Reducing risks for work with powerlines

A new code of practice for reducing health and safety risks associated with powerlines was released yesterday by NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca.

Work Near Overhead Powerlines replaces the old powerline guide, Interim Guide for Cranes and Mobile Plant Working in Close Proximity to Overhead Powerlines, which is now obsolete.

Spokesperson for Della Bosca, Andrew Plumley told Safety Solutions that the previous guideline was limited in scope and only covered cranes and mobile plant. It also did not outline risk management processes.

"The new code, however, covers a range of other workplace activity such as scaffolding, tree and vegetation management and rural industry," Plumley said.

"The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 requires employers to ensure that workers and their plant, tools, equipment or materials do not come into close proximity with overhead powerlines," Della Bosca said.

The code has been developed by an expert advisory committee to be of practical assistance to employers limiting the risk of injury to employees that work near overhead powerlines. It specifies approach distances for people, cranes, vehicles and mobile plant.

"The new code is a major step forward in ensuring safer conditions for all workers involved in tasks that may require them to be in the vicinity of powerlines," Della Bosca said.

The new code can be downloaded at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.

Carmen Li, Safety Solutions journalist
10/10/06