Undertaking work near overhead and underground assets

31-10-2013

The team at SafetyZone@YCM are often asked about obligations companies have when working near underground and overhead utilities, such as powerlines, water systems and gas piping. The requirements for work near these assets were developed by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), Worksafe and other external stakeholders such as Powercor Victoria.

The Worksafe publication ‘Framework for Undertaking Work Near Overhead and Underground Assets’ outlines  all relevant information regarding work near overhead and underground assets. From information such as this, Safe Working Procedures (SWMS/JSA/SOP) are generally developed and implemented to operations staff to manage risks identified. These procedures should outline the task to be undertaken, the risk level, the controls to be implemented and responsible personnel.

Spotters are required within the ‘Spotter required’ zones and permits granted by asset owner i.e. Powercor, AGL etc. for any work to be undertaken within ‘NO GO ZONES’.

Overhead Utility Safe Distances:

  • Power Poles
    • Open (No Spotter) >6400 mm
    • Spotter Required 3000 – 6400 mm
    • Exclusion (Not within) 3000mm
  • Electrical Towers
    • Open (No Spotter) >10m
    • Spotter Required 8 – 10m
    • Exclusion (Not within) 8m
  • If work MUST be undertaken within these distances, contact the asset owner to gain permission and required permits.

Underground Utility Safe Distances:

  • Single Wire Earth Return (SWER)
    1. Exclusion Zone 10m
  • Individuals Digging
    1. 300mm
  • Plant / Equipment Digging
    1. 500mm
  • Underground Assets Registered by Pipelines act
    1. 3000mm
  • Electricity cable with an in-service voltage >66kV
    1. 3000mm

If work MUST be undertaken within these distances, contact the asset owner to gain permission and required permits.

Other important safety considerations:

Powerline Swing: Powerlines will swing during high winds, this changes the exclusion zone distance and close proximity increases the risk of arcing to machinery.

Powerline Sag: Hot temperatures will cause electrical cables to sag lower to the ground.

Communication: whenever working near electrical hazards, methods of communication are integral. Best practice is to have a 2 way radio as well as a visual backup system.

Open area: this area may be worked within without a spotter; caution must be taken to ensure a spotter is available if machinery operates within the ‘Spotter Required’ zone.

Spotter Required: this area can be worked in only if a qualified spotter is present. Spotters must have completed the relevant training and not be assigned to any other tasks whilst working as a spotter.

NO GO ZONE: this area cannot be worked in without the prior authority of the utility owner i.e. Powercor Victoria.