Contact between equipment and overhead powerlines is one of the biggest killers in the industry. Whether it’s a tip truck or an augers, always know your limits and stay well clear of overhead powerlines. Coming too close is all it takes for electricity to arc, putting you and others at risk.
In NSW alone 1 in 5 worker deaths are due to farming related activities.
Staying safe around overhead powerlines
Equipment such as augers, harvesting machines, irrigation systems, tip trucks and livestock trailers are all at greater risk of coming in contact with overhead powerlines.Accidental contact with powerlines can result in fires, injury, electric shocks, burns and even the loss of life. There are no second chances with electricity, so extra care is needed when working with near electrical assets.
Ways to stay safe
Consider height
Ensure all equipment operators know the exact height of vehicles, loads, and machinery when lowered and fully extended to maintain a safe clearance from overhead powerlines.
Consider location
If you're using the road, consult maps and diagrams to identify the locations of powerlines and establish safe traffic routes to avoid coming into contact with electricity.
Look around
Be aware of the precise location of overhead powerlines on your property and your proximity to them when working. Consider using the Look Up and Live app for guidance on overhead powerline locations.
Spotters
Always have a designated spotter on site to act as a second set of eyes to look out for powerlines and help with potential blind spots.
Aerial markers
Consider using installing aerial markers to clearly indicate the location of overhead power lines. Enhancing visual awareness of powerlines is particularly important when flying aircraft. Wire strikes contribute to approximately 57% of all agricultural aviation accidents.
Irrigation systems
Install irrigation systems at least 8 meters away from powerlines and maintain a safe distance of 8 meters from electrical assets during installation. Use qualified installers and assign a spotter to oversee safety during installation.
Silos
Farm silos can pose electricity safety risks due to their height and proximity to overhead powerlines. It is essential to maintain safety clearances between silos, machinery, and powerlines.
Visual markers and warning signs
- Set up visual markers and warning signs near electrical assets and hazards to alert others.
- Consider using aerial markers to indicate the location of overhead powerlines.
- Assign a safety observer to ensure no one enters an exclusion zone. They can also assist operators if blind spots obstruct powerlines.
Signs something may be wrong
Fallen powerlines can be challenging to spot. Signs that powerlines may have fallen or an electrical fault has occurred include burnt areas in paddocks or along roadsides, injured or deceased livestock, smoke, or fallen trees.
What to do if you see fallen powerlines
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Stand back
Stand back and leave removing storm debris on or in tangled powerlines to authorised personnel.
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Call Ausgrid
Always assume fallen powerlines are live, stay at least 8 meters away and call us on 13 13 88.
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Stay safe
We'll send a crew to check it out and complete any repair work needed to make the area safe.
What to do if a vehicle comes in contact with powerlines
1. STOP what you're doing. Make the safe call.
2. CALL triple zero (000).
3. STAY in the vehicle until the power has been isolated and the powerlines have been removed.
Understanding private assets
Many rural properties have private electrical assets on their property. Managing risk by removing hazards from the electricity network is a responsibility that is shared between Ausgrid, our customers and the community.
Property owners are responsible for electrical assets beyond our connection point. If you have private poles or powerlines on your property, please be aware of the following safety concerns:
- Trees or vegetation growing too close to electrical assets can potentially spark fires.
- Powerlines clashing or hanging too low.
- Termite damage that may compromise the structural integrity of the poles.
- Damaged wires, cross arms, or fittings.
- Poles that are rotting, rusting, split, or otherwise damaged may cause them to lean or risk falling.
