Safety near transmission lines
Properties in rural and remote areas frequently have transmission lines crossing them. Extreme care must be taken when working on land near transmission wires and structures.
The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 state that vehicles, mobile plant and equipment must not be used within six metres of overhead transmission lines (66,000 volts and above).
Safety precautions you should take include:
- Know the layout of the overhead electrical network on and near your property.
- Confirm that equipment and machinery will not exceed minimum clearance distances for transmission lines, taking into account the ‘sag’ of the line between poles.
- Review minimum clearance distances when you change your plant, machinery or equipment.
- Check for changes in the electrical network.
- Place ground markers near transmission lines to alert workers of their location.
- Put our “Look Up, Look Down and Live” stickers on all your plant, machinery and equipment.
- Ensure that anybody working on the property is properly briefed on the electrical infrastructure, clearance zones and plant, machinery and equipment specifications.
- Where possible use an observer when working on or near an easement to ensure you keep clear of transmission lines.
- When moving irrigation pipes near lines, do not lift them at an angle where they may hit the lines.
- Don’t climb or attach anything to transmission structures.
If you plan to work around powerlines you may need to obtain permission before starting.
Disclaimer
While care is taken in the preparation of this material, it is not comprehensive. We cannot foresee every issue that may arise or guarantee that every factor arising in your personal circumstances is addressed.
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