Safety

Working near electricity

Whether you are a homeowner making changes to your home or garden, a farmer working the land, an electrical contractor or builder, you should take every precaution when working near Western Power network assets and infrastructure. To protect yourself and others against injury, it is important to plan ahead and ensure that all work can be carried out safely.

What should I look out for?

underground powerlines
switchgear enclosures
network poles
substation buildings
overhead powerlines
transformers
pillars (green domes)

Understanding your legal requirements

Work near energised electrical installations and powerlines, whether underground or overhead, is high risk work. A person in control of the work area must ensure that no person, plant or material enters the danger zone of an overhead powerline or other electrical network assets.

Any information provided to you by Western Power should not be used in isolation and we recommend that you refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996. These documents outline WorkSafe WA requirements for working near electricity. For queries relating to these requirements, visit www.worksafe.wa.gov.au or contact WorkSafe on 1300 307 877.

Where work is required near or within these zones and minimum approach distance boundaries, you are encouraged to consult an electrical contractor for guidance.

How to make a request for information for Western Power Network Assets?

Complete a request form (PDF 238 Kb)
Submit request to workingnearelectricity@westernpower.com.au, by post to Western Power, Locked Bag 2520, Perth 6001 or by fax to 9225 2742

Safety

Trees & powerlines

Safety at home

Safety outside