Exclusion zones Being in close proximity to overhead or underground electric lines can have severe consequences, including fatality.

Exclusion zones represent the minimum safe distance from live power lines, essential for minimizing the risk of an electric shock.

Working near powerlines is fraught with danger, with direct contact or entering the exclusion zone resulting in a serious electric shock.

When engaging in tasks near powerlines, consider these steps:

1. Establish a comprehensive safe work system before commencing.
2. Ensure a safe distance from powerlines is maintained, staying outside the exclusion zone.
3. Identify overhead and underground powerlines through maps, property owner consultation, and information from electrical entities (lookupandlive.com.au for Ergon Energy and Energex offers a free powerline safety plan).
4. Conduct a site-specific risk assessment, factoring in equipment, weather, work type, and setup procedures.
5. Implement risk controls, with de-energizing the line as the most effective measure in situations with contact risk.
6. Inform and train workers and contractors on safe work procedures, emergency protocols, and exclusion zones (Figure 1).
7. Plan tasks carefully to minimize proximity to powerlines, opting to work away from them whenever possible.
8. Mark the safe distance from powerlines on the ground for worker awareness.
9. Highlight the potential sag or sway of powerlines in varying weather conditions (Figure 2).
10. Educate operators of machinery on the height and reach of equipment to avoid entering exclusion zones.
11. Avoid entering exclusion zones as a standard practice.
12. Enhance visibility of powerlines and poles, seeking permission for painting or installation of markers or flags from the electrical entity.
13. Plan work to prevent tree branches from falling across powerlines.
14. Use insulated or non-conductive tools and equipment when feasible.
15. Employ a safety observer to ensure a safe distance from exclusion zones.
16. Adhere to safety advice from the electrical entity.

While minimum safe distances are outlined, maintaining the greatest possible distance from powerlines is the most effective strategy for electrical safety.