Contact with overhead powerlines (15 November 2021)
A 24-year-old operator received an electric shock resulting in serious injuries. He was in the process of moving a drilling rig to a new hole location when the pendant control drill rig he was using struck overhead high voltage powerlines.
Safety information
Contact between mobile plant and equipment with energised overhead powerlines is one of the biggest workplace killers.
Persons conducting a business or undertaking (usually the business or employer) who are working in the vicinity of energised overhead power lines and associated electrical apparatus must do the following before commencing work.
Before the job starts:
- conduct a risk assessment of the proposed work
- consult with the relevant electricity supply authority about the work and ask them to assist you in identifying the height and voltage of overhead power lines. Comply with any special conditions they impose.
- if necessary, eliminate the risk by arranging for the electricity supply authority to isolate the electricity supply for the duration of the work
Establish safe approach distances:
- if the risk is not eliminated, separate the electrical hazard from the mobile plant and the workers by ensuring the following approach distances are maintained:
- Up to and including 132,000 volts – 3 metres
- Above 132,000 volts and up to and including 330,000 volts – 6 metres
- Above 330,000 volts – 8 metres
Note: when applying the above approach distances, it is important to take into account the ‘sag and swing’ of the powerlines, the movement of the mobile plant and the strength of the wind, as well as possible operator error or equipment malfunction.
- ensure a trained safety observer is used whenever a mobile plant is in motion and could come closer than the above approach distances
Ensure effective communication systems:
- ensure an effective communication system is in place for the workers performing the work
Remember the safe work procedure when working near overhead power lines - LOOK UP AND LIVE.
More information
- Work near overhead powerlines - Code of Practice
- Operating cranes & mobile plant near overhead electric lines -Safe Work Australia
- Mobile plant operating near overhead power lines safety alert – SafeWork NSW
- Look up and live - Powerline & safety tool planning app
Electricity network operators
- Ausgrid - 13 13 65
- Endeavour Energy - 13 37 18
- Essential Energy - 13 23 91
- Transgrid - 1800 222 537
- Sydney Trains - 131 500