Overhead Electric Lines - Working Near

All work must be undertaken with reference to the applicable State/Territory documents relating to work near overhead and underground assets.

Refer to your State/territory Guidance Material for working distances. i.e., No-Go Zones etc. (Enter distances in the table of assets and approach limits below.)

If a permit to work system used, always work within the terms of the permit. (have a copy of the permit on-site).

If work may infringe on no go zone assume all overhead and underground lines are energised unless the following is sighted:

• An access authority confirming the electric lines have been de-energised, or

• Another written document from the Electricity Supply Authority that allows people to work in a no-go zone

The spotter must know:

• The voltage and height of all power lines on the project (use a non-contact height indicator e.g. Ultrasonic cable height indicator)

• If the height or voltage of the overhead power lines cannot be accurately determined, consult the network operator.

• The fully extended height and/or reach of all plant and equipment; particularly tippers, cranes and earthworks machinery.

Never use a contact method to determine height. If the height of the overhead electric lines cannot be accurately estimated, seek advice from the Electricity supply authority.

Where it is critical to maintaining separation distances, the following must be employed:

• Nominate a trained powerline ‘observer/spotter’ (who is not to perform any other tasks while they are observing the work being carried out)

• Workers and their equipment should not approach overhead powerlines any closer than the following

The following safe working distances are only to be used if the following conditions have been met:

1. Completion of a written risk assessment prior to the commencement of work

2. The application of a safe system of work, including the use of a safety observer if required

3. If required by the network asset owner, and/or as an outcome of the risk assessment, consultation with the network operator regarding the proposed work and compliance with any conditions imposed.

Ensure all workers involved with the task have nationally accredited Work Near Overhead Powerlines (WNP) training

Ensure all spotters have undertaken training and/or received instruction in working as a spotter and training/experience in the safe use of the associated plant/equipment/task being spotted for (e.g. Riggers ticket if spotting a crane around electrical installations)

For work that requires a Certificate of Competency or WorkSafe High Risk Licence for an item of plant that person will be spotting for, ensure that certificate is valid and in place

For high risk tasks, e.g. electrical spotting, work at heights etc. a spotter must have a current appropriate level First Aid Certificate and, a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Expired Air Resuscitation (CPR/EAR) certificate.

People spotting must also be competent in the task being spotted for e.g. High risk plant operator or Electrician for high voltage work

Spotters and relevant workers must understand:

• Rescue and emergency evacuation equipment

• Reporting procedures for incidents

• Authority to cease unsafe work.

Implement an Emergency Electrical Response Plan