Working safely near powerlines.

If you must work near powerlines, you should follow these steps:

1. Develop a safe system of work before you start

• Develop a safe system that ensures a safe distance from powerlines is maintained (stay outside the exclusion zone).
• Identify overhead and underground powerlines by consulting maps and/or talking to the property owner and electrical entity.
• Conduct a site specific risk assessment – think about: – the type of plant and equipment/tools used – site and weather conditions – type of work being done – set-up and pack-up procedures.
• Put risk controls in place – the most effective way of controlling the risk is to de-energise the line for the duration of work where there is a risk of contact.

2. Keep your workers and contractors informed about electrical safety

• Induct and train your workers and contractors in safe work procedures, emergency procedures, and exclusion zones (Figure 1).

• Carefully plan the tasks to be completed near powerlines and work away from them whenever possible.
• Show your workers the safe distance from an exclusion zone a powerline by marking it on the ground.
• Ensure people are aware that powerlines sag or sway in hot or windy weather (Figure 2).

3. Stay outside exclusion zones

• Make powerlines and poles visible. Ask your electricity entity for permission to paint power poles and/or have them install markers or flags on the powerlines.
• When tree cutting plan your work so tree branches do not fall across powerlines.
• Where possible, use insulated or non-conductive tools and equipment.
• Operators should use a safety observer when carrying out work near powerlines.
• Follow the safety advice you obtain from your electricity entity