CONSTRUCTION AND UTILITIES
JUNE 2006
FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERTAKING
WORK NEAR OVERHEAD AND
UNDERGROUND ASSETS
A GUIDE TO
THE NO GO ZONES
WorkSafe’s expectations for
safe work practice.
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Framework for undertaking work near
overhead or underground assets
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Further development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Application of the framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
6
6
7
What does working near an overhead
or underground service mean to me? . . 8
15
16
17
18
18
18
Safe systems of work
What does the term ‘No Go Zone’
mean for me?
Overhead services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Underground services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
What do I need to know before
I start work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Diagram 3: Flowchart: Work near
overhead or underground assets. . . . . . . . . . .
Diagram 4: Design envelope of plant
near overhead services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checklists, flowcharts and procedures. . . . . .
Competency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Single wire earth return or
SWER electricity systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A: types of assets and
limits of approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B: guideline framework for working
near overhead and underground assets –
excluding electricity assets on towerlines . . .
Conditions applicable to working near
overhead and underground assets . . . . . . . . .
Programmed works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working near assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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12
13
13
First aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signage and marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical guidance for plant & equipment . . .
Communications systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditions applicable to the use of spotters .
Safety information: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contact or arcing with overhead or
underground assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contact or damage to gas assets . . . . . . . . . .
Reference documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contact numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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20
20
20
21
21
21
22
14
Disclaimer
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure this document is correct at the time of publication, the project
team disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted
to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document.
This document contains the endorsed findings of a project involving industry participants and does not necessarily
reflect the single position of any organisation, company, statutory body or person/s involved. The findings are provided
for industry use to provide a solution for issues in this environment.
DEFINITIONS
• Access Authority: any form of authorisation
which allows work on or near an asset which
is issued by a representative of the asset
owner to an individual, allowing work to be
conducted in accordance with the conditions
specified on the Authority.
• Elevating Work Platform (EWP): a vehicle
mounted boom-type mechanical device that
is primarily used to support a work platform
in an elevated position. The control of the
platform position may involve luffing, (raising)
telescoping and slewing actions.
• Asset: an overhead cable network or an
underground water/drainage/sewerage,
electricity, gas or communications network.
• Envelope: the space encapsulating a
plant item, including attachments such
as rotating/flashing lights or radio aerials
and is categorised as:
• Asset Owner: the owner of an asset or the
provider of a utility service.
• Aerial Service Line: the final span or section
of an overhead electrical service running
from a power pole to the point of supply
for a customer.
• Awareness training: a regime endorsed by
the USC which provides an individual with an
appropriate awareness level of hazards posed
by utility assets including the risks associated
with utility services at a worksite.
• Cable/s: a wire, conductor or form of material
designed for carrying electric current or
communications signals.
• Competent: a suitably trained individual with
sufficient experience to safely perform, with
minimal supervision, work outlined in this
guidance material.
• Deemed to Comply: a process described
in this guide governing activities near utility
services which is accepted as complying
with relevant legislation, regulations or rules.
• Driver: the person responsible for direct
operation of any vehicle in transit mode.
• Earthmoving Machinery: as defined in the
OH&S (Plant) Regulations - 1995. “Means
plant used to excavate, load, transport,
compact or spread earth, overburden, rubble,
spoil, aggregate or similar material, but does
not include a tractor, industrial lift truck, or
a vehicle designed to be used primarily as a
means of transport on public roads”.
Design: the space encapsulating all possible
movements of the plant and any load attached
under maximum reach.
Operating: the area encompassing the
movement of plant and any load under
controlled and managed circumstances
or encompassing engineering solutions
controlling the movement of plant and
its load.
Transit: the area encompassing the normal
height and width of a vehicle or plant when
travelling to or from a worksite.
• Excavating: the movement or placement of
soil or other surface materials by removing,
boring or forcing objects into the ground or
earth surface.
• Hazard: a source of potential harm or a
situation with a potential to cause loss.
• High Voltage or HV: a nominal voltage
exceeding 1000 volts.
• Insulated: separated from adjoining
conducting material by a non-conducting
material to mitigate the danger of
electric shock.
• Inspector: an individual authorised under
the OH&S act.
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA): Formal method of
identifying possible hazards associated with
a particular job and determining the control
measures to be implemented to minimise
the hazards.
3
DEFINITIONS
• Low Voltage or LV: a nominal voltage
exceeding 50 volts but not exceeding 1000 volts.
• Near: a distance from an asset as follows:
Overhead electrical assets: a distance of
6.4 metres from overhead cables at voltages
up to 66kV and 10 metres in the case of
voltages greater than 66kV.
Underground assets: a distance of 2 metres
from any underground asset and 3 metres
from any underground assets registered
under the Pipelines Act or an underground
electrical cable with an in-service voltage
greater than 66kV.
• Operation of Assets: the physical
management of utility services, including
installation, maintenance and commissioning
functions.
• Operator: the individual in control of a piece
of plant or equipment at a workplace.
• Permission: where the Asset Owner or their
representative has granted approval for the
undertaking of a task or series of tasks near
their assets. This approval may be subject
to workplace safety and network or asset
requirement provisions on the individual
seeking to undertake the work.
• Network Asset Regulations: the Statutory
Rule No 141/1999 – Electricity Safety
(Network Assets) Regulations 1999 including
all the provisions contained therein.
• Permit or Permit to Work (PTW): an authority
issued by an electricity asset owner, refer to
definition of Access Authority (above) which
allows work in the Permit Zone.
• No Go Zone: the area surrounding:
overhead electricity cables on poles anywhere
above or within 3000 mm to the side and
below overhead power lines in the case of
power lines up to and including 66kV and 8000
mm in the case of voltages above 66kV (tower
lines); or
underground services being 300 mm
for individuals and 500 mm for plant or
equipment or 3000 mm of any underground
assets registered under the Pipelines Act
or an underground electricity cable with
an in-service voltage of greater than 66kV.
• Permit conditions: permission conditions
stipulated by an asset owner.
Note: Some asset owners may have a
requirement for greater clearances than
articulated here to ensure the integrity
of their assets at a specific worksite. Any
information pertaining to this additional
requirement will be provided with the
response to an asset enquiry.
• PPE: refers to personal protective equipment.
• Plant: any machinery, equipment or appliance
including any component, fitting or accessory
in relation to plant and defined as plant under
the OH&S Plant Regulations (1995) with the
specific exclusion of hand tools or endorsed
devices used to locate and or maintain
clearances from underground assets.
• Plant operator: see ‘Operator’.
• Pressurised: a constrained flow of a
substance in pipeline which may be of varying
diameters and thicknesses, the flow of which
may or may not be directly controlled by an
asset owner.
• Practicable: has the meaning defined in
the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004.
• OGS: Office of Gas Safety.
• Risk: the likelihood of injury or illness or
disease arising from exposure to or contact
with overhead or underground services.
• Operation of plant and equipment: the
physical use of such items at a worksite.
• Safe: not posing an unacceptable risk to
life, health or property.
• OCEI: Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector.
1 The composition of the USC consists of the Office of Gas Safety, Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector and is chaired by WorkSafe Victoria. Peak Industry
Body’s (PIB’s) consisting of regulators, employers, employee groups, unions and asset owners are then covened to provide a recommended solution.
4
DEFINITIONS
• Safe systems of work: work practices
in which the health and safety risks to
employees have been controlled so
far as practicable.
• Spotter: a competent person who undertakes
the task of observing and warning
against unsafe approach to overhead and
underground assets. A spotter for overhead
electrical cables shall have successfully
completed an endorsed training course.
Emergency: where a crew is despatched to the
worksite in response to an immediate threat/
danger to an individual, the public, property or
the asset.
• WorkSafe Victoria: the regulator for
workplace safety in Victoria.
• Worksite: the workplace under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.
• Spotter Zone: means the area adjacent
to overhead assets (power lines) on poles
anywhere within 3 to 6.4m to each side, and
8 to 10m on Tower Lines, and at or within
500 mm of an underground asset (mechanical
plant) or 3m of an asset registered under the
Pipelines Act.
• Step potential: means the potential electrical
difference between any two (2) points, which
can be touched simultaneously by a person.
• Supervisor: a representative of the principal
for a worksite, who has the delegated
responsibility for a task or range of tasks
being undertaken at the worksite.
• Work: an undertaking at a worksite involving
plant and equipment other than hand-held
equipment or tools.
• Works:
Planned or Programmed: any work which has
followed the normal planning process prior
to work commencing, i.e. where the worksite
has been physically inspected and assessed
in advance of the work crew arriving on site.
Unplanned: any urgent works where there has
not been a reasonable opportunity to follow
normal planning processes prior to work
commencing. This includes works where
the supervisor has not physically inspected
the work place or where a work crew has
come across a scope of work requiring action
during the normal course of their duties.
2 For the purpose of this guideline the term Water has the meaning of drinking and recycled or grey water, drainage and sewerage.
5
FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERTAKING WORK
NEAR OVERHEAD OR UNDERGROUND ASSETS
INTRODUCTION
This framework and guidance material
identifies fundamental safe systems of work
endorsed by key stakeholders and establishes
the recommended standards to undertake
work near overhead or underground assets.
The framework provides a uniform safety
approach for industry when working near both
overhead and underground assets. Ongoing
management of these guidelines has been
assigned to a utilities safety committee1 (USC).
This is to ensure there is an appropriate state of
knowledge within industry sectors undertaking
work near overhead or underground assets.
The term “No Go Zone” is utilised in order
to provide a definition for safety clearances
surrounding both overhead and underground
services. The utility assets logo has been
developed to provide an easy identifier for the
endorsed processes and procedures relating
to working near these assets.
SCOPE
This document provides the principal OH&S
guidance framework for those individuals
undertaking work near overhead or
underground assets. This should be considered
a base level document of best practice
guidelines for Victorian industry. The No Go
Zone framework requires an individual to seek
“permission” from the relevant asset owner
if they are not fully able to comply with the
guidance framework or are seeking to work
within the permissioning clearance area around
an asset. The framework provides a “state of
knowledge” to industry on occupational health
and safety matters. Rigorous adherence to
safety systems and universal behavioural
standards within industry are the basic tools
developed by the project team for safely
managing the risks associated with individuals
working near utility services.
This best practice framework has been
produced in conjunction with stakeholders
from participating industry sectors, unions,
asset owners and regulators. Drawing on the
knowledge of these participants, the framework
aims to:
• Encourage the use of agreed safety systems
for such work.
• Provide a state of knowledge for the safety
of the individual and the community.
• Encourage co-operation between utility
owners and industry to minimise damage to
these assets.
Principally, guidelines within the framework
provide an agreed method for work undertaken
near utility services.
Drawing upon risk control procedures,
engineering solutions, administrative and
training systems already utilised by some
companies and industry sectors, including
procedures which industry may develop in
the future. The guidance framework material
articulates how work near overhead or
underground assets or services may be
undertaken.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
The USC in maintaining and reviewing the
guideline material including any procedures,
processes, training modules or guidance
material established under this regime shall
comprise representatives from the various
stakeholders involved and have an independent
Convenor appointed by WorkSafe Victoria.
Any processes and procedures developed by
an industry sector and endorsed by the USC
should be developed within the following
framework:
• The process or procedure is appropriate for
the nature, scale and environment in which it
is to be utilised.
1 The composition of the USC consists of the Office of Gas Safety, Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector and is chaired by WorkSafe Victoria. Peak Industry
Body’s (PIB’s) consisting of regulators, employers, employee groups, unions and asset owners are then convened to provide a recommended solution.
6
FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERTAKING WORK
NEAR OVERHEAD OR UNDERGROUND ASSETS
• The solution developed by the industry sector
provides a framework for the establishment,
maintenance and review of the principal
safety objectives, with guidelines meeting
current legislative obligations.
• The process or procedure has been fully
documented.
• The process or procedure is easily
communicated to those individuals
undertaking the work.
• Any engineering or technical option available
has been considered for its suitability.
• An appropriate incident reporting regime
is in place for the scope of work.
• Roles, responsibilities and accountabilities
are defined, documented and communicated.
• The proposal should have an associated
review and contingency procedure.
Incorporating safe work systems at the
planning stage of any project assists the
management of occupational safety, the assets
and the project. No work should commence
on-site (see the flowchart in diagram 3) without
the appropriate systems in place.
Should the scope of work require a reduction
in the approach distance from an asset, as
outlined in these guidelines (see diagrams
1&2), permission from the relevant network
owner/s must be obtained. Alternatively,
employers will be deemed to have gained
permission if they develop safe systems of work
using the industry specific No Go Zone safety
procedures, endorsed by the Utilities Safety
Committee.
The scope of these guidelines does not cover
an emergency services organisation during a
declared or emergency incident.
• The impact on individuals, the community,
the environment and the scope of work
should be considered when developing the
solution.
• The process of gathering relevant information
about the service infrastructure on or near
the worksite, has been considered by the
industry sector.
• A relevant close-out process has been
documented.
• A continual improvement process is in place
in the workplace.
APPLICATION OF THE FRAMEWORK
This framework provides employers with the
basis of an endorsed method of work when
undertaking work near gas, electricity, water2
and communication assets above, on or buried
under public land, including any roadway,
reserve or easement on private land.
2 For the purpose of this guideline the term Water has the meaning of drinking and recycled or grey water, drainage and sewerage.
7
WHAT DOES WORKING NEAR AN
OVERHEAD UNDERGROUND SERVICE MEAN TO ME?
There are current legislative technical
obligations, including special safety
considerations, procedures and processes
required of employers undertaking work near
overhead or underground services.
The term ‘near’ is utilised as a reference point
for employers undertaking this work. This term
is applied when the worksite is:
• A distance of 6400 mm from overhead cables
at voltages equal to or less than 66kV and
10000 mm in the case voltages greater than
66kV; or
• A distance of 2000 mm from an underground
service or 3000 mm from an asset registered
under the pipelines act or an underground
electrical cable with a voltage greater than
66kV.
Note: a spotter must be used for working
inside these clearances for overhead electricity
services unless specific industry guidance
does not call this requirement up. Clearances
from services must be safely determined by a
competent person when completing a JSA.
8
WHAT DOES THE TERM
NO GO ZONE MEAN FOR ME?
OVERHEAD SERVICES
If you are working with plant ‘near’ an overhead
service and following the No Go Zone guidance
material, you may work up to:
Diagram 1: Clearances from Overhead
Electrical Cables
NO GO ZONE
for Power Poles
• 3000 mm from an overhead electrical cable
on a pole; and
• 8000 mm if the electricity cable is on a tower line.
If the design envelope of the plant is able to
encroach on this clearance in its working position:
• Then employers must obtain permission from
the electricity company; or
Anywhere above
Power Line
and
Within 3m each side
or below
See Special Provisions
Spotter
Required
Between
3-6.4m
of
Power
Lines
Open
Area
Outside
6.4m
of
Power
Lines
3m
• Alternatively, employers will be deemed to
have gained permission if they have developed
safe systems of work and are working in
accordance with these guidelines.
Open
Area
Outside
6.4m
of
Power
Lines
3m
3m
If you cannot comply with these No Go Zone
safety procedures, then NO work should be
undertaken without specific permission from
the electricity company.
No Go Zone safety procedures are also being
developed for specific industries such as the
waste industry. These will be available from the
Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector, WorkSafe
Victoria or the Office of Gas Safety. (See Diagram
1 for a representation of the No Go Zone
clearances around an overhead electrical cable.)
Spotter
Required
Between
3-6.4m
of
Power
Lines
NO GO ZONE
for Towers
Anywhere above
Power Line
and
Within 8m each side
or below
See Special Provisions
Spotter
Required
Between
8-10m
of
Power
Lines
Open
Area
Outside
10m
of
Power
Lines
8m
8m
Spotter
Required
Between
8-10m
of
Power
Lines
Open
Area
Outside
10m
of
Power
Lines
8m
9
WHAT DOES THE TERM
NO GO ZONE MEAN FOR ME?
UNDERGROUND SERVICES
You may carefully prove the location of
underground asset by hand or other suitable
non-destructive method. This should only be
undertaken after obtaining information on the
location of any underground services, except
where the asset owner prohibits any excavation
without a location of the assets on site.
If you are working with plant ‘near’ an
underground service, and following the No
Go Zone guidance material, you may work
no closer to the asset than (see Diagram 2):
• 300 mm for individuals; and 500 mm for plant
or equipment, or 3000 mm in the case of any
underground assets registered under the
Pipelines Act or an electricity cable with an
in-service voltage greater than 66kV.
For principal assets requiring significant
integrity of the material surrounding the
asset, greater clearances may be required.
Information regarding these clearances can be
obtained with the initial asset location enquiry.
Diagram 2:
NO GO ZONE
Clearances
10
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
Before starting work, you must determine:
a) Your scope of work.
b) If you are working near overhead or
underground services.
c) If in undertaking this work, you will encroach
into the No Go Zone clearances surrounding
these services.
(This means you must consider what work you
are going to do and how you will do it at the
planning stage of a project. See Diagram 3.)
Diagram 3: FLOW CHART: Work Near Overhead or Underground Assets
11
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
If you determine your work near utility services
will encroach on the No Go Zone clearances,
then you must seek ‘permission’ from the
Asset Owner or comply at all times with the
No Go Zone clearance and guidance framework
contained in Tables A & B. This may also
include any specific guidance processes and
procedures required for the scope of works.
(See diagram 4 for an example.)
For instance, when undertaking excavation
works, you need to seek information on any
underground services which may be located at
your worksite. This can be done by requesting
information from the asset owners. Most utility
companies are members of the ‘Dial Before You
Dig’ service and provide this referral service
at no cost. For asset owners not registered
with this service, you will need to contact them
directly or through their service provider. Most
asset owners will provide the utility plans without
cost, unless the scope of work is reasonably
complex. For a listing of these asset owners or
service providers, go to www.workcover.vic.gov.
au/dir090/vwa/home.nsf/pages/nogozone
Providing you adhere to any additional
requirements in the utility company response
to this request for information on underground
services locations, including the requirements of
this guidance framework, you will be deemed to
have been granted permission to undertake work.
With overhead services, you need to safely
determine the height of any services at a
worksite. You must also determine the design
envelope of any plant or equipment and any
loads being slung during the works (Diagram
5). If you are operating under specific guidance
material and the working location is near the
overhead service, you must subtract the design
envelope from the height of the electrical
cable and check this figure against the
clearances listed in Table A. Then, to see if any
permissioning is required before you commence
work, you must check the compliance
requirements in Table B.
If you are encroaching on the No Go Zone
clearances or are unable to comply with these
guidelines, you must seek permission from the
asset owner.
Where no safe systems of work and or
training regimes are in place, then no work
near overhead or underground assets should
be undertaken, unless the asset owner has
granted permission.
Diagram 4:
NO GO ZONE
SPOTTER AREA
No Go Zone Guidelines:
• Crane Truck requires Permission
to undertake work.
Dotted line signifies design envelope of the plant.
12
No Go Zone Guidelines:
• Tip Truck may proceed ONLY by
strict adherence to the No Go Zone
Guidelines safe systems of work.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
CHECKLISTS, FLOWCHARTS AND
PROCEDURES
Sample checklists and flowcharts for
undertaking work near overhead or underground
assets are available as a download through the
“No Go Zone” link at www.workcover.vic.gov.au/
dir090/vwa/home.nsf/pages/nogozone,
www.ocei.vic.gov.au/industry/ngzone.html,
utility service providers, www.ogs.vic.gov.au.
Other checklists for various work stages,
including technical guidelines and instructions,
are also available from this website.
Applicable limits of approach are detailed in
Table A. The design envelope and working
position of plant must be known for the scope
of work, together with the height of overhead
assets and the buried depth and position of
underground assets. You must also consider
how the work or task will be undertaken at the
particular worksite. Once this is known, refer
to Table B to determine what process must
be followed for the work to comply with these
guidelines.
• The operation of any plant or equipment
near the overhead or underground assets
and what mechanism/s will ensure
clearances to these assets are maintained
throughout the entire job.
• Any hazards specific to that worksite.
• Ensuring individuals are appropriately trained
for the particular asset and the work scope.
COMPETENCY
Only a person competent in identifying and
preparing a JSA for overhead or underground
services shall assess compliance with the
No Go Zone framework. Where the No Go Zone
framework provides for work near overhead
and underground assets, only a competent
individual or an individual under the supervision
of a competent person shall undertake the work.
Once the process has been established,
consideration should also be given to:
The measurements
required prior to the
start of any work.
Height of
electrical cables
Diagram 5: Measurement required for each worksite
Design
envelope
of the plant
13
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
SINGLE WIRE EARTH RETURN OR
SWER ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS
No excavation work shall be undertaken within
a 10 metre radius of a pole with a SWER
transformer mounted on it (see Diagram 6).
For further information regarding work near
SWER systems, contact your local electricity
company. Contact telephone numbers are at
the back of this document.
Diagram 6:
10m radius
14
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
TABLE A: TYPES OF ASSETS AND LIMITS OF APPROACH.
Types of overhead electrical
& communications assets.
Nominal voltage (‘U’) both
alternating current and
direct current
Minimum clearances for the
design envelope of plant
and equipment under these
guidelines before permission
is required. Permission will
also be required where the
conditions in Table B cannot
be met.
Safety Controls required
for the Deemed to Comply
guideline provisions to
take effect.
1. Insulated low voltage
electricity conductors
500 mm
Training and safety systems
2. Uninsulated low voltage
electricity conductors
1000 mm
Training and safety systems
3. High voltage electricity
conductors up to and including
66kV
2000 mm
Training and safety systems
4. High voltage electricity
conductors above 66kV
6400 mm
Training and safety systems
5. Communications cabling Broadband and telephony
300 mm
Training and safety systems
Minimum clearances for
individuals (A), and the
operating envelope of plant
and equipment (B) under the
guidelines.(Refer to Table B)
Safety Controls required for
the Deemed to Comply
guideline provisions to take
effect or where specific
permission has been granted.
6. Assets listed under the
Pipelines Act.
3000 mm
Must contact the Asset Owner
for specific conditions
7. All electricity conductors
greater than 66kV
3000 mm
Must contact the Asset Owner
for specific conditions
8. All electricity conductors
up to and including 66kV
300 mm (A), 500 mm (B)
See specific requirements
in the underground guidelines
9. Telecommunications Cables
300 mm (A), 500 mm (B)
Must contact the Asset Owner for
specific conditions
10. All gas pipelines other
than 6 above
300 mm (A), 500 mm (B)
See specific requirements in the
underground guidelines
11. Water, Drainage & Sewerage
pipelines.
300 mm (A), 500 mm (B)
Must contact the Asset Owner for
specific conditions
TYPES OF UNDERGROUND
ASSETS
(Note: The owners of assets registered
with the Dial Before You Dig service
and covered by this guide require an
enquiry through this free service and the
compliance with any directive issued with
information regarding the asset).
15
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
TABLE B: GUIDELINE FRAMEWORK FOR WORKING NEAR
OVERHEAD AND UNDERGROUND ASSETS – EXCLUDING ELECTRICITY
ASSETS ON TOWERLINES.
OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL ASSETS
DESIGN ENVELOPE
OPERATING
ENVELOPE
OUTSIDE NEAR
OUTSIDE NEAR
NO GUIDELINE
REQUIREMENTS
INSIDE SPOTTER
OR NO GO ZONE
N/A
NO GO ZONE
SPOTTER ZONE
OUTSIDE TABLE A
CLEARANCES
INSIDE TABLE A
CLEARANCES
SAFE SYSTEMS
OF WORK
SAFE SYSTEMS
OF WORK
SAFE SYSTEMS
OF WORK
SAFE SYSTEMS
OF WORK
SPOTTER & SAFE
SYSTEMS OF WORK
PERMISSION
SPOTTER & SAFE
SYSTEMS OF WORK
*See Note
UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL ASSETS
OPERATING ENVELOPE
OUTSIDE NEAR
NO GUIDELINE REQUIREMENTS
INSIDE ‘NEAR’, OUTSIDE TABLE A
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
AT OR INSIDE TABLE A
Permission Spotter & Safe Systems of Work *See Note
*Note: Separate Industry Sector guidelines may have been developed for work in this area.
For information regarding access to Tower Line easements, you must contact the Asset Owner.
No work may be undertaken near a Tower Line without Permission from the Asset Owner.
• The Utility Safety Committee (USC) is responsible for endorsement of any guidelines and no work
shall be undertaken without Industry Sector development and endorsement from the USC
• Consideration must be given to any load being slung by the plant or equipment.
16
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO
WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD
AND UNDERGROUND ASSETS
No work is to commence until:
• The presence, location, type and operating
voltage/pressure of the asset has been
positively determined by a competent person
and all required safety systems are in place.
• A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is developed for
the scope of work and all persons performing
the work are inducted into the JSA.
• All the conditions of these guidelines and/or
Permission to Undertake Work, including
any special conditions, has been granted and
complied with.
• Persons have been instructed to avoid,
wherever practicable, simultaneous contact
between the ground and any item of plant and
its load whilst the plant is being operated or is
in transit near electrical assets.
• The safety procedures contained in these
guidelines can be adhered to when an item of
plant may encroach on the No Go Zone.
An item of plant may operate to the distance
specified in Table A, under the following
conditions:
• Where the Asset Owner has granted
Permission for this to occur; or
• Under Industry Sector Specific guidelines; or
• Under the processes and procedures
contained in these guidelines; and
• Where the appropriate training and control
systems, including the use of engineering
solutions, have been implemented to ensure
no part of the plant or equipment or load may
come closer to the overhead asset than the
distance specified in Table A.
In the specific case of plant which only operates
where the height of its working envelope is
the same as the height of its transit envelope,
approach to within 300 mm of a covered Aerial
Service Line is permitted (See Diagram 7).
Typical examples of this plant are mechanical
street sweepers, high-pressure drain cleaners,
graders and side-loading refuse trucks.
In the case of plant whose design envelope may
breach the No Go Zone for electrical assets:
• Control measures may include controlling any
load with non-conductive tag lines.
• A Spotter shall be utilised together with a
minimum length of 1 metre of earthing chain
or other approved earthing mechanism.
Where it is not practicable to utilise a trailing
earth chain, other suitable risk control
measures must be used.
– For voltages up to and including 66kV, the
chain should have a minimum link diameter
of 10 mm. For voltages above this figure, the
earth chain must be 16 mm.
– In both instances, the earth chain must be
attached to the vehicle’s chassis using bolts
suitable for the task.
• Where the operator position is ground-based
with the controls attached to the vehicle or
tray i.e.: vehicle-mounted cranes.
– An ‘Equipotential Mat’ or other equivalent
device, or a 900 mm x 900 mm x 6 mm thick
clean and dry rubber insulating mat is to be
placed under the plant operator’s position.
Diagram 7: Transit Envelope – Maximum overall height
Top of cabin,
lights, aerial or
exhaust –
whichever is
highest.
17
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE I START WORK?
Note: The use of an insulating rubber mat
only provides limited protection for voltages
less than 22kV.
WORKING NEAR ASSETS
Example 1:
NO GO ZONE
– The use of a mat does not allow any closer
approach of the plant and the mat must be
routinely tested for its insulation properties.
SPOTTER
– Consideration should also be given to
providing an operator station on the vehicle,
eliminating the “step” potential risk for the
operator.
Where practicable, erect the following signage or
symbolic signs that convey the same message,
at regular intervals along the worksite;
DANGER
Plant whose design envelope (in the case of Overhead
Electrical Cables) or their operating envelope (in the
case of underground Services) is outside of table A must
be controlled by Safe Systems of Work including the use
of a spotter, but does not require “permission”) from the
Asset owner.
Example 2:
Electrical Conductors Overhead –
WORK BY PERMIT ONLY
Signage must be placed in the cabin and near
the controls of the plant to remind the operator
to beware of overhead power lines.
AREA
NO GO ZONE
SPOTTER
AREA
PROGRAMMED WORKS
During the job-planning phase, the proximity
to overhead and underground assets and
equipment at a worksite shall be considered.
Programmed work must be undertaken in
accordance with processes and procedures
detailed in this guide and/or endorsed by the
USC process.
Plant including Excavators, Cranes (including vehicle
mounted cranes), EWPs and Concrete Placing Booms
whose design envelope is inside the NGZ and may
contact overhead assets must be controlled by safe
systems of work and permit to work.
Example 3:
EMERGENCY WORKS
Unless permitted under a site specific Permit
to Work, the following activities are not to be
undertaken during emergency works “near”
overhead electrical or communications assets
within the distances defined in Table A:
• Use of large plant, including cranes and
excavators (preference should be given
to using small vehicle mounted hoists,
backhoes, bobcats, hydraulic suction
excavators and mini excavators).
• Handling of large loads, such as tilt panels,
roof trusses or trench shields, etc.
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NO GO ZONE
SPOTTER
AREA
Plant operating in the spotter area where the design
envelope of the plant cannot encroach on the clearances
in Table A. The plant must be controlled by safe systems
of work but does not require “permission”.
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
SIGNAGE AND MARKING
A competent person should undertake the
development of a safe system of work near
overhead or underground assets. Development
of this system should take into consideration:
In terms of hierarchy for the control of OHS
hazards in relation to plant, signage and marking
is considered the least effective. These must not
be relied on as the only control mechanism to
reduce the risk of injury in relation to plant.
• The type and location of infrastructure, plant
and equipment to be utilised.
• Timing and duration of the scope of work.
• Designated loading and or unloading areas.
• The permanent or temporary relocation of any
infrastructure or assets on or near the worksite.
• How the principal wishes to construct any
building, temporary hoarding, erection of
scaffolding or bracing.
• The relationship to any affected utility services.
• What permissioning is required.
A detailed plan for the safe system of work
should contain:
• Any additional information attached or added
as appendices.
• A record of services supplying the construction
or building site with details of the assets in the
vicinity of the worksite.
• Who is to undertake the work and the type of
plant and equipment used.
• Communication processes and methods.
Note: Awareness training must not be the only
control mechanism. Other methods of risk
and hazard control must be utilised to maintain
the safety of the individual, community and the
assets themselves.
FIRST AID
The Code of Practice for First Aid should be used
to determine the requirements at a worksite.
A First Aid Kit must be available for a worksite.
It should contain materials appropriate to the
worksite and be regularly inspected and maintained.
However, signage and marking do provide useful
warning of hazards and reminders of safety
requirements. Appropriate training and supervision
must support any message conveyed by signs.
Signs should be displayed at all hazardous
locations warning workers of the nature of any risk
and/or how to avoid it. The use of pictograms is
preferred but these may be combined with words.
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE FOR
PLANT & EQUIPMENT
Operation and maintenance manuals for plant
and equipment must be supplied and conform to
the current version of the Occupational Health &
Safety Plant Regulations.
In addition, technical material should be provided
with:
• Clear, unambiguous and adequate information
and instructions for the safe operation of plant
and equipment.
• A specific section within the technical material
referencing safety measures and highlighting the
risk and avoidance measures for working near
overhead and underground assets including:
– The design envelope of the plant.
– The travelling height of the plant.
• Clear guidance on the environmental conditions
required for safe working of machinery:
– Avoidance of low overhead electrical lines.
– Unstable surfaces.
– Excavations near underground cables and
pipes, etc.
• Readily understandable pictograms to
supplement the text, as required.
• A laminated quick reference guide for each
piece of plant with clearly and permanently
marked control panels.
19
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
Communications systems must be appropriate for
the worksite and the type of work being undertaken.
• The system/s must provide for emergency
response. This may be from the site to the
necessary response organisations and/or
to a manual control point who shall undertake
the appropriate notification.
• Where the scope of work and the worksite
require communication between spotter or
safety observer and the operator, a voice
communication system is preferable or
alternatively, a visual, audible, radio or buzzer
system could be used.
• Where an operator platform is fitted, suitable
communication devices are to be installed.
CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE
USE OF SPOTTERS
Spotters for overhead electrical cables shall
have completed an endorsed Spotter training
program. Persons undertaking spotter duties
for underground assets must also be competent
to undertake the work.
Where this guidance material requires the use
of a spotter to undertake work near overhead or
underground assets, the specific work practices
shall include the following:
• The spotter must be dedicated to this task at
ALL times when an operator is at the controls
of the plant item or where the engine/power
source is operating.
• The spotter is to be positioned to monitor the
distance between the operating plant and any
asset and to provide immediate and direct
notice/warning to an operator (i.e. hand signals,
whistle, hand held two-way communications,
etc.) should the plant or its load start to breach
the prescribed clearance to the asset.
SAFETY INFORMATION
In addition to complying with these guidelines
regarding work near overhead and underground
services, employers must also consider the
20
risks from other hazards in developing safe
systems of work.
Some of the dangers which may arise when
working near overhead and underground
assets are:
• Gas Services:
Damage to gas services can cause gas
escapes which may lead to fires or explosions
if an ignition source is present. There are two
types of leaks following damage to the service:
– Damage which causes an immediate escape.
In this case, there is a risk to those working
at the site.
– Damage which causes an escape some
time after the incident. This may be through
damage which weakens the service casing
or the result of poor reinstatement practice.
In this instance, the public is mainly at risk.
• Electricity Services:
An injury resulting from damage to live
electricity cables is usually caused by the
explosive effects of arcing current and by the
fire or flames which may follow when the
sheath of a cable is penetrated by an object.
Damage and injury may also occur if the cable
is crushed or contact is made between the
individual phases of a cable.
• Petroleum or oil pipelines:
The result of damaging these services is
similar to that of gas services. However,
there is the additional risk of significant
environmental issues, particularly when
the liquid gains access to waterways.
• Water and Waste Services:
Damage to water and waste services is less
likely to cause injury, but a high pressure jet of
water from a main can injure or cause death,
undermine roadways or damage adjacent
services. Low-lying areas may also run the risk
of flooding from both water and waste effluent,
with the main danger from sewerage being
contamination and the resultant risk to health.
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
CONTACT OR ARCING WITH
OVERHEAD OR UNDERGROUND
ASSETS
• Do not attempt to approach or re-enter the
vehicle until the relevant authorities have
determined the site is safe.
Should contact be made with an overhead or
underground asset or arcing occur between a
cable and an item of plant and/or employee, the
following actions shall be taken:
• It is essential to leave the cab or operator
station, trench or enclosure and maintain
an exclusion perimeter due to the risk of
explosion or fire.
• All work should cease immediately.
• Warn all other personnel / public to keep
clear from the worksite and equipment.
Facilitate First Aid treatment and seek
medical aid as required.
• Operator (or Driver) should remain inside
cabin. If it is essential to leave the cab or
operator’s station due to fire or other lifethreatening reasons, jump clear of the
equipment. Do not touch the equipment and
ground at the same time. When moving away
from the equipment, the operator should hop
slowly, shuffle or jump away from the plant
(with feet together) until at least 10 m from
the nearest part of the plant item.
• Warn all other personnel / public to keep
10 m clear from equipment. Do not touch
any part of the equipment or load and do not
attempt to approach or re-enter the vehicle
until the relevant authorities have determined
the site is safe.
• Facilitate First Aid treatment and seek
medical aid as required.
• Advise your organisations emergency contact
and request they immediately notify the
relevant authorities, including the appropriate
Utility Company.
• Initiate the emergency management plan.
CONTACT OR DAMAGE TO GAS
ASSETS
Should an incident occur involving Gas assets,
the following actions should be taken:
• All work should cease immediately.
• Operator is to shut down the plant or
equipment UNLESS this process may provide
an ignition source for any escaping gas.
• Do not attempt to use any instrument which
may provide an ignition source near the gas
escape. This may include mobile phones, two
way radios, etc.
• Advise your organisations emergency contact
and request they immediately notify the
relevant authorities, including the relevant
Gas Distribution Company.
• Initiate the emergency management plan.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Australian Standards
AS 2550 – Cranes and the various sub codes
AS 2648.1 1995 Underground service
identification tape colours
AS/NZS 2978–1995 Insulating Mats
for Electrical Purposes
AS 1319–1994 Safety signs for
the occupational environment
AS 1742.3 Traffic control devices
for works on roads
Copies of these standards can be purchased
from Standard Australia’s Customer Service
Centre on 1300 654 646 or over the net
at http://www.standards.com.au
Legislation
Electricity Safety Act 1998; Electricity Safety
(Network Asset); Regulations 1999; Electricity
Safety (Installations) Regulations 1999;
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Gas Safety Act 1997
Commonwealth Legislation
Telecommunications Act 1997
More information is available from:
www.ocei.vic.gov.au
www.ogs.vic.gov.au
www.workcover.vic.gov.au
or your local utility company.
21
CONTACT NUMBERS
ELECTRICITY:
Agility (AGL): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 626
Alinta Network Services:
Electricity Faults: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 099
Alcoa Australia: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5245 1740
CitiPower: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 280
Connex Trains: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 9619 2977
Office Chief Electrical Inspector: . .1800 000 922
Powercor Australia: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 206
SPI PowerNet:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (03) 8635 7333
TXU Networks - Electricity faults: . . . . . 131 799
Yarra Trams: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 9610 3394
GAS:
Alinta Network ServicesGas Faults: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 691
GASNET Australia: . . . . . . . . . . . . .1800 686 634
Gas emergencies (asset owner not known): . . . . . 132 771
Origin Energy: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 771
Office of Gas Safety: . . . . . . . . . . . .03 9348 1924
TXU Networks - Gas faults: . . . . . . . . . . 132 083
COMMUNICATIONS:
Optus Weekday Overhead Assets: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1800 500 305
Underground Assets: . . . . . . . . . . .1800 505 777
TELSTRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 203 Option 3
WATER:
City West Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 691
Country areas contact your
Regional Water Authority
Melbourne Water Corporation . . . . . . . . 132 446
South East Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 694
Yarra Valley Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 721
‘Dial Before You Dig’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1100
WORKSAFE VICTORIA . . . . . . . . .1800 136 089
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WORKSAFE VICTORIA
WorkSafe Advisory Service
222 Exhibition Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 9641 1444
Toll-free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1800 136 089
Email. . . . . . . . info@workcover.vic.gov.au
Head Office
222 Exhibition Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 9641 1555
Toll-free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1800 136 089
Website. . . . . . . . www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Local Offices
Ballarat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5338 4444
Bendigo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5443 8866
Dandenong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 8792 9000
Geelong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5226 1200
Melbourne
(628 Bourke Street) . . . . . . . . .03 9941 0558
Mildura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5021 4001
Mulgrave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 9565 9444
Preston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 9485 4555
Shepparton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5831 8260
Traralgon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5174 8900
Wangaratta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5721 8588
Warrnambool . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03 5564 3200
WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority.
VWA649/03/06.06