How should a Queensland contractor plan work near overhead powerlines?

Find out what is overhead

WorkSafe Queensland says to identify overhead and underground electric lines by consulting maps and talking to the property owner and the electrical entity. For Ergon Energy and Energex areas, lookupandlive.com.au offers a free powerline safety plan. The voltage matters because the exclusion zone depends on it.

Sources[1]

Assess the site and the plant reach

WorkSafe asks for a site-specific risk assessment that considers the plant and tools, site and weather conditions, the type of work, and set-up and pack-up. Lines sag or sway in hot or windy weather. Cranes, elevating work platforms, tippers and excavators can enter an exclusion zone, so operators need to know the height and reach of machinery and hand-held items.

Plan the tasks so work is away from the line, not underneath it.

Sources[1]

The overview distances, and why 3 metres is not a free pass

WorkSafe describes exclusion zones as the minimum safe distance from energised lines and says the best approach is the greatest possible distance. Its table is an overview only and does not fully detail zone dimensions or other requirements.

Sources[1]

Controls to put in place

WorkSafe says the most effective control is to de-energise the line for the duration of the work where there is a risk of contact. Ask the electrical entity whether that is possible and follow its safety advice. Other measures it lists include marking the safe distance on the ground, making lines and poles visible (with the entity's permission for markers, flags or paint), using insulated tools where possible, planning so branches do not fall across lines and using a safety observer.

Induct and train workers and contractors in safe work procedures, emergency procedures and exclusion zones. This guide does not cover switching or any work on energised lines.

Sources[1]

Pre-start note you can adapt

This note is our suggested layout, not a WorkSafe form. Replace every square bracket.

NEAR-POWERLINE PRE-START NOTE

Site: [address]   Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]   Completed by: [name]
Lines identified: [pole / tower / service line]   Operator: [Ergon / Energex / other / unknown]
Voltage band confirmed with the entity: [yes / no, reference]
Zone confirmed from: [Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 Part 5 / code of practice / entity advice]

Plant and tools on site: [item, maximum height and reach]
Weather, sag and sway considered: [yes / no]
De-energisation asked of the entity: [yes / no / not possible, reference]
Zone marked on the ground: [yes / no]
Safety observer: [name, or not required and why]
Crew briefed on controls and emergency procedure: [names, time]
Stop-work trigger: [for example, plant or load moving toward the zone]

Sources[1]

Common questions

What is the minimum clearance distance from power lines in Queensland?

It depends on the line voltage and the work. WorkSafe's overview lists 3, 6 and 8 metres by voltage band, but says its table does not fully detail exclusion zone dimensions or other requirements. Confirm the voltage and zone with the electrical entity and the current regulation before choosing a number.[1]