Working with or around electricity can be dangerous. Here’s what you need to know when working near lines.
Staying safe around powerlines
Serious injury or death can occur without touching a powerline, which is why it’s important to understand the risks and always stay away from powerlines. This includes both overhead and underground powerlines.
Check overhead powerlines, safety rules and permits in the Look Up and Live app.
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Understand the dangers
Electric shock and electrocution
Powerlines carry high voltage electricity and are often live – this means they have electricity flowing through them. Coming too close, touching a line or coming into contact with something that is touching a powerline can cause a severe electric shock or electrocution. Electricity can travel through metal, water, tools, vegetation and the ground.
Electricity can travel through the air
You don’t need to touch a powerline to be hurt. Electricity can “arc” or jump through the air if a person, tool or piece of equipment gets too close. This can result in serious burns, injuries or death.
Fallen or damaged powerlines
Powerlines that are on the ground or damaged may still be live and are extremely dangerous. The surrounding area, nearby fences, vehicles or even the ground itself can become energised. Always stay away from fallen and damaged powerlines and assume they are live.
Fire risk
Touching powerlines can cause sparks or electrical faults that ignite fires, especially in dry or windy conditions. This can put people, property and the wider community at risk.
High-risk activities
Construction and building works
Examples
Crane operations (slewing or lifting loads)
Concrete pumping
Steel erection and scaffolding
Roof installation and repairs
Use of elevating work platforms (EWPs)
Why it’s risky
Tall plant or loads can breach minimum safe distances
Operators may lose depth perception near overhead lines
Loads or booms can swing unexpectedly into live conductors
Mobile plants and machinery
Examples
Excavators, backhoes, graders
Tipper trucks raising trays
Agricultural machinery
Forklifts carrying long loads
Why it’s risky
Raised components can contact overhead lines
Operators may be unaware of line locations
Ground workers can be exposed to step and touch potentials
Vegetation management and tree works
Examples
Tree pruning or removal
Slashing or mulching
Use of chainsaws, polesaws, or cherry pickers near lines
Why it’s risky
Trees or branches can fall ointo conductors
Tools and cut vegetation can become conductive
Workers may misjudge distances as branches move
Recreational activities
Examples
Flying kites or drones
Fishing with long rods
Model aircraft
Climbing trees near powerlines
Why it’s risky
Lines are often uninsulated
Wet lines, rods, or strings increase conductivity
Members of the public may not understand exclusion zones
Temporary structures and installations
Examples
Temporary fencing
Marquees and tents
Lighting towers
Signage or banners
Why it’s risky
Structures may be erected too close to powerlines
Wind movement can reduce clearances
Metal components can become live if contact occurs
Transporting long or high loads
Examples
Poles, pipes, steel beams
Prefabricated structures
Boats or caravans
Why it’s risky
Loads may exceed safe clearance heights
Drivers may not recognise powerline crossings
Spotters are often not used
Working at heights near powerlines
Examples
Ladder work
Roof maintenance
Gutter cleaning
Sign installation
Why it’s risky
Ladders and tools are often conductive
Loss of balance can result in accidental contact
People may not realise lines are live or uninsulated
Excavation and ground disturbance (underground powerlines)
Examples
Trenching
Boring or directional drilling
Fence post installation
Piling
Why it’s risky
Contact with underground cables can cause electric shock, burns, or explosions
Damage may not be immediately visible
Incorrect asset location or reliance on outdated plans
No Go Zones
No Go Zones (NGZ) are the safe clearance of overhead and underground electricity assets. The clearance zones are provided in the Table of Clearances (PDF, 24KB). These are minimum distances that must be adhered to for people, equipment and machinery when working near our overhead and underground electricity assets.
Only authorised people can work on or near our assets. You must have a Permit to Work or written advice before starting any work. This will be issued in line with the following process and timeframes.
Permit assessment for: Low Voltage (LV) with no switching
High Voltage (HV) for suppression
Any works requiring supply interruption
Can be issued at site visit
Minimum 10 business days
Minimum 20 business days
Typical situations such as supply shutdowns/isolations
Up to 5 weeks, requires 18 business days for Network Operations
Protective warning methods such as fitting of tiger tails or insulating mats
Up to 5 weeks for the management and completion of requests
Visual warning protections, including No Go Zone flagging, warning signs
Up to 5 weeks for the management and completion of requests
Transmission lines (towers)
Before working in NGZ around our transmission assets, you'll need approval from our Line Assets Easements Group. They can also help you get written authorisation, which may include a Permit to Work. You can contact them by email at PTW@ausnetservices.com.au or phone 1300 360 795 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm).
