Working safely near overhead powerlines

By law, people working near powerlines must keep specific safe approach limits. These distances are measured from the closest conductor (wire) on the powerlines to the closest part of the person - this includes clothing worn and tools or objects held by the person. Your work practices could also be affected, for example, when you build a scaffold.

Different voltage powerlines have different safe approach limits.

Read Identifying powerlines to work out the distance for a specific powerline or for the exact voltage contact:

• SA Power Networks
• Office of the Technical Regulator

Machinery must be kept at a minimum safe distance from powerlines. This is a legal requirement and different to safe approach limits for people. Machinery could include:

• cranes
• vehicles
• elevating work platforms
• excavators and other machinery used for digging.

The Electricity (General) Regulations 2012 set out minimum safe distances for operating machinery near powerlines including:

• cranes
• machinery, vehicle or vessels with an elevating component or shear legs.

Safe distances depend on the voltage of the powerlines. So, make sure you correctly identify the voltage before planning your work.

Check a powerline’s voltage

You must also allow for any likely movement - wind effects, mechanical/ hydraulic, swinging of crane loads - of both the powerline and the machinery, including operator error.

Any breach of the safe distance puts people in immediate danger of electric shock.

Australian Standard AS2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use), describes the operation of cranes and other elevating working platforms near powerlines. This standard gives general guidance and clearances depend on whether the work is conducted with or without a spotter.

For fully insulated conductors (powerline wires) phone the Office of the Technical Regulator for advice.

To operate machinery safely near powerlines at the minimum clearance required by the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012:

1. Identify the voltage.
2. Arrange for a spotter. They must carry out spotting duties the whole time you are working near the power line.
3. Carry out a risk assessment - relevant parties involved in the work must be consulted.
4. Notify SA Power Networks.

You must comply with any conditions made by SA Power Networks or the Technical Regulator.

Loads could be lifted above powerlines under certain circumstances. This is only permitted if:

• other work methods are explored first
• the powerline's voltage is identified
• any conditions from SA Power Networks or Technical Regulator are complied with
• you notify the Office of the Technical Regulator – low voltage powerlines (lower than 1,000 volt)
• SA Power Networks give written permission – high voltage powerlines (higher than 1,000 volts).

Minimum safe clearances for structures, such as scaffolds, are set out in the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012.

Safe clearance distances are worked out using the powerline’s voltage. These distances must also be kept while building or taking down a scaffold. This includes any part of:

• the scaffold
• a worker or other person
• equipment
• any materials.

Distances are measured from the powerline to the final position of the scaffold.

Australian standard AS/NZS 4576 (Guidelines for scaffolding) takes a different approach. It also recommends that powerlines should be turned off during the construction of scaffolds. Where the clearance distance advised is less than the Regulations, you must comply with the legal safe clearance distances in the Regulations.

Contact SA Power Networks if you can’t meet the safe distances required by the Regulations. They can issue a Network Access Permit, which often means the powerlines will be turned off while you work. The power won’t be turned back on until you return the permit.

You need to sign the permit and only return it once your work is complete. The permit and its conditions must be clearly explained to you before you sign.