NS165

NS165: Safety requirements for non-electrical work in and around live substations

Details the specification and requirements for construction work, including excavation, in Ausgrid's major substations and switching stations.

Scope

This Network Standard applies to all non-electrical work, including excavation work, in and around Ausgrid’s in-service sub-transmission and zone substations and switching stations and other installations where specified in contract documents. It encompasses: 

• high risk construction work as per WHS Regulation 2017;
• structural and civil works including scaffolding and fencing work;
• excavation works within substations and immediately outside substation fences;  
• construction work on foundations and structures for electrical equipment;
• work on oil containment installations;  
• work on substation fences, gates, windows and doors;  
• work associated with the installation of barriers, vents and grills associated with substation risk mitigation works, including fire-stopping work;
• maintenance work including roofing works to existing substation buildings; and
• construction of new substation buildings and extension of existing substation buildings, within 
  existing substations, including the associated activities of all building trades. 

This Network Standard does not apply to: 

(a) Work involving the installation or removal of electrical equipment, any other electrical installation work, or electrical maintenance or repair work. The Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules apply to normal maintenance activities, and it is not intended that this Network Standard be applied in those circumstances. All work should be assessed to determine the level of risk and the appropriate Regulations, Codes, Standards and Guidelines that apply to that type of work.  

(b) Routine maintenance work carried out by contractors, such as maintenance of a security system, fire alarm system or water treatment system within substations, where the contractor, having completed substation entry training and related statutory training, is issued with substation keys and authorised to enter substations for the purpose of carrying out a specific maintenance activity. 

(c) Construction work on a new substation which is deemed to be a green field site, prior to that substation being electrically connected to the Ausgrid network. 

The requirements of all other relevant Network Standards must also be complied with. 

The principal objective of this Network Standard is to specify and achieve a safe system of work, 
having regard to the electrical hazards in substations.