, each is jointly and severally responsible for the Client’s obligations under these Terms.

1.3 “Services” means all services supplied by Geoscope at the Client’s request, including but not limited to underground utility locating, electromagnetic locating, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), surveying, utility mapping, CCTV investigation, Non-Destructive Digging (NDD), potholing, consulting, reporting and associated services.

1.4 “Equipment” means any equipment or accessories supplied, hired or used by Geoscope in connection with the Services.

1.5 “Deliverables” means any reports, plans, drawings, photographs, survey information, CAD files, utility markings, field sketches, data or other information produced by Geoscope in connection with the Services.

1.6 “Price” means the amount payable by the Client for the Services, Equipment and associated costs in accordance with these Terms, Geoscope’s quotation, proposal, Schedule of Rates or invoice.

1.7 “Schedule of Rates” or “SoR” means Geoscope’s applicable rates and commercial conditions current at the time the Services are booked, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

1.8 “Site” means the location at which Geoscope is requested to perform the Services.

1.9 “Quality Level” or “QL” means the applicable classification of subsurface utility information with reference to AS 5488:2022 – Classification of Subsurface Utility Information.

2. Acceptance

2.1 The Client is deemed to have accepted and is bound by these Terms when the Client:

• accepts a quotation or proposal;

• submits a booking or work order;

• issues a purchase order;

• instructs Geoscope to proceed; or

• accepts Services provided by Geoscope.

2.2 The person booking or instructing Geoscope warrants that they have authority to engage Geoscope on behalf of the Client.

2.3 These Terms apply together with any quotation, proposal, accepted scope, Schedule of Rates or other written agreement issued by Geoscope.

2.4 Where there is an inconsistency between documents, any project-specific quotation or written agreement accepted by Geoscope will take precedence over these general Terms to the extent of that inconsistency.

2.5 Any Client purchase order or standard procurement terms will not override these Terms unless Geoscope expressly agrees to those terms in writing.

3. Quotations, Scope and Variations

3.1 Unless otherwise stated, quotations are valid for thirty (30) days from the date of issue.

3.2 Quotations are based upon the scope, plans, information, access requirements and Site conditions made known to Geoscope at the time of quotation.

3.3 The Client must provide sufficient and accurate information regarding the required Services, proposed works and Site conditions to enable Geoscope to determine an appropriate scope.

3.4 Geoscope may treat additional or changed requirements as a variation where:

• the Client changes or increases the scope;

• additional investigation is requested or reasonably required;

• Site conditions differ materially from those advised;

• additional utilities or investigation areas are identified;

• access to utilities, pits, manholes or investigation areas is restricted;

• pipes or conduits are blocked or inaccessible;

• additional attendances or return visits are required;

• delays occur due to circumstances outside Geoscope’s reasonable control; or

• additional third-party Services, permits, equipment or resources are required.

3.5 Variations may be charged in accordance with the accepted quotation, applicable Schedule of Rates or another price agreed with the Client.

4. Price and Minimum Charges

4.1 Unless otherwise agreed, Services will be charged according to:

• the accepted quotation or proposal;

• Geoscope’s applicable Schedule of Rates; or

• where neither applies, the amount stated on Geoscope’s invoice.

4.2 Unless otherwise stated, all Prices are exclusive of GST.

Standard Utility Locating

4.3 Geoscope’s standard utility locating minimum charge covers the first two (2) hours of standard utility locating.

4.4 Where the attendance exceeds the included two hours, additional time will be charged at Geoscope’s applicable hourly rate unless a fixed or project rate has been agreed.

4.5 The minimum charge applies where the Services are completed in less than two hours.

Working Hours

4.6 Standard rates allow for up to eight (8) hours onsite per technician per day, unless otherwise agreed.

4.7 Time exceeding eight hours onsite may be charged at the applicable overtime or after-hours rate.

4.8 Night works, weekend works, public holidays and works outside standard operating hours may be subject to separate minimum bookings, travel requirements and applicable after-hours rates.

5. Payment Terms

Standard Payment Terms

5.1 Geoscope’s standard payment terms are seven (7) days from the date of invoice, unless alternative payment terms have been approved by Geoscope in writing.

5.2 New Clients and Clients without approved extended payment terms will commence on Geoscope’s standard seven (7) day payment terms.

Extended Payment Terms

5.3 Extended payment terms, including 30-day or 30-day end-of-month (EOM) terms, may be considered following an established and consistent trading history with Geoscope of a minimum of four (4) completed jobs.

5.4 Completion of four jobs does not automatically entitle the Client to extended terms. Approval remains at Geoscope’s discretion and may take into consideration the Client’s:

• payment history;

• ongoing work requirements;

• trading volume; and

• account standing.

5.5 Geoscope may review, vary or withdraw extended payment terms where the Client’s trading relationship, payment performance or account standing materially changes.

5.6 Where extended terms are withdrawn, future Services may revert to Geoscope’s standard seven (7) day payment terms.

Payment

5.7 Geoscope may require a deposit, prepayment or credit card payment prior to commencing Services.

5.8 Payment may be made by electronic funds transfer, credit card or another payment method accepted by Geoscope.

5.9 Any applicable card processing surcharge will be disclosed and charged in accordance with applicable law.

5.10 The Client must pay any applicable GST at the same time and on the same basis as payment of the Price.

6. Sydney Metro Travel Area

6.1 Geoscope’s standard Sydney Metro travel area extends to the following approximate cutoff points:

1. North: Hornsby – M1 Motorway

2. West: Leonay – Great Western Highway

3. South: Wilton – Picton Road exit from the Hume Highway

6.2 Works within these boundaries are generally treated as Sydney Metro travel.

6.3 Works extending beyond these cutoff points may be subject to:

• additional travel time and charges;

• minimum booking requirements;

• accommodation where required;

• tolls, parking, flights or other travel expenses; and

• project or day rates where appropriate.

6.4 Applicable travel arrangements will be determined having regard to the Site location and project requirements.

7. Cancellation and Rescheduling

7.1 Geoscope requires a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule standard utility locating and field Services.

7.2 A minimum of forty-eight (48) hours’ notice may be required for NDD, CCTV, traffic control, specialist subcontractors or other pre-arranged resources.

7.3 Where insufficient notice is provided, Geoscope reserves the right to charge:

• Min 4hrs charge or 25% quoted cancellation/rescheduling fee, plus

• Supplier cancellation charges already incurred,

• Mobilisation/demobilisation costs,

• Other unrecoverable project costs.

7.4 Additional cancellation costs may include:

• subcontractor cancellation charges;

• traffic control;

• permits and authority fees;

• equipment hire;

• travel and accommodation; and

• other costs committed specifically for the project.

7.5 Where cancellation occurs after personnel or resources have mobilised, Geoscope may charge the applicable minimum booking, mobilisation costs and Services already performed.

8. Site Access and Client Responsibilities

8.1 The Client must provide Geoscope with safe, clear and reasonable access to the Site and all relevant investigation areas.

8.2 Unless specifically included within Geoscope’s scope, the Client is responsible for arranging:

• Site inductions and access;

• keys and access permissions;

• traffic management;

• permits and authority approvals;

• utility authority attendance;

• confined-space requirements;

• shutdowns and isolations; and

• removal of vehicles, materials or other obstructions.

8.3 Additional time or return visits caused by inaccessible areas, Site delays, incomplete inductions, unavailable permits, locked infrastructure or other matters outside Geoscope’s reasonable control may be charged as a variation.

8.4 The Client must advise Geoscope of known Site hazards, restrictions and relevant safety requirements before commencement.

9. Underground Utility Investigation & AS 5488:2022

9.1 Where the Services include subsurface utility locating, investigation, surveying or mapping, Geoscope will undertake the investigation using the methods included within the agreed scope and classify subsurface utility information with reference to AS 5488:2022 – Classification of Subsurface Utility Information.

9.2 Geoscope will seek to achieve the highest Quality Level reasonably obtainable within the agreed scope, having regard to the available evidence, utility characteristics, Site conditions, access and investigation methods.

9.3 The Quality Level assigned to utility information represents the level of evidence and confidence obtained during the investigation. It does not represent a guarantee that all utilities within the investigation area have been identified.

Quality Levels

9.4 Quality Level A (QL-A) – The utility has been physically exposed and surveyed at the point of exposure, providing the highest level of positional confidence at that location.

9.5 Quality Level B (QL-B) – The utility has been positively detected and traced using appropriate geophysical or electronic locating methods, providing evidence of its horizontal position and, where obtainable, an indicative depth.

9.6 Quality Level C (QL-C) – Utility information has been correlated using visible surface features and other available evidence, but sufficient evidence has not been obtained to establish QL-B.

9.7 Quality Level D (QL-D) – Utility information is derived from existing records, plans or other documentary information without sufficient field evidence to establish a higher Quality Level.

9.8 Different sections of the same utility may have different Quality Levels depending upon the evidence obtained at each location.

9.9 Where sufficient evidence cannot be obtained to achieve the desired Quality Level, Geoscope will record the information at the Quality Level supported by the available evidence, identify relevant limitations where appropriate and may recommend further investigation.

10. Utility Locating Limitations

10.1 Underground utility locating is an investigative process. While Geoscope uses appropriate locating methods and reasonable professional care, not every underground utility can necessarily be detected, traced or identified.

10.2 Detection and positional confidence may be affected by factors including:

• utility material and construction;

• non-metallic utilities;

• disconnected or abandoned infrastructure;

• missing, damaged or ineffective tracer wires;

• depth of cover;

• ground conditions and soil composition;

• reinforced concrete or other physical interference;

• congestion or proximity of multiple utilities;

• electromagnetic interference;

• inaccessible pits, manholes or connection points;

• blocked or inaccessible pipes and conduits;

• inaccurate, incomplete or outdated records;

• undocumented infrastructure; and

• Site access or physical obstructions.

10.3 The absence of a detected utility must not be interpreted as confirmation that no utility exists.

10.4 Where Geoscope identifies a known or suspected utility but cannot obtain sufficient evidence to positively locate it, the utility may be shown at a lower Quality Level, identified as unconfirmed or noted as requiring further investigation.

Utility Depths

10.5 Depths obtained using electronic or geophysical locating equipment are indicative measurements unless subsequently physically exposed and surveyed to QL-A.

10.6 Utility depth and alignment may change along the length of a service. A depth obtained at one location must not be assumed to apply continuously along the utility.

GPR and Other Responses

10.7 A GPR response or other subsurface anomaly that cannot be reliably correlated with a particular utility may be recorded as an unknown or unconfirmed subsurface response rather than being assigned an assumed utility type.

11. Further Investigation, QL-A Verification & Duty of Care

Further Investigation

11.1 The level of investigation and verification required should be appropriate to the risk and nature of the proposed works.

11.2 Where the available utility information does not provide sufficient confidence for the proposed activity, Geoscope may recommend further investigation before intrusive works proceed.

Further investigation may include:

• additional electromagnetic locating;

• additional or targeted GPR investigation;

• direct connection to additional utility infrastructure;

• traceable rod or sonde investigation;

• opening and investigating additional pits, manholes or access points;

• CCTV or drainage investigation;

• additional survey;

• review of additional utility records;

• consultation with the utility owner or asset authority; or

• NDD/potholing and physical exposure.

QL-A Verification

11.3 Where the precise horizontal and vertical position of a utility is critical to the proposed works, physical exposure and QL-A verification should be considered at the relevant location or point of potential conflict.

This may include areas involving:

• excavation;

• drilling or boring;

• piling;

• trenching;

• saw cutting or coring;

• demolition;

• new foundations;

• utility crossings or connections; or

• works immediately adjacent to critical infrastructure.

11.4 QL-A verification applies to the location physically exposed and surveyed and must not automatically be assumed to apply to the entire alignment of the utility.

Additional Works

11.5 Unless expressly included within Geoscope’s accepted quotation or scope, NDD, potholing, excavation, CCTV and other additional verification Services are not included within standard utility locating Services and will be quoted or charged separately.

Client Duty of Care

11.6 The Client must ensure that Geoscope’s utility information is provided to the persons responsible for planning, supervising and undertaking the proposed works.

11.7 Before intrusive works commence, the Client and persons undertaking those works must consider:

• the Quality Level assigned to the relevant utility;

• utility markings and plans;

• available depths and survey information;

• identified limitations;

• utilities that could not be positively located;

• unknown or unconfirmed responses; and

• recommendations for further investigation.

11.8 Where Geoscope identifies uncertainty or recommends further investigation, the Client is responsible for determining and undertaking the additional verification appropriate to the proposed works before proceeding within the affected area.

11.9 Geoscope’s utility information must not be treated as QL-A unless it is expressly identified as QL-A at the relevant location.

12. Utility Markings, Reports, Plans & Deliverables

12.1 Geoscope’s Site markings, photographs, field sketches, reports, survey information, CAD files and plans represent the evidence obtained and Site conditions observed at the time the investigation was undertaken.

Site Markings

12.2 Paint, chalk, flags and other physical Site markings may fade, deteriorate, be removed, become obscured or be affected by subsequent construction or Site activity.

12.3 Where markings are no longer clearly visible, have been disturbed or their position is uncertain, the Client must not rely upon those markings for intrusive works without appropriate re-establishment or verification.

Changes After Investigation

12.4 Geoscope’s information may no longer accurately represent Site conditions where, following the investigation:

• utilities have been installed, removed, relocated or altered;

• excavation or construction has occurred;

• ground levels have changed;

• Site features or reference points have moved;

• utility owners or other contractors have undertaken works; or

• other material changes have occurred within the investigation area.

Reports and Plans

12.5 Reports, plans and Deliverables must be read in their entirety, together with the applicable Quality Levels, notes, legends, limitations and recommendations.

12.6 Individual photographs, screenshots, extracts, markings or portions of a plan must not be relied upon independently where doing so removes relevant Quality Level information, limitations or context.

12.7 The Client must not alter, remove or misrepresent Geoscope’s:

• Quality Levels;

• utility classifications;

• notes or legends;

• limitations;

• disclaimers; or

• recommendations for further investigation.

Purpose and Scope

12.8 Deliverables are prepared for the Site, scope and purpose for which Geoscope was engaged. Their suitability for another purpose, different works or an expanded investigation area must not be assumed.

12.9 Utility information outside the nominated investigation area or agreed scope has not necessarily been investigated and must not be assumed to have been cleared.

Subsequent Works

12.10 Where significant time has passed, Site conditions have changed, markings have deteriorated, the proposed works have changed or uncertainty exists regarding the information provided, the Client should seek review, re-location or further verification before relying upon the previous investigation for intrusive works.

13. Third-Party Services, Permits and Additional Costs

13.1 Unless expressly included within the quotation, the following are excluded and may be charged separately where required:

• NDD/potholing;

• CCTV investigation;

• traffic control;

• Traffic Guidance Schemes or Traffic Control Plans;

• Road Occupancy Licences;

• council permits and road-opening permits;

• utility authority standbys;

• confined-space personnel or equipment;

• specialist access equipment;

• waste disposal;

• temporary or permanent reinstatement;

• parking and tolls; and

• other specialist subcontracted Services.

13.2 Third-party costs arranged by Geoscope may include an applicable administration, coordination or project management margin.

13.3 Geoscope is not responsible for delays caused by third-party contractors, authorities, permit processing or circumstances outside Geoscope’s reasonable control.

14. Delivery of Services

14.1 Any commencement, attendance or delivery date provided by Geoscope is an estimate unless expressly agreed otherwise.

14.2 Geoscope will make reasonable efforts to provide the Services within the agreed timeframe but is not responsible for delays outside its reasonable control.

14.3 Services may be completed and invoiced in stages where appropriate.

14.4 Delivery of reports or Deliverables to a person nominated by the Client is deemed delivery to the Client.

15. Client-Supplied Information

15.1 Geoscope may rely upon plans, records, drawings, BYDA information, survey information and other documents supplied by the Client, asset owners, authorities or other third parties when undertaking the Services.

15.2 Existing utility records and plans must be considered indicative unless their accuracy has been independently verified and the applicable Quality Levels, data accuracy and limitations are clearly understood. 

15.3 The Client acknowledges that existing records may be incomplete, inaccurate, outdated or may not identify undocumented, abandoned or subsequently modified infrastructure.

15.4 Geoscope is not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions originating from information supplied by the Client or third parties, except to the extent Geoscope has independently verified that information as part of the agreed Services.

16. Incidental Items and Intellectual Property

16.1 Geoscope retains ownership of its underlying methodologies, templates, systems, processes and intellectual property used in providing the Services.

16.2 Subject to payment of all amounts owing for the relevant Services, the Client may use the project-specific Deliverables for the purpose for which they were prepared.

16.3 The Client must not represent Geoscope’s Deliverables as having been prepared for a different Site, investigation area, scope or purpose.

16.4 Geoscope may retain copies of project records and Deliverables for its business, quality assurance, insurance and record-keeping purposes.

17. Suspension of Services and Overdue Accounts

17.1 Geoscope may suspend, postpone or decline further Services where:

• an account is overdue;

• agreed payment arrangements have not been met;

• Site conditions are unsafe;

• required access, permits or approvals are unavailable;

• the Client has materially breached these Terms; or

• continuing the Services would expose Geoscope personnel or others to an unacceptable risk.

17.2 Suspension does not remove the Client’s obligation to pay for Services performed or costs incurred before suspension.

17.3 Geoscope may withhold outstanding Deliverables where amounts relating to the Services remain overdue, subject to any applicable legal requirements.

18. Change in Client Details or Ownership

18.1 The Client must notify Geoscope of any material change to its:

• business or trading name;

• ownership;

• billing information;

• registered address;

• contact details; or

• other information that may materially affect the trading relationship.

18.2 The Client remains responsible for amounts incurred before Geoscope receives notification of the relevant change.

19. General

19.1 If any provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision may be severed to the extent necessary without affecting the remaining provisions.

19.2 A failure or delay by Geoscope in exercising a right under these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right.

19.3 These Terms may be updated by Geoscope from time to time. The Terms applicable to a booking will be those accepted in connection with that booking, unless otherwise agreed.

Booking Form Acceptance

Acceptance of Terms

By submitting this booking, I confirm that I am authorised to engage Geoscope on behalf of the Client and that I have read and accept Geoscope’s Terms and Conditions of Trade, including the applicable payment terms, cancellation conditions, utility locating limitations, AS 5488:2022 Quality Levels and requirements for further investigation where applicable.

I acknowledge that underground utility locating is an investigative process, that the absence of a detected utility does not confirm that no utility exists, and that further investigation or QL-A physical verification may be required before intrusive works proceed.