Construction, earthworks, farming or other equipment coming into contact with overhead transmission lines can have deadly consequences. Make sure you’re familiar with your work area and know the safe clearance distance you must keep between your equipment and the line. The distance varies depending on the structure design and voltage.
Resources are available to support you when working near transmission about activities that can and can’t be carried out on, or near, Powerlink easements to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the network:
If your equipment comes in contact with lines, don’t move and get someone to call 000 and Powerlink’s emergency number on 1800 353 031 for help. Make sure bystanders stay well clear as dangerous voltages may occur in the earth around the vehicle or incident site.
Clearance distances
The safe clearance distance between transmission lines and equipment varies depending on the structure design and voltage of the lines, and the types of activities being carried out. Look up and Live resources are available to guide you on safe work practices for working around high voltage transmission lines.
Minimum safe clearance distances are set out in the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific activities by either sending an email or calling Freecall 1800 635 369 during office hours, or calling Freecall 1800 353 031 outside office hours.
Aerial mustering near transmission lines
Landholders and aerial mustering contractor need to be vigilant when conducting aerial mustering around our transmission network.
Helicopters are widely used in Queensland to muster cattle. This low-level flying activity can expose pilots to hazards such as dust and poor visibility, trees and electrical hazards (including transmission lines and towers).
Further information on flying safely near electricity networks is also available on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.