Construction-Related Safety Advice for Works Near Our Network Assets
Working near electricity can be dangerous. We are committed to supporting safe construction practices around our electrical assets. Whether you’re undertaking activities adjacent or in proximity to Endeavour Energy’s network such as:
- Scaffolding
- Cranes or lifting equipment
- Excavation
- Boring or piling
- Plant or equipment
- Vegetation removal
- Construction
- Moving an overheight load
Please read the SafeWork NSW Work Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines Code of Practice before commencing any work.
Common Construction Activities
Every year, we assist construction professionals and property owners in understanding safe practices when performing activities around electrical assets. The most common enquiries involve:
- Scaffolding erection and removal: Scaffolding adjacent to overhead powerlines poses risks of electrical contact. Safe installation and removal require precise distance measurements and adherence to minimum safe clearance requirements. This may include the use of tiger tails, hoarding, power isolations, etc.
- Crane or lifting operations near overhead powerlines: Cranes, elevated platforms, and other equipment near overhead lines require proper planning to ensure sufficient clearances from Endeavour Energy assets to prevent inadvertent contact.
- Excavations near underground cables: Digging or earthworks must carefully address the risks associated with proximity to buried live cables. Proper preparation and techniques help avoid costly damage and ensure worker safety. When using powered excavation equipment, it is also important to be aware of the presence of any overhead power lines.
- Installation of Tiger Tails: Tiger tails are split synthetic tubes installed over powerlines to provide a visual indication of the presence of overhead powerlines. While SafeWork NSW rules state that tiger tails do not alter the minimum clearances you are required to maintain from live electrical wires, they are an important safety feature
- Removing of vegetation (tree lopping) adjacent or directly above overhead power lines: There are many areas within Endeavour Energy’s franchise area in which the overhead power lines run underneath, above or adjacent to large plants and trees. Safe removal of such vegetation may include the provision of high and low voltage isolations.
- Overheight Loads: Every year many overheight loads are transported along the road network within Endeavour Energy’s franchise area. Power lines crossings over the road network can pose a risk to vehicles whose height is greater than 4.3m. Endeavour Energy assist with route surveys, escorts and power isolation to eliminate the risk of any overheight vehicle contacting high or low voltage power lines.
- General Safety Advice: Endeavour Energy also provides free safety advice to the construction industry if you are not sure what is required when working in proximity to Endeavour Energy assets. You can also contact your local SafeWork NSW inspector
If you’re undertaking any of these activities near Endeavour Energy assets, it’s your responsibility to plan accordingly and comply with all regulatory requirements. Always notify Endeavour Energy if your work intersects critical safety zones.
Minimum Approach Distances for Overhead Power Lines (Ordinary Person Zone)
Maintaining safe distances is essential when working near Endeavour Energy’s overhead network. This minimum approach distance is set via the SafeWork NSW Document Work Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines Code of Practice and is referred to as the Ordinary Person Zone.
Endeavour Energy’s network voltages vary from low voltage (230 volts) up to 132,000 high voltage transmission mains. The minimum approach distance for voltages within this range is 3 metres. If your work cannot maintain this clearance, contact Endeavour Energy to allow us to assist you with finding the most practical way to enable your works to be completed safely.
Permanent Structures near Overhead Assets:
Please note that while we provide safety information, Endeavour Energy does not offer consultation, review, or approval services for permanent structures proposed within or adjacent to our powerline easements or existing asset clearances. If your project includes permanent structures within our clearances, this may require the relocation of Endeavour Energy's assets, subject to approval and associated costs borne by the proponent. Ensure you consult us early in your planning process to avoid delays or unexpected costs.
Excavations Near Underground Cables
Excavation activities near underground assets require extra care to prevent damage to live cables and ensure worker safety. The minimum excavation distances for underground electrical assets are outlined in the SafeWork NSW Document Work Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines Code of Practice.
Prior to any excavation works taking place, if the BYDA identifies any underground electrical assets within or adjacent the worksite, the location of those assets must be confirmed via non-destructive potholing techniques.
Minimum clearance distances:
- For underground cables up to 33,000 volts, powered excavation cannot encroach within 600mm. Excavation any closer must be carried out via non-destructive excavation techniques or by the use of hand tools unable to damage or pierce the outer sheath of the cable.
- For underground cables above 33,000 volts, contact must be made with Endeavour Energy to ascertain any specific requirements. Contact details can be found on the BYDA documentation.
Prior to undertaking any excavation works, lodge a request with Before You Dig Australia to obtain information on the presence of underground services.
