WP1323 - Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines

Electricity Entity Requirements:
Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines

       Ensuring operators are aware of the height and reach of their machinery in both stowed
        and working positions;
       Lowering all machinery to the transport position when relocating;
       Providing workers with maps or diagrams showing the location of underground and
        overhead electric lines; and
       Where possible, directing work away from overhead electric lines not towards them.

5.3. Scaffolding Requirements
The following information provided is for guidance only and shall be read in conjunction with the
Electrical Safety Regulation 2013, Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near
Overhead and Underground Electric Lines and AS/NZS 4576:1995: Guidelines for Scaffolding.
Requirements shall be complied with where scaffolding is required to be erected within 4 m of
nearby overhead electric lines:
       The scaffolding shall not be erected before contacting and obtaining Safety Advice from
        the Electricity Entity.
       Erection of scaffolding to comply with requirements of AS/NZS 4576:1995: Guidelines for
        Scaffolding.
       The scaffolding can be either:
               nonconductive material scaffolding; or
               metallic scaffolding with solid nonconductive barriers (with no gaps, holes or cuts)
                securely fixed to the outside and/or top of the scaffolding to prevent encroachment
                within exclusion zones or contact with the energised mains.
       Where scaffolding is erected within 3 m of nearby overhead electric lines:
               It shall be fitted with fully enclosed non-conductive solid barriers to prevent
                encroachment within exclusion zones or contact with the energised mains fully
                enclosed.
               The person required to erect and/or disassemble scaffolding as well as the required
                solid barrier affixed to the scaffolding should be an Authorised Person (approved in
                writing by the Electricity Entity - refer requirements of Section 4.4 of this Reference).
               A Safety Observer shall be used during performance of this work where there is a
                risk of encroachment within 3 m of nearby energised overhead electric lines for
                voltages up to 33 kV. Additional requirements may apply for voltage levels above
                33 kV, contact the Electricity Entity for consultation.
               Alternatively, consideration should be given to the de-energisation of the nearby
                electric lines where possible for the duration of this work. Additional requirements
                may apply for voltage levels above 33 kV, contact the Electricity Entity for
                consultation.
               Comply with the horizontal and vertical statutory clearances from overhead electric
                lines as set out in Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 Schedule 4;
               Persons are not permitted to go outside of or climb on top of the solid barrier fixed
                on the outside and/or top of the scaffolding.
Where an insulated low voltage service line passes through the scaffolding, it should either be
de-energised for duration of work or be fully enclosed by non-conductive material
(e.g. form ply).


Check this is the latest version before use.               Page 12of30                                        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