Working near overhead powerlines: no go zones and spotters
Contact with overhead powerlines is one of the most common causes of serious electrical incidents on Australian worksites and farms. Every state sets minimum approach distances for people and plant, and most require a dedicated safety spotter once work gets inside a set zone around the line. This guide explains the basics. Your state's code, the network operator's conditions and your own permits come first wherever they set different rules.
Before work starts
Treat every overhead line as live unless the network operator has confirmed in writing that it is isolated and earthed.
- Identify every line on and near the site, including service lines to sheds and pumps
- Find out the voltage from the network operator, not by guessing from pole height
- Check the approach distances that apply in your state for the plant you are using
- Ask the network operator about permits, isolations, tiger tails or a safety observer
- Mark no go zones on the ground and brief every operator and driver
What a spotter does
A spotter watches the line and the plant, and nothing else. They stand where they can see both clearly, keep in constant contact with the operator and call a stop before the plant gets too close.
In Victoria, for example, a registered spotter is required when plant works between 3.0 and 6.4 metres from distribution lines, and between 8 and 10 metres from transmission lines. Other states use different distances and conditions.
If contact happens
Stay in the cab if it is safe to do so, warn everyone to keep at least 8 metres away, and call 000 and the network operator. Only jump clear if there is fire, landing with both feet together and shuffling away without touching the plant and the ground at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Can the dogman or a labourer act as the spotter?
Only if they are trained for it and doing nothing else while the plant is near the line. A spotter who is also slinging or directing traffic is not watching the line.
Does a spotter make it legal to work inside the no go zone?
No. A spotter is one control within the approach distances your state allows. Work inside the closest zone usually needs the network operator's written permission or an isolation.