Overhead and underground services
Each year overhead and underground services, such as powerlines, gas pipes, water pipes and communications infrastructure, are hit by mobile plant and hand-held tools, leading to service disruptions and in some cases serious injury or death.
Overhead powerlines are most often contacted by mobile plant and delivery vehicles, or when too close to scaffolds. Use the Look Up and Live tool for safety guidance, including exclusion zones and planning advice.
Underground services are most often contacted by earth moving plant or hand-held tools. Contact Before you Dig Australia to identify pipes, cables and powerlines underground.
Safety alerts:
- Handling conductive material near overhead powerlines
- Mobile plant operating near overhead power lines safety alert
Incident releases:
- Contact with overhead powerlines (15 November 2021)
- Working near overhead electrical service lines (5 February 2024)
- Electrical incident resulting in arc flash (24 July 2018)
Videos:
- Look Up and Live - stay safe when operating machinery near overhead powerlines - YouTube
- Look Up and Live - stay safe when working on scaffolding near overhead powerlines - YouTube
Codes of practice:
- Work Near Overhead Power Lines: Code of Practice (PDF, 3569.89 KB)
- Work near underground assets – Guide (PDF, 8151 KB)
Useful Links:
- General guide for working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines - SafeWork Australia