By Joanne on July 07th, 2011

Look Up and Live – Electrical Safety

Here is a fantastic message from Workplace Health and Safety QLD. It sounds so simple but, you’ll be surprised at how many workers fail to do so!!!

Staying a safe distance from overhead powerlines can save lives, prevent injury and avoid costly damage, according to the Queensland Electrical Safety Office.

When operating vehicle mounted cranes, plant and other machinery look out for overhead powerlines to make sure your equipment will not enter the safety exclusion zone (no-go zone).

The very clear message from Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office is to “look up and live”.

The Electrical Safety Act 2002 specifies certain electrical safety obligations, and the Code of Practice – Working Near Exposed Live Parts gives practical advice on ways to meet these obligations by adopting safe work practices.

The no-go zone is most commonly three metres for powerlines on wood or concrete poles but could be up to eight metres for powerlines on steel pylons.

It is important to stay clear of the powerlines because you or your vehicle and equipment don’t need to touch the conductor to cause electrocution or place others at risk. Many powerlines carry high enough voltages that can cause the electricity to arc, or jump, through the air.

Dump trucks, vehicle loading cranes, cranes, concrete booms, excavating equipment, garbage trucks, farm equipment, and elevating platforms have all been involved in electrical incidents because they came within the no-go zone.

If you are making deliveries, assess the situation and locate your vehicle so that it does not enter the no-go zone.

For limited situations where no-go zones maybe reduced then legal requirements must be met before a person or machinery are permitted to enter a reduced no-go zone. This involves training which can be accessed through a registered training organisation and other industry bodies. Also permission must be obtained from the powerline owner.

Look up and live, especially when operating heavy or tall machinery around powerlines.

Information about electrical safety laws and no-go zones is available from the Electrical Safety Office at www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au.

What are your thoughts and comments? Please feel free to add any stories or experiences you’ve had!

Forklift Safety (safetyconcepts.com.au)

About the Author

Joanne Wallace is our resident "Safety Guru". Joanne has provided advice on safety management for the past 10 years and written hundreds of articles on safety issues and tips. Joanne has experience in many industries ranging from manufacturing, food processing, timber milling, retail, office and wholesaling providing her with knowledge and experience managing risk and injuries in these industries.