Safe Work Practices Around Powerlines

Safe Working Practices Near Powerlines

Safe working practices are essential when working near overhead or underground powerlines. Even when thorough planning has taken place, accidents can still occur if people fail to work safely on the day. Electricity is unforgiving, and a single mistake can have fatal consequences.

Never Work Beneath Overhead Powerlines

The most basic and important rule is simple: never work directly beneath overhead powerlines. This applies to both people and equipment.

You must not:

• Use ladders, scaffolding, MEWPs, cranes, or telehandlers beneath live lines
• Operate tipping lorries under overhead cables
• Store materials or equipment beneath powerlines

Anything that brings people, tools, or machinery closer to overhead lines significantly increases the risk of contact or electrical arcing.

Maintain a Generous Safety Margin

Always keep well outside the minimum safe distance. Even when you believe you are far enough away, conditions can change.

Wind, ground conditions, machinery movement, and human judgement errors can all reduce clearances without warning. Staying back and allowing a generous safety margin provides an essential buffer against these risks.

Use a Trained Spotter for Tall Machinery

When operating tall or long-reach machinery, a trained spotter or banksman must always be used.

Operators often have restricted visibility, particularly when raising booms or moving loads. A spotter helps prevent accidental entry into exclusion zones and provides an extra layer of safety.

Communication must be:

• Clear and agreed in advance
• Consistent and easy to understand
• Maintained without interruption

Take Extra Care During Manual Work

Manual tasks can be just as hazardous as machinery operations. Erecting scaffolding, handling long tools, or using water-fed poles can quickly bring workers into danger zones.

Before starting manual work:

• Identify the position of overhead powerlines
• Avoid using long metal tools near live lines
• Never lift items vertically without checking overhead clearance

Follow Safe Digging Practices Near Underground Cables

When working near underground services, safe digging procedures must always be followed.

This includes:

• Using a cable locator before digging
• Hand-digging trial holes to confirm cable positions
• Stopping work if cable routes are unclear

Never assume cables are at a consistent depth. Cable routes and depths can change along their length.

Stop and Report Unsafe Conditions

If you observe anything unusual, stop work immediately and report it.

This includes:

• Sagging or damaged overhead lines
• Damaged poles or exposed cables
• Machinery operating too close to powerlines

Prompt action can prevent serious injury, fires, or fatalities.

The Importance of Communication and Challenge

Clear communication is vital. Everyone on site must know where powerlines are located, understand exclusion zones, and follow the agreed safe system of work.

Never be afraid to challenge unsafe behaviour. Speaking up or reminding others of the risks can prevent a serious incident and save lives.