Working with Landholders

Landowners and occupiers should be aware that raising ground levels underneath powerlines to create a flat surface will further reduce minimum clearance distances. This activity is prohibited by law.

The construction of any permanent structure near powerlines is also prohibited, including but not limited to sheds, silos, fences, swimming pools or loading-bays.

For more information, please view our Land Use Guidelines.

To minimise the risk of power outages, damage to powerlines or fire starts, ElectraNet does vegetation management works to make sure that legally required clearance distances between vegetation and powerlines are maintained.

We inspect and clear powerlines within a designated bushfire or high bushfire rated area every year, while lines in all other areas are inspected and cleared every three years.

Read more about the legal requirements for clearance distances from the Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2010

. Further information is also available from our Vegetation Management factsheet.

Landowners or occupiers who contract low-flying aerial applicator services have a duty of care to provide pilots with a comprehensive map of the treatment area and property, including details of any powerline hazards. All powerlines on your property and within the treatment area must be displayed on the map with the voltage noted. Pilots need this essential information to develop their risk assessments and formulate a safe flight/work plan.

The Aerial Application Pilots’ Manual, published jointly by the Aerial Agricultural Association and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, describes safety procedures for pilots of light aircraft working around powerlines.

Minimum working clearances are prescribed by law, depending on the type of activity being carried out. Road traffic rules stipulate a safety height limit for vehicles, including whip aerials, grain chutes and other vehicle extensions.

If your vehicle or an employee’s vehicle exceeds this limit when fully extended or if it is absolutely necessary for people to work near powerlines and/or on top of a vehicle, it is required by the Road Traffic Act that you first:

• obtain the necessary exemptions from the Road Transport Authority
• inform ElectraNet’s System Control Centre on 1800 243 853 (toll-free) to ensure the potential for electrocution is minimized.

Contacting any powerline with any object is extremely dangerous and may result in serious injury. This includes contact with machinery or vessels, or extensions such as grain chutes, aerials, or flags on mastheads.

Remember to check for the location of overhead powerlines and potential electrical hazards, and be aware of working or undertaking leisure activities safely near overhead powerlines.

If the vehicle you are operating contacts a powerline, remain in the vehicle until the power is switched off and do not move around excessively. Use a mobile phone to make contact with others if possible.

It may become necessary to leave your vehicle. Only do this if:

• you are personally in danger of touching the powerline
• a fire starts
• it is unlikely that anyone else will know of your situation

If it becomes necessary to leave your vehicle, the following steps must be followed to maximise your safety:

• Do not climb on top of the vehicle.
• When leaving the vehicle, do not touch both the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• Jump off the vehicle so that no part of your body (like your hand) is still touching the vehicle when any part of your body (like your foot) touches the ground.
• Land on your feet without your hands touching the ground.
• Calmly walk away from the vehicle with small steps.
• Once you leave the vehicle, do not return until you are absolutely certain the power has been switched off.

Make sure you keep others away from the vehicle. Bystanders should not approach or touch the vehicle or anyone on it until they are absolutely certain the power has been switched off. Emergency Services (Telephone: 000) should be advised of the incident as soon as possible.