Look up/Look Out for overhead high voltage lines

Published: 15.10.2008

In a recent incident, a drilling rig contacted an overhead high voltage line while shifting around the worksite. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident – which is currently under investigation. However, many such similar accidents where machinery has contacted overhead lines have resulted in fatalities.

Contractors, machine operators and truck drivers need to watch out for overhead lines when carrying out work. It is a requirement of the Electricity Regulation 1997 that people must maintain a safety distance of not less than four metres from any conductor, unless approval is obtained from the line owner.

Written approval can be given for a lesser distance on the issue of a close approach permit or the line may in some circumstances be isolated and made safe.

It is also a timely reminder for home owners to keep clear of overhead electric lines (service mains) when carrying out work on their property such as painting around mains, erecting scaffolds or ladders and trimming trees. Home owners and home maintenance contractors need to contact the electricity retailer to arrange for supply to be disconnected before such work is undertaken.

For more information on Energy Safety including safety alerts, go to www.energysafety.co.nz.