Ensuring electrical safety in the rural industry is crucial due to frequent incidents involving machinery or irrigation pipes making contact with overhead powerlines. Besides fatalities and injuries, these incidents can lead to substantial property damage, such as arcing or burning affecting vehicle components like frames, gearboxes, engines, axles, and tires.
To manage electrical safety risks in the rural industry, adhering to Queensland's electrical safety laws and applying a risk management approach is essential. The use of practical advice provided in codes of practice further contributes to maintaining a safe working environment.
Being aware of the potential dangers associated with powerlines is crucial:
- Powerlines, carrying high voltages, are prevalent throughout Queensland, posing severe risks even without direct contact.
- Electricity can flow through seemingly poor conductors like trees or machinery, with the risk of electric shock.
- Powerlines, whether above ground or underground, necessitate adherence to safe practices during activities such as trenching or drilling holes.
Locating powerlines can be challenging, especially when they sag between poles. Understanding their variable height and sway due to weather conditions is crucial. Proper knowledge of electrical safety laws and compliance with codes of practice, such as those related to working near overhead and underground electric lines and electrical equipment in the rural industry, ensures a safe working environment.
To avoid powerline accidents, machinery operators should be familiar with the layout of the electrical system, maintain clearances, and conduct risk assessments before commencing work. Visible ground markers, defined emergency procedures, and keeping crops clear of power poles contribute to electrical safety.
Dealing with fallen powerlines requires treating all instances as potentially live. Never approach fallen powerlines, and if a machine or vehicle contacts them, following proper steps, including calling emergency services and electricity distributors, is crucial. Maintaining exclusion zones around powerlines is essential, with a focus on maximizing distance for enhanced electrical safety.
| Power line voltage (1 kV = 1000 volts) | Examples | Exclusion zone* |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 132 kV | Low voltage and high voltage powerlines usually on poles | 3 metres |
| Between 132 kV and 330 kV | High voltage powerlines usually on poles and towers | 6 metres |
| Over 330 kV | High voltage powerlines usually on towers | 8 metres |
*Note: The table above does not fully detail exclusion zone dimensions and other requirements. For further information refer to Part 5 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 and the Electrical safety code of practice 2020 - Working near overhead and underground electric lines (PDF, 0.47 MB).
The following practices can reduce electrical risk around powerlines in the rural industry.
- Always aim to stay further away from powerlines than the distance stipulated by the exclusion zone clearances – increasing distance from powerlines is a simple way to minimise electrical risk.
- Work away from powerlines – not towards them.
- Use maps or diagrams to show the location of powerlines and safe operating areas and keep these safety aids up-to-date.
- Always lower machinery before relocating it.
- Carry out maintenance and check the height and reach of machinery well away from powerlines.
- Don't locate machinery or equipment under powerlines.
- Always use a safety observer whenever there is a risk of coming close to power line exclusion zones – use a safety observer in each work team.
- When working with metal pipes near powerlines, don't lift them at right angles to the ground. Irrigation pipes are made in long lengths that easily cover the distance between the ground and overhead powerlines. Because of this, store irrigation pipes well away from powerlines.
- Regularly monitor work activities around powerlines to ensure they are safe or whenever there is a change such as a new operator, machine or work activity. New operators need to be informed of your safety arrangements. New machinery could be bigger (e.g. longer spray booms, which needs to be factored in to your safe distances).
Farmsafe Queensland has developed resources tailored for the rural industry, including an electrical hazard checklist. This checklist offers practical guidance and a template for conducting risk assessments. To obtain the Managing farm safety – Risk management – Electrical hazard checklist, contact Farmsafe Queensland at 1300 737 470.