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It only takes one mistake with a crane or mobile plant coming into contact with live wires to end with catastrophic injury – or death. The most frequent causes of fatal accidents in the crane industry in Australia were those involving strikes by load, and electrocution. Staying alert, compliant and knowing where you and your crew should be in relation to the poles and wires is vital to keeping everyone safe.
When working near powerlines it’s important to know the rules that determine how close a person or machine can safely get. No Go Zones, also called exclusion zones, provide limits on how close cranes, crew and mobile plant can get to powerlines. The rules are not the same for all powerlines, or all states, and change based on the voltage of the lines.
Victoria has the most stringent guidelines on zones regarding work around power lines. For distribution overhead powerlines, which carry voltages from 240V to 66kV, the No Go Zone is anywhere above the powerline, within 3 metres on either side and 3 metres below. Examples of distribution overhead lines would be those used for trams, and trains.
Transmission overhead power lines carry much higher voltages – 132kV to 500kV, and are installed on towers or steel poles. The No Go Zones for these are larger; 8 metres above, 8 metres on either side, and 8 metres below.
Victoria also uses spotter required/no spotter required in their zoning. Distribution overhead powerlines must have a spotter when working between 3 – 6.4m of powerlines, while open areas outside of 6.4m do not require a spotter. Queensland by contrast has 3 zones – any line voltage up to 132kV has an exclusion zone of 3 metres, between 132kV and 330kV is 6 metres, and over 330kV is 8 metres.
Always be aware of powerlines around you. You can use the Look Up and Live app to check the locations of powerlines before you get onsite – it provides overhead powerline locations and imagery, safety guidelines (including exclusion zones), options for planning or performing work, and information about de-energisation or relocation of powerlines.
If you must work near powerlines there are steps you can take to minimise your exposure to danger. Developing a safe system of work before you start any activities can save lives; electricity and lack of planning do not mix.
Identify the hazards around you and conduct a site risk assessment. What kind of equipment is being used, what are the conditions and weather on the site – is it windy? Is it hot? High winds could risk being shifted into the exclusion zone and powerlines sag in intense heat. What work is being done, and what is the set-up and pack- up procedure? Overhead powerlines are often uninsulated, and high voltages can arc (flashover) across air gaps to nearby objects of a different potential, posing a serious hazard if you or your equipment gets too close. Additional factors like lightning strikes and switching can cause sudden spikes in voltage, increasing the risk of arcing.
Cranes and other machinery working near high-tension powerlines can also develop significant induced voltages. Dragging a grounding chain to improve earthing can help minimise potential electrical hazards. Choosing your control measures is deadly serious, not just for operators and crew but for the public if lines are contacted.
Safework Australia provides a hierarchy of control with measures for safely operating cranes and mobile plant near overhead electric lines, including substitution, isolation, engineering, administrative and PPE controls.
There is no single blueprint for working safely around overhead powerlines.
Each jurisdiction has its own specific rules, and every worksite presents unique hazards. The terrain, foliage, or other visual obstructions can all effect the safety of an operation. Additional factors, like whether scaffolding needs to be erected or dismantled, can further complicate the situation. These site- specific challenges require a careful, tailored approach to ensure the safety of workers when operating near overhead lines.
Operators and owners must stay informed about the standards in their jurisdiction and take a proactive role in training their crews. Proper planning is crucial, especially for teams working in proximity to powerlines. Regular safety training, clear communication and risk assessments should be conducted to ensure that everyone on-site is aware of potential hazards and follows safe work practices to minimise the risk of accidents.