WP1323 - Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines

Electricity Entity Requirements:
Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines

NOTE:           The Authorised Person (Electrical) will not be permitted to replace a blown LV
                service fuse(s) after loss of supply to a customer’s installation or to alter the
                Electricity Entity overhead LV services. The low voltage pole top service fuse
                shall only be removed by use of an approved, in test, insulated telescopic
                pole device while standing at ground level and wearing class 00 insulating
                gloves. At no time is it permissible for an Authorised Person (Electrical) to
                climb or work aloft on the Electricity Entity’s poles
                or assets unless approved by the Electricity
                Entity.

5.2. Operating Plant
It can be extremely difficult for operating plant operators to see
overhead lines and to judge distances from them. Contact with
overhead lines can pose a risk of grounding live conductors and
electrocution.
In many cases the likelihood of damage or injury can be reduced by setting up and operating
the machinery well clear of overhead electric lines.
In situations where operating plant is operated by an Authorised Person or Instructed Person
without a Safety Observer or another safe system, the exclusion zone requirements (refer
Section 4) for an Untrained Person applies (refer Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 Schedule 2
or Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric
Lines).
For an Authorised or Instructed Person and their Operating Plant to approach overhead electric
lines closer than the exclusion zone distances for an Untrained Person, a Safety Observer or
another safe system shall be used. Refer to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 and the
Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric
Lines for exclusion zone distances for Authorised and Instructed Persons operating plant with a
Safety Observer or another safe system.
Where a Safety Observer is used, the Safety Observer shall:
       Be trained to perform the role
       Not be required to carry out any other duties at the time, and
       Not be required to observe more than one item of plant operating at a time, and
       Be in attendance at all times when the item of plant is operating.
Other control measures for operating plant may include, but are not restricted to:
       Constructing physical barriers or height warning indicators either side of the overhead
        electric line that are lower than the maximum travel height permissible without
        encroaching within the exclusion zone of the overhead electric line;
       Applying appropriate signage at least 8 to 10 m either side of overhead electric lines;
       Arrange for visual indicators such as Tiger Tails or aerial markers to fitted to the overhead
        electric lines – only erected by the Electricity Entity (tiger tails are only permitted on LV
        mains);
       Ground barriers, where appropriate;
       Informing workers of required work practices;




Check this is the latest version before use.               Page 11of30                                        EGX WP1323 Ver 2
9 June 2015                                                                                               EE BS001405R107 Ver 2
                            Joint Reference Document between Energex and Ergon Energy
                    Energex Limited ABN 40 078 849 055  Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062