Unsafe use of gas and electricity and accidental contact with powerlines are common causes of injuries and death on South Australian farms. Taking simple precautions will protect you and others on the farm.
On this page:
Safe clearance distances from powerlines Always know the types of powerlines on your farm Avoiding contact with powerlines Using machinery near powerlinesBuilding near powerlines Burning material near powerlines
Trees and vegetation clearance near powerlines
Vegetation near powerlines in bushfire risk areasUsing extension cords and power boards safely
Always use licensed electricians and gasfitters LPG safety on farms Safe clearance distances from powerlines
A safe clearance distance is the minimum distance that must be kept between powerlines and people or machinery to ensure the safety of people and property.
Electricity can be extremely dangerous to people causing electric shocks, severe injuries and even death. Electricity can also cross gaps, so a person or piece of machinery can be some distance from a powerline and still be in danger.
Safe clearance distances depend on the voltage and the type of powerline conductors (wires and cables).
The Electricity Act 1996 has prescribed a range of safe clearance distances from powerlines for structures (buildings, scaffolding and stacked farm material), machinery (spray equipment, mobile elevators, towed windmills and stock trucks) and vegetation near powerlines.
In addition, aerial powerlines swing in wind and sag due to heat. This movement must also be considered in any clearance distance.
For more information on safe clearance distances from powerlines see:
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Always know the types of powerlines on your farm
It is very important to know the voltage and the types of powerlines running through your farm. The most common type of powerlines on farms and in country areas are 19,000 volt SWER (Single Wire Earth Return). It is very easy to recognise this type as it only has one wire strung on stobie poles.
If you work on a number of farms, you need to ensure that you know the types of powerlines on all of the properties. You can contact ETSA Utilities or the Office of the Technical Regulator for information about the powerlines on your farm.
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Avoiding contact with powerlines
To avoid contact with overhead powerlines:
- keep tall machinery and equipment away from powerlines
- maintain safe clearance distances when building or stacking material near powerlines
- never work on top of farm machinery when you are under or near powerlines.
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Using machinery near powerlines
To find out about safety measures for operating machinery near powerlines, see Working safely near overhead powerlines.
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Building near powerlines
When building new sheds, silos, haystacks or any other structure close to powerlines, you must ensure that you comply with the minimum safe clearance distances as prescribed by the Electricity Act 1996.
For information about safety requirements for building near powerlines, see Building safely near powerlines.
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Burning material near powerlines
Written permission from the electricity network operator, ETSA Utilities, is required before burning any material near powerlines.
The heat from fires too close to powerlines can damage the conductors and their insulation and the smoke can cause electricity to cross a gap (flashover) and result in fires and electric shocks. Burning any material near a powerline without a written permission is prohibited under the Electricity Act 1996.
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Trees and vegetation clearance near powerlines
For information on vegetation clearance and safe planting requirements when planting trees near powerlines see:
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Vegetation near powerlines in bushfire risk areas
The Electricity (principles of vegetation clearance) Regulations 2010 prescribe safe clearances for vegetation near powerlines in bushfire risk areas.
Bushfire risk areas defined by the regulations are different to areas defined by the Country Fire Services.
For maps of bushfire risk areas defined by the regulations see Electricity (Principles of vegetation clearance) Regulations 2010.
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Using extension cords and power boards safely
For information on the safe use of extension cords and power boards, see Using power boards and extension cords safely.
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Always use licensed electricians and gas fitters
Working with gas and electricity can be dangerous to you and others. Never modify an electrical or gas installation or add a new installation unless you are a licensed electrician or gasfitter. Always use a licensed electrician or a licensed gas fitter.
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LPG safety on farms
LPG cylinders are commonly used as a fuel source on farms for vehicles and gas appliances. When using LPG cylinders, it is important to take safety seriously.
Never fill LPG cylinders intended for use with gas appliances with automotive gas as it can result in major incidents and even explosions.
For more information on using LPG cylinders safely, see LPG cylinders and fittings
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