safety around electricity

Getting too close to live power cables is incredibly dangerous and can be fatal. Make sure you look up and look out, watch for overhead power lines, and watch where you dig.

Electricity can jump from power lines to people or equipment meaning that you don't even have to touch them to be electrocuted. You need to stay at least four metres away from power lines at all times. 

Person trimming tree near power lines

Staying safe near overhead lines 

If you’re handling tall objects near power lines (like scaffolding or ladders), keep an eye on what’s above. Don’t let anything come within four meteres of power lines. Electricity can travel down lines and equipment, resulting in serious injury to the person holding the equipment. You don’t have to touch power lines to suffer electrocution. 

If you're going to be working closer than 4m to lines, poles or power boxes, you'll need a ‘close approach consent.’ If you plan to move a tall structure, such as a house or a boat, with a height that is 4.25m or greater, you must apply for a high-load permit.Contact your local lines company to find out more about these.   

 

Woman about to dig near underground cable

Staying safe before you dig 

To avoid the risk of being electrocuted, it’s critical that you know where underground cables are before you dig. If cables are hit or damaged, it can also knock out vital power, water, gas and communication supplies.

beforeUdig is a FREE online service that gives anyone undertaking excavation works information on the location of cables, pipes and other utility assets in and around any proposed dig site.

Man keeping 10m away from downed powerlines

Treat as live at all times

Treat all power lines, cables, equipment, switches and sockets as live — at all times.

If you see downed power lines, do not go near them. Stay at least 10m away and call 111 immediately.  

Do not do any DIY electrical work at your home — it’s extremely dangerous. Always used a registered electrician.