The Blue Book 2017: Code of Practice On Electrical Safety For The Work On or Near High Voltage Electrical Apparatus

The Blue Book 2017
Code of Practice on electrical safety for the work

on or near high voltage electrical apparatus
Note to users Disclaimer
Victoria’s statutory electrical safety This publication contains work health and
requirements are set out in the Electricity safety information. It may cover some of
Safety Act 1998 (the ESA) and associated your obligations under various legislation
Regulations. This Code of Practice (Code) that is administered by Energy Safe Victoria
has been developed by the Electrical or WorkSafe Victoria. To ensure that you
Safety Committee (ESC), which has been comply with your legal obligations, you
established under Section 8 of the Energy must refer to the appropriate legislation.
Safe Victoria Act 2005. The latest laws can be accessed by
Employers, employees, self-employed visiting the Victorian legislation website
persons and all persons conducting a www.legislation.vic.gov.au
business or undertaking who work, employ This publication does not represent a
or engage persons to work on, or near high comprehensive statement of the law that
voltage electrical apparatus are required applies to high voltage electrical installations
to be appropriately trained in accordance or work on or near high voltage electrical
with this Code. They should be aware of its apparatus and is not a substitute for legal
requirements and comply with the provisions advice. You should seek independent legal
of the Code that apply to the work that is advice if you require assistance on the
being carried out. application of the law to your situation.
This Code should be read in conjunction
with the ESA and the Regulations made
under that Act in particular, the Electricity
Safety (Installations) Regulations. © Energy Safe Victoria
The information contained in this publication
is protected by copyright. Energy Safe
Victoria hereby grants a non-exclusive
licence in this publication to the recipient
on the condition that it is not disseminated
for profit. Energy Safe Victoria encourages
the free transfer, copying and printing of
the information in this publication if such
activities support the purpose and intent
for which the publication was developed.
This Code was published by Energy Safe

Victoria on 13 November 2017.
Electrical safety committee
members at the time of
publication
Company Sector represented
Adam Beel United Energy Distribution Electricity Distribution
Chairperson
Des Dalton ENGIE (Loy Yang B) Electricity Generation
Andrew Plozza Ecogen Energy Newport Electricity Generation
Dennis Munn AusNet Services Electricity Transmission
Kai Sui Tnay AusNet Services Electricity Distribution
Bill Eastoe Metro Trains Melbourne Railway & Tramway networks
David Huntley Melbourne Water Electricity customers
Alan Harlow Optec Pty Ltd Electricity customers—
electricity training provider
Roy Sands National Electrical and Contractors’ Representative
Communications Association
Justine Sordello Electrical Trades Union and VTHC Electrical worker’s union
Steve Darnley WorkSafe Victoria Victorian Safety Regulator
John Stolk Energy Safe Victoria Electrical Safety Regulator
Loc Vuong Energy Safe Victoria Electrical Safety Regulator
The following persons significantly contributed to the revision:
Company Sector represented

David Le Lievre Past Committee Chair Electricity customers
David Harden Past Committee Chair Electricity distribution
Graeme Watson Past Committee member Electricity workers union
Robert Oldfield Energy Safe Victoria Technical Support
Barry Heywood Energy Safe Victoria Technical Support
1
Further information
Anyone seeking additional information
on HV safety should contact:
°° employer
°° HV assets owner
°° railway and tramway operators
°° generation, transmission
and distribution businesses
°° Energy Safe Victoria
For general workplace health
and safety advice, contact:
WorkSafe’s Advisory Service
on 1800 136 089
Suggestions or comments regarding
possible amendments should be
addressed to:
Energy Safe Victoria
PO Box 262
Collins St West
Melbourne VIC 8007
T (03) 9203 9700
F (03) 9686 2197
[email protected]
www.esv.vic.gov.au
2
Statement from the
Director of Energy Safety
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is the independent The Blue Book is also a published technical
technical regulator responsible for electricity, standard that major electricity companies
gas and pipeline safety in Victoria, Australia. (MEC) and other network operators must
Part of ESV’s role is to ensure that high meet or exceed as part of their Electricity
safety standards are maintained in relation Safety Management Schemes (ESMS).
to the design, construction, operation and ESV recognises that the industry needs
maintenance of electrical installations and time to implement the new requirements of
electricity supply networks. The Code of the 2017 Blue Book, to train workers and
Practice on Electrical Safety for Work on or make them aware of the new requirements.
Near High Voltage Electrical Apparatus’ (the Accordingly, the new requirements of the
Blue Book) is an essential part of that role. 2017 version of the Blue Book will take
The 2017 Blue Book has been prepared by effect from 1 March 2018.
the Electrical Safety Committee established I endorse the 2017 Blue Book and commend
under Section 8 of the Energy Safe Victoria the committee members and organisations
Act 2005. involved in producing this revision.
The Blue Book is revised and republished
every five years to ensure that the safety
standards for work on or near high voltage
electrical apparatus are fit for purpose,
reflect industry best practice and are Paul Fearon
improved where possible. Director of Energy Safety
The Electricity Safety (Installations) 8 August 2017

Regulations require owners and operators
of high voltage electrical installations and
complex electrical installations to comply
with the Blue Book.
Owners and operators must ensure that
anyone who operates and maintains these
installations or works on or near parts of
these installations is aware of the provisions
of the Blue Book and appropriately trained
with respect to its content.
3
Table of Contents
9 Definitions
14 1 Purpose
15 2 Scope
16 3 General safety requirements
3.1 Hazard identification, risk assessment and control
3.2 First aid
3.3 Communications
3.4 Forms
3.5 Use and testing of operating and live-line equipment
17 3.6 Insulating sticks
3.7 Labelling of electrical apparatus
3.8 Ladders
3.9 Personal protective equipment
18 3.10 Tapes and other measuring devices
3.11 Use of safety observers
3.12 Fit state for work
19 3.13 Work within electric and magnetic fields
3.13.1 General
3.13.2 Electric fields (50 Hz)
20 3.13.3 Magnetic fields
3.14 Victim rescue
21 4 Training and authorisation
4.1 General
4.2 Approved training standard
4.2.1 Introduction
22 4.2.2 Learning outcomes
4.2.3 Training courses
4.2.4 Records

4
23 5 Work in the vicinity of electrical apparatus
5.1 General
5.2 Use of mobile plant
24 5.3 Handling objects/loads
5.4 Erection or dismantling of overhead conductors
25 5.5 Work by ordinary persons
5.6 Work within stations or on multi-circuit overhead lines
with multiple asset ownership
26 6 Approach to electrical apparatus
6.1 General
29 6.2 Safe approach distance—persons
6.2.1 Safe approach distance—normal
31 6.2.2 Safe approach distance—special
32 6.2.3 Guidelines for the development and use of alternative safe approach
distances—special
6.3 Safe approach distances—vehicles
6.3.1 Ordinary persons
6.3.2 Authorised and instructed persons
34 6.4 Safe approach distances—uninsulated mobile plant
6.4.1 General
6.4.3 Instructed persons or authorised persons
6.5 Safe approach distance—insulated mobile plant
37 6.6 Emergency approach
6.7 Contact with live high voltage conductors by means of appliances
6.8 Approach to live high voltage insulated cables
6.8.1 General
6.8.2 Earthed metallic sheathed or screened high voltage cables
6.8.3 Non-metallic screened high voltage aerial bundled cable
38 6.9 Work in stations
6.10 Work outside of stations
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39 7 Operation of high voltage electrical apparatus
7.1 Persons authorised to operate high voltage electrical apparatus
7.2 Written high voltage switching instructions
7.3 High voltage switching
40 8 Earthing of high voltage electrical apparatus
8.1 General requirements
41 8.2 Earthing for access to high voltage electrical apparatus
8.3 Earthing of overhead lines
8.4 Overhead lines (priority earthing preferences)
8.5 High voltage metal clad switch
42 8.6 High voltage capacitors
8.7 Aerial supervisory cables
43 9 Access for work on or near high voltage electrical apparatus
9.1 General
9.2 Electrical access permit procedure
9.2.1 Planning for an electrical access permit
44 9.2.2 Multiple working parties
9.2.3 Multiple ownership
9.2.4 Issue, receipt and cancellation of electrical access permits
45 9.2.5 Persons permitted to sign onto electrical access permits
46 9.2.6 Recipient working alone
9.2.7 Issuer also a recipient
9.2.8 Rejection of a recipient
9.2.9 Earthing of electrical apparatus under electrical access permit
47 9.2.10 Temporary cessation of work or absence of recipients
9.2.11 Testing under an electrical access permit
9.2.12 Working on multi-circuit overhead lines
9.2.13 Change of electrical access permit conditions
9.2.14 Cancellation of an electrical access permit
48 9.3 Testing HV electrical apparatus procedure
9.3.1 General
9.3.2 Planning for testing of high voltage apparatus
49 9.3.3 Sanction for testing procedure
50 9.3.4 Persons permitted to sign onto sanctions for testing
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51 9.3.5 Responsibilities of tester in charge
9.3.6 Complementary sanctions for testing—Responsibilities of tester
responsible at remote location
9.3.7 Relinquishment of sanctions for testing
52 9.4 Out of commission electrical apparatus
9.4.1 Declaring electrical apparatus out of commission
9.4.2 Access to out of commission electrical apparatus
9.5 Suspension of an access authority
9.5.1 General
9.5.2 Conditions for suspension of an access authority
9.5.3 Procedure for suspension of an access authority
53 9.5.4 Procedure for resumption of an access authority
9.6 Live work—high voltage
9.6.1 General
54 9.6.2 Minimum requirements
9.6.3 Insulating stick work
9.6.4 Glove and barrier work
9.6.5 Bare hand work
9.7 Preparing high voltage electrical apparatus for access
9.7.1 Isolation and earthing
55 9.7.2 Barriers and signs
57 9.7.3 Use of a statement of condition of apparatus/plant (SCAP)
58 9.7.4 High voltage metal-clad switchgear and associated electrical apparatus
9.7.5 Rotating high voltage machines
59 9.8 Working on insulated power or supervisory cables
9.8.1 On-site identification of insulated cables (including out of commission
or abandoned cables)
9.8.2 Spiking of cables
9.8.3 Working under induced voltage conditions
60 10 Placing high voltage electrical apparatus in service
10.1 Clearance for service
10.2 Connections to new or out of commission electrical apparatus
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61 11 Low voltage network assets
11.1 General
11.2 Work on or near live low voltage conductors
11.3 Work on or near de-energised low voltage exposed conductors
62 12 Work by persons not under the control of the asset owner
12.1 General
12.2 Permit to work adjacent to network assets
63 12.3 Work on abandoned underground cables
12.4 Electrical safety rules for vegetation management work
near overhead powerlines by non-electrical workers
64 Appendix A—Information to be contained in forms
Application for an access authority
Application for authority to work in the vicinity of electrical apparatus
65 Personal authorisations
Authority to work in the vicinity of electrical apparatus
66 Clearance to place electrical apparatus into service (may also
be overhead line clearance and underground cable clearance)
Electrical access permit and sanction for testing
67 Statement of condition of apparatus/plant (SCAP)
8
Definitions
Definitions
For the purpose of this Code of Practice, 5. Authorised person means a person
the following definitions shall apply: with technical knowledge or sufficient
1. Access authority means any form experience who has been approved,
of authorisation that allows access to, or has the delegated authority to act
work on or near, or testing of electrical on behalf of the organisation, to perform
apparatus. the duty concerned.
Examples used in this Code are: Examples used in this Code are:
°° Electrical access permit means °° Authorised applicant means an

a form of authorisation that allows approved person who has been
access to, and work upon, electrical assessed as competent against an
apparatus approved training standard to make
applications for specified types of
°° Sanction for testing means a form access authorities
of authorisation to allow energisation
of electrical apparatus for testing °° Authorised electrical operator
purposes means an approved person who has
been assessed as competent against
°° Permit to work adjacent to an approved training standard to
network assets means a document carry out switching operations on
providing written permission to high voltage electrical apparatus
persons, other than employees or
contractors of the network operator, °° Authorised live—high voltage
to work within safe approach worker means an approved person
distances or near the network who has been assessed as competent
operator’s electrical apparatus. against an approved training standard
to carry out particular work on or near
2. Alive see live. exposed, live high voltage conductors
3. Appliance means any instrument
°° Authorised recipient means
or device designed for use near or in an approved person who has been
direct contact with live high voltage assessed as competent against
conductors. an approved training standard to
4. Approved means having appropriate receive an electrical access permit
organisation endorsement in writing
°° Authorised tester means an
for a specific function. authorised recipient who has
been assessed as competent
against an approved training
standard, and is approved to
receive sanction for testing.
9
Definitions
6. Authority to receive electrical access 15. De-energised means not connected

permits means a form of authorisation to any source of electrical supply but
held by an authorised recipient. not necessarily isolated.
7. Authority to receive sanctions for 16. Discharged means having been
testing means a form of authorisation connected to the general mass of earth
held by an authorised tester. in such a manner as to remove any
8. Authority to work in the vicinity of residual electrical energy in a conductor.
electrical apparatus means a form 17. Earthed means directly electrically
of authorisation to be used where connected to the general mass of
applicable to allow work in the vicinity earth so as to ensure and maintain the
of electrical apparatus. effective dissipation of electrical energy.
9. Bonded means connected together 18. Earthing device means an approved
in such a manner as to ensure that all device used for the earthing of
connected parts are maintained at the conductors.
same potential. 19. Electrical apparatus means any
10. Cable means an insulated conductor electrical equipment, including overhead
or two or more such conductors laid lines and underground cables, the
together, whether with or without fillings, conductors of which are live or can
reinforcements or protective coverings. be made live.
11. Circuit breaker means a device 20. Energised means connected to
capable of making, carrying and a source of electrical supply.
breaking currents under normal and 21. Equipotential work zone means
abnormal circuit conditions, such as a work zone (area, site) where all
short circuit. equipment is interconnected by hoppers,
12. Competent means having the skills, earths, earth rods, and/or earth grids
knowledge and attributes a person that will provide acceptable potential
needs to complete a task. differences between all parts of the work
13. Conductor means a wire or form zone under worst-case conditions of
of metal designed for carrying energisation.
electric current. 22. Exposed conductor means an
14. Connected means joined together electrical conductor, approach to which
by a conductor capable of carrying is not prevented by a barrier of rigid
electrical current for its required function material or by insulation that is adequate
or purpose by either physically clamping under a relevant Australian Standard
or bolting conductors together or closing specification for the voltage concerned.
a circuit breaker, switch or similar device. 23. High voltage or HV means a nominal
voltage exceeding 1000 volts AC. or
exceeding 1500 volts DC.
10
Definitions
24. High voltage electrical apparatus 30. Isolated means not connected to
means electrical apparatus that is any possible sources of electricity
required to operate at high voltage. supply by means that will prevent
This definition shall not include the unintentional re-energisation of
secondary wiring of instrument the electrical apparatus and which
transformers or control devices is assessed as a suitable step in
that may operate on occasions the process of making safe for
above 1000 volts. access purposes.
25. High voltage customer means 31. Live means energised or subject
any user of electricity (excluding the to hazardous induced or capacitive
licensed generators, transmission voltages.
and distribution companies) directly 32. Live work means all work
connected at high voltage to the performed on components of
transmission or distribution networks. electrical apparatus not isolated,
26. Instructed person means a person proved de-energised and earthed.
adequately advised or supervised by 33. Low voltage or LV means
an authorised person to enable them nominal voltage exceeding 50V AC
to avoid the dangers that electricity or 120V DC but not exceeding
may create. 1000V AC or 1500V DC.
27. Insulated mobile plant means mobile 34. Mobile plant means cranes, elevating
plant approved and tested for carrying work platforms, tip trucks or similar
out work on or near electrical apparatus. plant, any equipment fitted with a jib
28. Insulated means separated from or boom and any device capable of
adjoining conducting material by a raising or lowering a load.
non-conducting substance that provides Mobile plant can only be considered
resistance to the passage of current, as a vehicle when in the normal
or to disruptive discharges through travelling mode and not in the
or over the surface of the substance working mode when determining
at the operating voltage, and to mitigate safe approach distances.
the danger of shock or injurious leakage
of current. Helicopters used for barehand live-line
work are excluded from this definition
29. Insulating stick means a stick
of mobile plant.
approved and tested for carrying
out operating and live work on live 35. Near means a situation where there
electrical apparatus. is a reasonable possibility of a person,
either directly or through any conducting
medium, coming within the relevant
safe approach distances.
11
Definitions
36. Network asset means any asset 44. Personal protective equipment
that is owned or operated by a network means clothing, equipment and/
operator for the purposes of generating, or substances which when worn or
transmitting, distributing or supplying correctly used, protect parts or all of the
electricity. body from foreseeable risk of injury or
37. Network operator means the owner, disease at work or in the workplace.
controller or operator of an electricity 45. Practicable see reasonably practicable.
network. 46. Procedure means the documentation
38. Nominal voltage means the AC (phase of a systematic series of actions
to phase RMS) or DC voltage by which a (or activities) directed to achieve
system of supply is designated. a desired result.
39. Not electrically connected means 47. Reasonably practicable means
dis-connected from all sources of having regard to:
supply by the removal or absence of a) the likelihood of the hazard or
conductors, appropriate to the voltage risk concerned eventuating
and insulating medium and not able
b) the degree of harm that would result
to be made live by normal operating
if the hazard or risk eventuated
means and identified in accordance
with approved procedures. c) what the person concerned knows,
or ought reasonably know, about
40. Operating Authority means an
the hazard or risk and any ways of
organisation or an authorised person
eliminating or reducing the hazard
who is responsible for operational control
or risk
of the electrical apparatus concerned.
d) the availability and suitability of ways
41. Ordinary person means a person
to eliminate or reduce the hazard or
without sufficient training or experience
risk; and
to enable them to avoid the dangers
that electrical apparatus may create. e) the cost of eliminating or reducing
Note: Ordinary person in this Code refers to a the hazard or risk.
person under the control of a network operator, 48. Recipient means a person who
generator or HV customer.
has signed on an access authority.
42. Organisation means a business, 49. Recipient in charge means an
enterprise, company or corporation. authorised recipient to whom an access
43. Out of commission means the authority has been issued and who is
condition of electrical apparatus that is in charge of all recipients signed on
not electrically connected and declared that access authority.
to be so in writing to the operating 50. Resumption of (resume) an access
authority responsible for the electrical authority means the re-commencement
apparatus. of all work under an access authority
that had been suspended.
12
Definitions
51. Safe approach distance means the 59. Vicinity means a situation where it is
minimum distance in air from exposed unlikely that a person will, either directly
conductors that shall be maintained by a or through any conducting medium
person, vehicle or mobile plant (including (e.g. via mobile plant), come within
its load, controlling ropes and any the relevant safe approach distances.
other accessories) when approaching 60. Written (in writing) means recorded
electrical apparatus other than for work on paper or in electronic form.
in accordance with an access authority.
52. Safety observer means a person with
sufficient knowledge of the task being
performed and competent for the duty
of observing and warning against unsafe
approach to electrical apparatus.
53. Shall is to be interpreted as mandatory.
54. Should is to be interpreted as advisory
or discretionary.
55. Station means a defined and enclosed
or fenced space in which high voltage
supply is generated, converted,
controlled or transformed.
56. Suspension of an access authority
means the cessation of all work under
an issued access authority where all
persons working under that authority
have signed off.
57. Tester in charge means an authorised
tester to whom a sanction for testing
has been issued and who is in charge
of all members of the work party signed
on that sanction for testing.
58. Vehicle means a truck, car, utility or
other general purpose conveyance
used for the carriage of persons or
goods (see also mobile plant).
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1 Purpose
Purpose
Workplace health and safety laws place

duties on businesses and workers to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable, the health
and safety of workers and that of other
persons is not put at risk from the work.
The purpose of this Code is to provide
practical guidance in maintaining safe
systems of work in relation to control of
risks associated with work on or near,
or in the vicinity of, high voltage electrical
apparatus in Victoria.
14
2 Scope
Scope
This Code of Practice defines: In order to comply with the electrical safety
a) principles; and requirements of this Code, an organisation
shall either:
b) minimum electrical safety requirements.
a) apply the requirements contained within
This Code shall apply to all work on, this Code; or
near or in the vicinity of:
b) vary the requirements by:
°° high voltage electrical apparatus that
is capable of being energized, and/or °° completing a hazard identification
and risk assessment; and
°° low voltage electrical apparatus that
is capable of being energized and is °° ensuring the electrical safety outcomes
a component of: are equal to or better; and
°° an electricity supply network operated °° documenting the process; and

or controlled by a major electricity °° advising ESV in writing of outcomes
company, or and reasons for variation(s) prior to
implementing the variation.
°° an electricity supply network operated
or controlled by an owner or operator
of a railway.
This Code sets minimum requirements
that should be enhanced by approved
procedures. These approved procedures
may utilise other published standards and
guidelines to enhance the level of safety.
Figure 1: Hierarchy of documentation for electrical safety
Acts and Regulations
Codes and
safety rules
Organisation
procedures
Work instructions
15
3 General safety
requirements
General safety requirements
Principle 3.3 Communications

An organisation shall have All communications relating to the operation
procedures relevant to of, or access to, electrical apparatus shall
providing a comprehensive safe be clear and definite. Electrical apparatus
shall be referred to by name and sufficient
working environment. detail to give positive identification. Verbal
instructions and statements issued over
3.1 Hazard identification, phones or radios shall be confirmed by
risk assessment and repeating back to avoid misunderstanding.
control
3.4 Forms
An organisation’s safe system of work
shall include appropriate risk management As a minimum, forms shall contain minimum
processes to ensure hazards associated information as prescribed in Appendix A.
with work within safe approach distances
or near electrical apparatus are identified, 3.5 Use and testing of
assessed and controlled. operating and live-line
Prior to working on or near any electrical equipment
apparatus, the persons performing
All sticks, gloves, sleeves, mats, protective
the work shall apply the safe system
barriers or covers, earthing trucks, portable
of work to identify, assess and control
earthing devices, insulating platforms,
the associated hazards and risks
insulated elevating work platforms or other
The hazard identification and risk assessment equipment used for operating high voltage
process shall be regularly reviewed and electrical apparatus or performing live-line
audited to ensure compliance. work shall be approved for the particular
application.
3.2 First aid All equipment including protective equipment
Persons who are required to work where used on high voltage electrical apparatus
there is a risk of injury from live electrical and that requires regular testing to prove
conductors shall be given appropriate the effectiveness of insulation shall be
training on commencement and thereafter tested at intervals as specified in approved
subject to annual competency assessment. procedures and marked to show the date
of the next routine test. Equipment shall
Training shall cover skills in cardio-pulmonary
not be used after the marked test date.
resuscitation, shock, burns and their role
in incident assessment and management Visual inspection shall be made for
in accordance with relevant National physical damage or contamination
Competency Standard Units. immediately prior to use.
16
Gloves, sleeves, mats and protective barriers Additional personal protective equipment
or covers used for operating high voltage shall be used in accordance with the type
electrical apparatus or for performing live of work and the risks involved.
high voltage work shall not be relied upon as All protective equipment and apparel shall
the sole means of protection. comply with relevant published standards.
3.6 Insulating sticks General PPE requirements

1. Working on, near or in the vicinity of
Insulating sticks shall have a length that
electrical apparatus approved safety:
provides appropriate insulation from live
parts and enables a person using the stick °° headwear; and
to maintain the applicable safe approach °° natural fibre or alternative arc flash
distance at all times. (Refer to 6.2) protective clothing; and
When an insulating stick is to be used in °° footwear.
wet conditions consideration shall be given 2. Operating electrical apparatus
to the potential for hazardous surface approved safety:
leakage currents.
°° headwear; and
3.7 Labelling of electrical °° footwear; and
apparatus °° natural fibre or alternative arc flash
protective clothing; and
For the purposes of identification and
°° hand protection; and
description, electrical apparatus shall,
wherever practicable, be clearly labelled. °° face/eye protection.
3. The person responsible for supervising
3.8 Ladders visitors whose movements are confined
to normal access ways, (e.g. roads,
Conductive ladders (including wire reinforced) paths, and stairs) in a station, shall
shall not be used on, near or in the vicinity of, ensure that the visitors shall utilise
exposed live electrical apparatus, unless in the following approved items:
accordance with approved procedures.
°° safety headwear; and
3.9 Personal protective °° fully enclosed footwear; and
equipment °° ankle to wrist clothing.
All persons who may be exposed to
possible electric shock, arc flash or other
injury from electrical apparatus shall use
approved personal protective equipment.
Personal protective equipment shall
include clothing with wrist to ankle
cover and fully enclosed footwear.
17
3.10 Tapes and other e) monitor the work and warn against
potential infringement of safe approach
measuring devices distances; and
Only approved non-conducting tapes and f) be capable of providing assistance in
rulers shall be used in the vicinity of live the case of emergency as well as being
electrical apparatus. Conductive tapes shall competent to perform electrical rescue
not be used near exposed live electrical and cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
apparatus unless approved for use in as required.
3.12 Fit state for work
3.11 Use of safety
Alcohol, drugs and diminished mental
observers alertness or physical condition of a person
A safety observer shall be posted where, may impede their ability to work safely in an
after a risk assessment, it is considered electrical environment.
that a person, equipment or mobile plant
Persons who are required to work on, near
might inadvertently infringe safe approach
or in the vicinity of electrical apparatus shall
distances.
not consume or be under the influence of
Under no circumstances shall the safety alcohol or drugs that diminish work skills
observer be diverted to other work while the during work hours. This shall be taken to
possibility of infringing the safe approach include meal or rest breaks.
distances exists.
Appropriate policies shall be implemented
A person acting as a safety observer shall: by organisations.
a) understand the task, work process and
sequence of work; and
b) have the authority to temporarily suspend
the relevant work at any time; and
c) be specifically instructed in the duties
and workplace hazards applicable; and
d) be positioned to effectively observe and
immediately communicate with persons
performing the work; and
18
3.13 Work within electric 3.13.2 Electric fields (50 Hz)
and magnetic fields Advisory occupational exposure limits for
electric fields based on the NHMRC interim
3.13.1 General
guidelines are as follows:
Persons working within electric and
magnetic fields (EMF) shall be appropriately Unrestricted Less than 10 kV/m
protected from the annoyance, due to Short term 10kV/m to 30 kV/m
electric discharge effects of strong electric
fields and the possible biological effects Alternative controls Greater than 30kV/m
associated with extremely strong electric °° No time limits apply for exposures below
and magnetic fields. 10kV/m.
Persons using implantable medical devices, °° Short-term exposure to fields from
including cardiac pacemakers, should 10 kV/m to 30 kV/m is permitted provided
consult their doctors and the relevant the field strength (in kV/m) multiplied
organisational officer for information on by the duration of exposure (in hours)
possible electromagnetic interference with does not exceed 80 for the whole day.
the medical devices prior to entering areas For example, exposure to an electric
of strong electric and magnetic fields. field of 20 kV/m would be permitted
for four hours.
Advisory occupational exposure limits
provided in National Health and Medical °° For work situations with field strengths
Research Council (NHMRC) Interim greater than 30 kV/m, alternative controls
Guidelines are listed in the following sections. shall be used. Such controls may include
wearing appropriately earthed or bonded
Organisations should establish appropriate
conducting suits, the screening and
exposure limits in accordance with industry
earthing of vehicles, the screening of work
guidelines e.g. Energy Network Australia
platforms and access ways, and de-
EMF Management Handbook.
energising adjacent electrical apparatus.
The person responsible for planning the
work shall include in the work instructions
details of any appropriate measures to
be taken.
19
3.13.3 Magnetic fields 3.14 Victim Rescue

The NHMRC’s guidelines for limits of Persons shall be trained in victim rescue
occupational exposure to magnetic fields techniques appropriate to the job function
are as follows: being performed.
a) Magnetic fields (50 Hz) Before performing victim rescue on or near
live exposed conductors, the rescuer shall
Whole working day 0.5 milliTesla consider all hazards and methods to control
(5000 milliGauss) the hazards to ensure the rescue can be
Short term 5 milliTesla performed safely. Such controls may include
(two hours per day) (50,000 milliGauss) de-energisation of the circuit, the use of
Limit for limbs 25 milliTesla insulated sticks and maintaining SAD
(e.g. extended arm) (250,000 during the rescue.
milliGauss) Victim rescue assessment and/or instruction
b) Static or direct current (DC) shall be undertaken by relevant personnel
magnetic fields in accordance with appropriate National
Competency Standard Units.
The 2009 International Commission on
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
guidelines for limits a,b, c, (see notes below)
of occupational exposure to static or DC
magnetic fields are as follows:
Head and trunk 2000 milliTesla

Limbs 8000 milliTesla
Notes:
Caution: because of potential indirect adverse effects,
a)
ICNIRP recognises that practical policies need to be
implemented to prevent inadvertent harmful exposure
of persons with implanted electronic medical devices
and implants containing ferromagnetic material. This
requirement may lead to much lower restriction levels
such as 0.5 milliTesla.
b) For specific work applications, exposure up to
8000 milliTesla can be justified, if the environment
is controlled and appropriate work practices are
implemented to control movement-induced effects.
c) When magnetic flux densities exceed 5 milliTesla
(static or DC magnetic fields) precautions should be
taken to prevent hazards from flying metallic objects.
20
4 Training and authorisation
Training and authorisation

Principle 4.2 Approved training
Persons working on or near standard
electrical apparatus shall 4.2.1 Introduction
have appropriate training, Training shall consist of identified learning
authorisation and currency outcomes that will be knowledge, skill (task),
of competency for the duty and attitude based and, where appropriate,
reflect National Competency Standards.
to be performed.
°° There shall be assessment criteria
established and documented for each
4.1 General learning outcome.
An organisation’s safe system of work shall
°° Details of assessment method shall
include appropriate training, competency be documented.
and authorisations for all persons working
on or near electrical apparatus. °° There shall be a documented process
for recognition of prior learning.
A person’s authorisation shall be current
for the task being performed. °° Persons undergoing training must be
assessed for competency against learning
Competency of persons holding outcomes, and such assessment must
authorisations shall be assessed at no more be documented.
than a nominal three-yearly interval and
training shall be given to restore competency
where appropriate.
A person may perform a task that normally
requires authorisation or approval without
that authorisation or approval (e.g. HV
operating), only when that task is performed
under a training program and the person
is effectively supervised.
21
Training and authorisation
4.2.2 Learning outcomes 4.2.3 Training courses

Learning outcomes shall include, Organisations shall confirm that training
but not be limited to, the following: courses and the service providers meet
their recognised needs. Where appropriate
°° working knowledge of the relevant
sections of this Code; training shall be consistent with National
Competency Standards.
°° knowledge of communication
processes required; 4.2.4 Records
°° knowledge of the relevant approved Organisations shall develop and maintain
procedures; an appropriate management system for
recording of all training and authorisations.
°° a knowledge of the consequences
of any physical tasks performed;
°° a working knowledge and skill
associated with the relevant:
°° forms and documentation; and
°° risk assessment; and
°° work practices; and
°° equipment and plant
°° demonstration of acquired knowledge
through practical exercises;
°° a clear understanding of the
responsibilities associated with
relevant authorisations e.g. the
range of responsibilities associated
with a recipient in charge; and
°° other training requirements as
specified herein.
22
5 Work in the vicinity
of electrical apparatus
Work in the vicinity of electrical apparatus

Principle 5.2 Use of mobile plant
Work in the vicinity of electrical Mobile plant shall only be used in the
apparatus shall be carried vicinity of live conductors and/or electrical
apparatus after precautions appropriate
out in a safe manner. Control to the particular circumstances have been
measures taken shall be considered and action taken to control the
consistent with the risk associated hazards and risks.
and work performed. The control measures to be considered
within a risk assessment should include:
5.1 General a) isolating and earthing electrical apparatus;
For all works in the vicinity of electrical b) positioning the mobile plant such that
apparatus, either specific written work the safe approach distance can be
instructions shall be used or alternatively maintained in all circumstances;
approved procedures shall apply in c) the use of safety observers and barriers
conjunction with the use of instructed and signs;
or authorised persons.
d) the use of other precautions such as
Where the risk assessment requires a record physical restrictions or control devices
of the control measures, then instructions in conjunction with barriers;
shall be issued to the work party in
e) the suppression of auto-reclose;
f) the alteration of protection and control
The control measures implemented shall settings;
minimise the risks involved and may include:
g) de-energising the electrical apparatus;
a) defining the work area;
h) mechanical limitation devices options
b) defining access routes; on mobile plant.
c) isolating and earthing the electrical
Mobile plant and vehicles, where appropriate
apparatus;
shall be fitted with a trailing earthing
d) the use of barriers and signs; conductor to protect against the hazards
e) the use of approved covering; presented by induced voltages.
f) the use of safety observers; and When mobile plant may come near live
g) the issue of the appropriate access electrical apparatus (refer to section 6), the
authority or authority to work in the mobile plant shall be earthed. This shall be
vicinity of electrical apparatus. achieved by an approved earthing system.
23
When mobile plant is operated from outside For mechanical handling where there is a
the mobile plant, precautions shall be taken risk of infringing the safe approach distances
to protect the operator from hazardous step to electrical conductors, the movement
and touch potentials. No person other than of loads shall be controlled by means of
the mobile plant operator shall touch the approved non-conducting ropes or other
mobile plant while in operation. approved means. (Refer to section 6)
Where mobile plant (e.g. EWP) is not fully No person shall contact the load or any
insulated, the insulation level of each part attached conducting objects until the
shall be labelled in accordance with the risk of SAD infringement is removed. Only
appropriate standard (e.g. AS1418.10) the plant operator shall contact the mobile
and the following permanent sign shall plant controls in accordance with safe
be fixed at all plant operator’s control. work procedures. (Refer to section 5.2)
DANGER—BEWARE OF
POWER LINES
5.4 Erection or
This appliance is not fully insulated. dismantling of overhead
Do not permit any uninsulated part of conductors
this appliance to be in close proximity When overhead conductors (other than
to live conductors. insulated or covered conductors) are
Insulated mobile plant shall be tested being erected, dismantled, or replaced,
at specific intervals as per approved conductors that are being moved shall be
procedures and marked to show the earthed by an approved device before work
date of the next routine test. is commenced and shall remain earthed
until the work is completed. A conductor
5.3 Handling that is erected shall be earthed before it
is lifted from the ground.
objects/loads
Consideration shall be given to the
When objects are being handled manually
use of appropriate restraining devices
or by mechanical equipment, care shall
to control such conductors when they
be exercised to prevent the objects or
are being moved.
the mechanical equipment infringing safe
approach distances.
For manual handling, appropriate work
methods and an appropriate number of
persons shall be used to maintain safe
approach distances.
24
When earthing is considered to be 5.5 Work by ordinary
impracticable or a safer control measure
may be appropriate, alternative safety
persons
precautions shall be applied and subject Where ordinary persons are required to
to the following controls. work in the vicinity of electrical apparatus,
a) They are applied to a specific task or the ordinary person performing the work,
process which has been subject to a the person in charge of the work and the
formal risk assessment carried out in person in charge of the electrical apparatus
advance of the work, using a consultative shall all cooperate to ensure that the work
process with subject matter experts. is performed safely, and that specific
precautions are taken.
b) They are documented as an approved
procedure specific to the task or process.
5.6 Work within stations
or on multi-circuit
overhead lines with
multiple asset ownership
For work within stations or on multi-circuit
overhead lines where electrical apparatus is
owned by more than one organisation and
work is adjacent to another organisation’s
exposed electrical apparatus, there shall be
joint consideration and agreement reached
to carry out the work in a safe manner.
(See also 6.9, 6.10 and 9.2.3)
25
6 Approach to
electrical apparatus
Approach to electrical apparatus
Principle Expected reach shall include all intentional

and expected movements such as adopting
Persons shall observe a work position, adjusting a hard hat,
appropriate safe approach manoeuvring tools, and reaching for items
distances when working, being passed to the employee.
or operating vehicles or mobile , Unnecessary approach to electrical
on or near electrical apparatus. apparatus or unnecessary contact with
parts not regarded as live shall be avoided.
6.1 General Necessary approach to electrical apparatus
shall be kept to a minimum and shall be
The safe approach distances are based
restricted to the period required to perform
on an exclusion zone principle.
the work.
This principle defines an area around an
exposed conductor into which no part of the
person, mobile plant or object (other than
approved insulated objects) shall encroach,
unless in accordance with section 9.
Work practices shall be established
to ensure persons, mobile plant and
unapproved objects do not encroach
on the safe approach distances; these
shall include consideration of:
°° working beyond reach of the exclusion
zone wherever practicable; and
°° precautions to be applied when use
of controlled movement is necessary; and
°° the work space required including the
expected reach of persons performing
the work; and
°° the movement of mobile plant used
for the work.
26
Figure 2A: Safe approach distance— Figure 2B: Safe approach distance—
beyond reach expected reach
Exclusion zone
Exclusion zone Exclusion zone

ap ista
ce h
Sa roa ce
di pro afe
an c
p n
st a
fe ch
d
ap S
Expected reach
Beyond reach
Exclusion zone
SAD is based on the exclusion zone

Legend:
principle and is measured out from the
Conductor
energised conductor. Proper application
requires consideration of the work space
necessary and either working beyond
reach or the use of controlled
movements to stay outside the SAD.
(For Illustration purpose only).
27
Figure 3: Illustration of differences between safe approach distance, near and vicinity
Vicinity means a situation

where it is unlikely that a person
will, either directly or through
any conducting medium (e.g.
via mobile plant), come within
the relevant safe approach
distances.
Near means a situation where

there is a reasonable possibility of
a person, either directly or through
any conducting medium (e.g.
via mobile plant) coming within
the relevant safe approach
distances.
Safe approach distance means the

minimum distance in air from exposed
conductors that shall be maintained
by a person, vehicle or mobile plant
(including its load, controlling ropes and
any other accessories) when approaching
electrical apparatus other than for work Conductor means a wire, cable
in accordance with an access authority. or form of metal designed for
carrying electrical current.
28
6.2 Safe approach There are elements of electrical apparatus
that have semi conductive insulation.
distance—persons Such apparatus shall be treated the same
6.2.1 Safe approach distance— as live apparatus in consideration of safe
normal approach distances. Organisational specific
The safe approach distances for persons procedures shall be in place to enable
performing general work are as shown activities to be safely performed on
in Table 1. semi conductive insulated apparatus.
Instructed persons’ safe approach

distances apply while undertaking duties
under supervision or as instructed by an
authorised person.
29
Table 1: Safe approach distance for persons to exposed conductors
Nominal phase to Ordinary Instructed persons or authorised

phase AC Voltage persons (Note 1) persons (Notes 2 and 3)
(kV) (millimetres) (millimetres)
LV aerial lines 1500 Instructed persons—no contact
Authorised persons—insulated contact only
6.6 2000 700
11 2000 700
22 2000 700
33 2000 700
50 2000 750
66 2000 900
110 3000 1000
132 3000 1200
220 4000 1700
275 5000 2300
330 6000 2700
400 6000 3300
500 6000 3600
Nominal pole to earth DC Voltage (kV)
LV DC aerial line (equal 1500 Instructed persons—no contact
to or less than 1.5 kV) Authorised persons—insulated contact only
±25 2000 700
±85 3000 1000
±150 3000 1200
±270 4500 1800
±350 5000 2500
±400 6000 2900
Notes:
1. See definition for ordinary person. Persons not under control of the asset owner (network operator or HV customer)
shall refer to the WorkSafe / ESV No Go Zone Rules and Section 12 of the Code.
2. Deliberately avoid movements that could result in distances being infringed.
3. These distances specified are based on work from a stable surface. Appropriate allowance shall be made
for conductor sag and sway.
30
6.2.2 Safe approach distance— e) safety observers are used to monitor
special the work activities; and
Safe approach distance—special is the f) minimise the exposure at the safe
minimum distance to an exposed conductor approach distance—special; and
from any outstretched part of a person’s body g) addressing adverse impact of external
or any conducting or unapproved object influences on plant and equipment,
touching any part of the person’s body. e.g. traffic, boom movement, footing; and
Safe approach distance—special shown h) addressing adverse impact of weather
in Table 2, has been determined using risk and environmental conditions e.g. rain,
analysis methodology and consideration lightning, wind, light, sag or sway of
of power frequency and switching surge conductors.
distances, plus a reduced provision for The work party shall consider the
inadvertent movement. suppression of the auto reclose function
Safe approach distance—special, shall be as part of the pre-work planning.
used only by authorised persons performing If these controls are not achieved,
approved tasks, after consideration of either an access authority shall be issued
SAD normal, access permit, and live-line or live work techniques shall be applied,
methods. or alternative safe approach distances—
These safe approach distances shall be special and procedures shall be developed
used only in conjunction with the following in accordance with section 6.2.3.
control measures:
a) approved safe work practice to ensure Table 2: Safe approach distance—
no part of the person’s body or any special for authorised persons only
conducting or unapproved object to exposed conductors
touching any part of the person’s body
Nominal phase Authorised
infringing the relevant safe approach
to phase persons
distances—special; and
AC voltage (millimetres)
b) positioning of the worker to minimise (kV)
the risk of the specified distance being
LV Insulated
infringed. This includes any unapproved
contact only
object or tool being held by the worker;
and 6.6 450
c) using a person specifically trained and 11 450
authorised to perform the work at the 22 450
safe approach distance—special; and 33 500
d) work crew on-site risk assessments 50 700
are conducted; and 66 700
31
6.2.3 Guidelines for the development 6.3 Safe approach

and use of alternative safe approach
distances—special
distances—vehicles
An alternative safe approach distance—
special may be required where the distances An ordinary person in charge of any vehicle,
advised in Table 2 are not suitable for a except mobile plant when in working mode,
particular task or process. shall ensure that no part of the vehicle or its
load is placed or moved within the distances
Determination and use of an alternative
shown in column 2 of Table 3.
distance shall be subject to the following
controls, which shall be in addition to the 6.3.2 Authorised and instructed
requirements of section 6.2.2: persons
°° be determined in accordance with ENA Authorised and instructed persons in charge
National Guidelines for safe approach of any vehicle, except mobile plant when in
dstances to Electrical Apparatus’ (ENA working mode, shall ensure that no part of
NENS 04) and related standards and the vehicle or its load is placed or moved
guidelines as may be appropriate; and within the distances shown in column 3
of Table 3.
°° be applied only to a specific task or
process that has been subject to a formal
risk assessment carried out in advance
of the work using a consultative process
with subject matter experts; and
°° be documented as an approved
procedure specific to the task or process.
32
Table 3: Safe approach distance for vehicles to live exposed conductors
(except mobile plant when in the working mode)
Nominal phase to Safe approach distance— Safe approach distance—

phase voltage AC for vehicles under the for vehicles under the
(kV) control of ordinary persons control of instructed
(Note 1 and 2) persons or authorised
(millimetres) persons (Note 1)
(millimetres)
Low voltage 600 600
HV up to and
including 33 1000 700
50 1000 750
66 1000 1000
110 1500 1000
132 1500 1200
220 4600 1800
275 4600 2300
330 5500 3000
400 6400 3300
500 6400 3900
Nominal pole to earth DC Voltage (kV)
±25 1000 700
±85 1500 1000
±150 1500 1200
±270 4600 1800
±350 5500 2500
±400 6400 2900
Notes:
1. All distances specified are based on work from a stable surface. Appropriate allowance shall be made
for conductor sag and sway and for uncontrolled movement of vehicle or plant due to any reason.
2. See definition for ordinary person. Persons not under control of the asset owner (network operator or
HV customer) shall refer to the WorkSafe or ESV No Go Zone Rules and Section 12 of the Code.
33
6.4 Safe approach When the work requires a closer approach

to live conductors than the normal safe
distances—uninsulated approach distances given in Table 4, special
mobile plant safe approach distances for uninsulated
6.4.1 General mobile plant may be developed and applied
with consideration of the requirements set
Due to the physical capabilities of, and
out in 6.2.3.
potential hazard with, mobile plant working
adjacent to live conductors and/or electrical The use of helicopters for bare hand live-line
apparatus, specific consideration including work is excluded from the requirements of
earthing, shall be given to its use during this section.
planning of the work. (Refer to section 5.2)
6.4.2 Ordinary persons 6.5 Safe approach
An ordinary person (under the control of
distance—insulated
the asset owner) in charge of the work shall mobile plant
ensure that the mobile plant, its gear and Only instructed persons or authorised
load are not placed or moved within the persons may operate insulated mobile
distances. (See Table 4) plant in accordance with Table 5 and
A person not under the control of the asset approved procedures.
owner shall comply with No Gone Zone The insulated portion of mobile plant may
Rules. The asset owner shall comply with be allowed to contact or encroach the safe
section 12 of the Code. approach distances of a live conductor as
6.4.3 Instructed persons or specified in Table 5, provided it is rated for
authorised persons that use.
An instructed person or authorised person
in charge of the work shall ensure that the
uninsulated mobile plant, its gear and load
shall not approach live conductors and/or
electrical apparatus within the distances,
as shown in Table 4.
34
Table 4: Safe approach distance for uninsulated mobile plant to live exposed conductors
when in the working mode
Nominal Safe approach Safe approach Safe approach

phase distance— distance—for mobile distance—for mobile
to phase for mobile plant under the plant under the control
voltage plant under control of instructed of glove & barrier live-
AC the control persons or authorised line work authorised
(kV) of ordinary persons. For insulated persons. For insulated
persons (Note 1, mobile plant refer mobile plant refer
4 and 5) Table 5 (Notes 1 and 2) Table 5 (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
(millimetres) (millimetres) (millimetres)
Low 2000 1000 380
voltage
HV up 2000 1200 1000
to and
including 33
Notes:
50 2000 1300 1. All distances specified are based
66 2000 1400 on work from a stable surface.
Appropriate allowance shall be
110 4000 1800 made for conductor sag and sway
132 4000 1800 and for uncontrolled movement of
vehicle or plant due to any reason.
220 4600 2400
2. A safety observer is required
275 4600 3000 unless the mobile plant is
330 5500 3700 incapable of infringing the safe
approach distance.
400 6400 4000 3. When lifting a load the
500 6400 4600 conductors are suitably insulated
in accordance with approved
Nominal phase to phase voltage DC (kV) procedures.
±25 2000 1200 4. Including insulated elevating
± 85 4000 1800 work platforms.
5. See definition for ordinary person.
±150 4000 1800
Persons not under control of the
±270 4600 2400 asset owner (network operator
or HV customer) shall refer to the
±350 5500 3200
WorkSafe / ESV No Go Zone
±400 6400 3600 Rules and section 12 of the Code.
35
Table 5: Safe approach distances to live exposed conductors for insulated mobile
plant operated by persons who are instructed or authorised to work on or near exposed
conductors
Nominal phase Safe approach distances Working within safe approach

to phase AC (Note 1, 2, 3 and 6) distance
voltage (kV) (millimetres) (Note 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
(millimetres)
Insulated Uninsulated Insulated Uninsulated
portions portions portions portions
Low voltage Contact 1000 Contact allowable 1000
allowable
HV up to and 700 1200 Contact allowable 1000
including 33
66 1000 1400 Contact allowable 1000
Nominal pole to earth DC voltage (kV)
± 25 700 1200 Contact allowable 1000
± 85 1000 1800 Contact allowable 1000
Notes:
1. These distances specified are based on work from a stable surface. Appropriate allowance shall be made
for conductor sag and sway, and for uncontrolled movement of the mobile plant for any reason.
2. For ordinary persons refer to Table 4.
3. For safe approach distance where contact is allowed, care shall be exercised to prevent movement of conductors.
4. For live work in accordance with approved procedures.
5. Alternative live work minimum approach distances as per 9.6 may be applied in accordance with
organisational procedures.
6. A safety observer is required unless the mobile plant is incapable of infringing the safe approach distance.
36
6.6 Emergency approach Slight movement of other types of live cables
may be permitted, but only after detailed
In emergency situations where there is consideration of all related circumstances by
likely risk of electric shock to persons from a person with a detailed knowledge of the
electrical conductors or electrical apparatus cables concerned, who shall fully detail all
(e.g. fallen conductor), prompt action shall precautions to be taken.
be taken to ensure people are kept well clear
of the hazard in accordance with approved 6.8.2 Earthed metallic sheathed
procedures. or screened high voltage cables
All electrical apparatus shall be considered Contact by persons may be made to

alive until proven isolated and earthed by external non-conductive surfaces of live high
approved means. voltage cables with earthed metallic sheaths
or screens. Contact with exposed metallic
sheath or screen shall only be undertaken
6.7 Contact with live high after consideration of including transferred
voltage conductors by earth potentials and induced voltages.
means of appliances 6.8.3 Non-metallic screened high
Only approved and tested appliances shall voltage aerial bundled cable
be permitted to be brought within the safe No contact by persons shall be made
approach distance or into direct contact to external surfaces of live non-metallic
with live high voltage conductors. screened high voltage aerial bundled cable
or its exposed support catenary. Suitable
6.8 Approach to live high live work techniques only shall be used for
voltage insulated cables this purpose.
6.8.1 General Access to de-energised but not earthed
non-metallic screened high voltage aerial
When work is performed near live high
bundled cable may be permitted in
voltage insulated cables, appropriate
precautions shall be taken to ensure that
the insulation of the cables is not damaged. For the purposes of insulated mobile plant
work in the vicinity of live non-metallic
Cables, which are specifically designed
screened high voltage aerial bundled cable,
for movement while live, may be moved in
the safe approach distance shall be the
accordance with approved procedure.
same as exposed high voltage conductors.
(Refer to Table 5)
37
6.9 Work in stations

A person shall not perform work in any
station or allow mobile plant to enter any
station without first obtaining the permission
of the person in charge of the station
or appropriate authorised person and
accepting all the conditions imposed
by that person. (Refer to section 5.1)
6.10 Work outside

of stations
Work on or near electrical apparatus outside
of stations shall be performed after obtaining
the permission and direction of the person in
charge of the electrical apparatus.
38
7 Operation of high voltage
Operation of high voltage and DC traction electrical apparatus

Principle 7.2 Written HV Switching
Only authorised persons shall Instructions
undertake switching and Wherever practicable, written instructions
associated duties on high shall be used when operating high voltage
electrical apparatus.
voltage electrical apparatus.
7.1 Persons authorised 7.3 High voltage switching
to operate high voltage Prior to a high voltage switching operation,
the available information regarding circuit
electrical apparatus conditions shall be taken into account and
Switching and associated duties on no electrical apparatus shall be operated if it
high voltage electrical apparatus shall be is inappropriate for the duty to be performed.
performed by authorised electrical operators After switching, correct operation of the
whose training, duties and instructions cover electrical apparatus shall be confirmed
the particular electrical apparatus. However, whenever practicable.
an unauthorised person may perform
When high voltage electrical apparatus is
operations in the following circumstances:
operated, the person undertaking the task
a) when specifically instructed by, or shall be protected in an approved manner
authorised by, the appropriate operating from electric shock, arc flash or other
authority; or hazards. (Also refer to 3.9)
b) when specifically instructed by an
authorised operator as part of electrical
operator training; or
c) in an emergency involving serious
risk to persons or property; or
d) when controlling high voltage electrical
apparatus as part of a task for process
control in accordance with approved
organisational procedures.
39
8 Earthing of high voltage
Earthing of high voltage electrical apparatus
Principle 8.1.3 In applying an earthing device,

it shall be connected to earth before it
Effective earthing device shall is applied to the conductors, and it shall
be applied to ensure the safety be removed from the conductors before
of the work party. Earthing it is disconnected from earth.
devices shall be applied by an 8.1.4 Wherever practicable, an earth
authorised person following a shall be applied and removed by an
approved device.
safe to earth confirmation.
When hand application or removal is
8.1 General requirements unavoidable:
8.1.1 The earthing of apparatus presents °° all phases shall be discharged; and
risks to persons performing the earthing and °° another earth shall be held in contact with
other persons nearby. Organisations shall the conductor using an approved device
establish approved procedures to mitigate while the hand applied earth is being
risk to persons. attached or removed.
8.1.2 Earthing devices shall be suitably 8.1.5 Then applying a portable earthing
rated and approved. They shall be device that is not connected to a
inspected and/or tested in accordance with permanently installed station earthing system
organisational procedures. or an electrically conductive transmission
structure it shall be regarded as being liable
Only authorised persons shall apply earthing
to become live until the circuit earthing is
devices and only after completion of a safe
complete.
to earth confirmation that the electrical
apparatus is isolated and de-energised. 8.1.6 There are some situations when
applying earths to electrical apparatus during
Confirmation of isolation shall be by:
the preparation for access (e.g. discharging
°° visual inspection of isolation(s) and testing capacitor banks) that an authorised electrical
of the conductors operator cannot comply with the clearances
°° where visual inspection of isolation(s) is specified as safe approach distances. In
not practicable, inquiry and testing shall these situations, approved procedures may
be used permit such approach only to that part of the
electrical apparatus that already has local
°° where testing is not practicable, earthing
may take place only in accordance with isolation and earthing.
approved procedures.
40
8.2 Earthing for access 8.4 Overhead lines
to high voltage electrical (priority earthing
apparatus preferences)
Earths shall be applied at locations such The choice of connection for a portable
that conductors within the work area earthing device shall be made to achieve
are effectively earthed in the event of the most effective earthing of the work
energisation from any source of supply zone. In accordance with the system being
or hazardous occurrences and be placed worked on, earths should be applied on the
so as to remain effective if adjoining basis of the following order of preference:
conductors are disconnected. 1. Permanently installed earthing system
Wherever practicable earths shall be including CMEN.
placed at the site of the work. 2. Earthing ferrule in a concrete pole.
3. The ground rod of an installed pole stays
8.3 Earthing of or permanently driven pole stakes.
overhead lines 4. A temporarily driven spike at the work site.
Where an overhead line is earthed the
work planning shall consider protection 8.5 High voltage metal
from the hazards resulting from step and clad switch units
touch potentials in the event of energisation
by any means, including (for example) Earthing of metal clad switchgear and
direct connection, equipment failure, connected circuits by the use of probes or
induction or lightning. contact extension devices requiring manual
application presents additional hazards.
Where work under an access authority
involves the connection, cutting or Approved procedures shall define methods
disconnection of conductors, approved of operation and earthing to minimise the
bridging leads shall be applied across the risk to the person applying the earth. The
proposed conductor break, or earths shall procedure shall include a safety observer
be applied to both sides of (and as close to be present during such earthing, unless
as practicable to) the proposed break and procedures specifically allow application
individually connected to a common earth. by one person.
In situations where there is the risk of

a worker becoming subject to different
potentials across or between different earths,
the hazard will be reduced by the application
of equipotential work zone principles.
41
8.6 High voltage As a minimum the catenary wire of aerial

supervisory cables is permanently earthed
capacitors at alternative sectionalising points to provide
A safe method of discharging high voltage safe working conditions.
capacitors prior to access shall be included
Any work involving the disconnection of the
in approved procedures.
catenary wire from the permanent earth shall
When earthing high voltage capacitors, the not proceed until the catenary wire is earthed
actives and where available the neutrals shall by means of local temporary earths attached
be earthed and, in addition, each capacitor to both sides of the sectionalising point.
shall be discharged before it is touched.
The same precautions shall be taken
for work on electrical apparatus which
incorporates high voltage capacitors
e.g. capacitor voltage transformers,
carrier coupling capacitors.
8.7 Aerial supervisory

cables
Aerial supervisory cable shall be regarded
as a screened and insulated live low voltage
cable and all appropriate procedures
and precautions for such cables shall be
followed. Such precautions are required
because of induction from parallel high
voltage lines.
When an aerial supervisory cable is being
jointed or re-terminated, initially both the
screen and catenary wires of both cables
shall be bonded and earthed at the worksite.
These shall then be insulated in an approved
manner and the work on the cables shall
proceed in an insulated situation.
42
9 Access for work on
or near high voltage
Access for work on or near high voltage electrical apparatus

Principle d) the person is working under the terms
of a sanction for testing or alternative
An appropriate safe access approved procedure on that electrical
system shall be applied to apparatus in accordance with section
ensure the safety of work 9.3; or
crews for work on or near high e) the electrical apparatus has been
voltage electrical apparatus or declared as out of commission in
accordance with section 9.4; or
associated with the testing of
f) the person is performing live work in
high voltage apparatus. accordance with approved procedures; or
g) the person is working in accordance
with the requirements of a permit to
9.1 General work adjacent to network assets
No person shall touch or work on or near (refer to section 12); or
the high voltage conductors of any electrical
h) the person is working in accordance
apparatus unless:
with the requirements of section 6.
a) the person is a recipient of an electrical
access permit covering that electrical 9.2 Electrical access
apparatus and the high voltage
conductors have been discharged and/or permit procedure
earthed at the work site, and the electrical 9.2.1 Planning for an electrical
access permit is available for reference at access permit
the site of the work; or Before making an application for an electrical
b) the person is a recipient of an electrical access permit, the authorised applicant shall
access permit covering the conductors of establish that the proposed work has been
a high voltage cable and the de-energised properly planned and can be carried out safely.
state of the cable at the work site is
The electrical apparatus to be covered
confirmed in accordance with section
and its location shall be accurately
9.8 and the electrical access permit is
defined and the work to be undertaken
available for reference at the site of the
adequately described.
work; or
c) in the case of a rackable circuit breaker
or rackable voltage transformer, the
electrical apparatus is removed from its
rack or cubicle position and placed in a
designated maintenance position; or
43
9.2.2 Multiple working parties 9.2.4.2 At the time of issue of an electrical

There shall be coordination in planning access permit the authorised electrical
and performing the work to ensure that operator shall describe and show, where
the actions of one party shall not endanger practicable, the recipient in charge and all
the safety of others when more than the initial recipients:
one electrical access permit is issued on a) the electrical apparatus covered by
the same electrical apparatus, or where the electrical access permit; and
separate parties are working under the b) the precautions taken; and
terms of one electrical access permit. c) the nearest points of supply; and
9.2.3 Multiple ownership d) any adjacent live electrical apparatus.
Where the operational control of the scope In the case of an electrical access permit
of electrical apparatus to be covered is issued by telephone or radio, the recipient in
owned by more than one organisation, a charge shall assume these responsibilities on
protocol shall be established between these behalf of the authorised electrical operator.
organisations for processing the application
and outage requirements. 9.2.4.3 An electrical access permit shall
be either cancelled or suspended prior to
9.2.4 Issue, receipt and cancellation the issue of a sanction for testing or the use
of electrical access permits of an alternative approved procedure for
9.2.4.1 An electrical access permit shall be testing on the same electrical apparatus.
issued and cancelled only by an authorised 9.2.4.4 High voltage live work and work
electrical operator. Electrical access permits under an access authority shall not be
may be issued or relinquished by telephone performed concurrently on the same
or radio subject to the statements between structure.
the authorised electrical operator and the
recipient in charge being confirmed by a 9.2.4.5 Each electrical access permit
witness at each end. shall be issued to a recipient in charge.
The recipient in charge shall ensure that
all members of the work party who will
approach the electrical apparatus sign
on the electrical access permit.
44
9.2.4.6 The issuer and authorised recipients 9.2.5 Persons permitted to sign
all have a responsibility to ensure that the onto electrical access permits
scope and the condition of the electrical Persons permitted to sign onto electrical
apparatus covered by the electrical access access permits shall be authorised recipients
permit is such that it shall be safe for the or instructed persons assigned to work
proposed work to be undertaken. under that specific electrical access permit.
9.2.4.7 All recipients shall be satisfied with In the latter case it shall be the responsibility
the precautions taken, the location of the of the recipient in charge to ensure that
points of supply, and the proximity of any such persons are placed in the charge
adjacent live electrical apparatus. of an authorised recipient.
9.2.4.8 Any person involved in the issue or The conditions under which an authorised
receipt of an electrical access permit who is person shall sign-on to an electrical access
not satisfied with the conditions, may apply permit is that the authorised recipient:
to have additional precautions taken, either a) understands the electrical apparatus
before the electrical access permit is issued covered and the limits of the electrical
or during the currency of the work. access permit; and
9.2.4.9 After the issue of an electrical b) is satisfied with the precautions taken;
access permit, no additional recipients and
are allowed to sign onto the permit unless c) is aware of the nearest adjacent live
appropriate instructions are given by the electrical apparatus.
recipient in charge, as per section 9.2.4.5.
An authorised electrical operator, acting The conditions under which an instructed
with the knowledge of the recipient in person shall sign-on to an electrical access
charge, may undertake this activity. permit is that the instructed person:
a) understands instructions given on what
approach is permitted to the electrical
apparatus; and
b) understands instructions given on what
activity is permitted to be taken in relation
to the electrical apparatus; and
c) agrees to the continuous and close
supervision by a nominated authorised
recipient.
45
9.2.6 Recipient working alone 9.2.9.2 Recording of earths

An electrical access permit may be issued All earths applied prior to and during the
to a single authorised recipient. The recipient currency of an electrical access permit
may work alone provided there is no risk of shall be recorded on the electrical access
infringing the safe approach distances and permit or documented in accordance with
the recipient is working in accordance with organisational procedures.
approved procedures. The removal of all earths shall be verified
9.2.7 Issuer also a recipient prior to re-energising the apparatus.
An issuer of an electrical access permit shall 9.2.9.3 Removal of earth when
not be the initial recipient in charge, but may working under an access authority
sign-on to the electrical access permit form During work under an access authority,
as an authorised recipient. the recipient in charge may authorise
In accordance with approved procedures, the removal of an earth for testing,
the issuer may sign-on as a subsequent reconductoring, or other purposes,
recipient in charge. only if such action is considered
9.2.8 Rejection of a recipient necessary and safe, and provided:
a) the operating authority that has
A person shall recommend the exclusion
operational control of the earth
from an electrical access permit of any other
and the operating authority who
person who at any time is considered unsafe
applied the earth agree; and
as a recipient. Such instances shall be
reported promptly to the person in charge b) in cases where the earth is listed on the
of the work. access authority, the operating authority
who issued the access authority is
9.2.9 Earthing of electrical apparatus consulted, to confirm that the removal of
under electrical access permit the earth will not affect any other access
9.2.9.1 Absence of an earth authorities that have been issued; and
Electrical apparatus shall be earthed c) all persons likely to be affected by the
before the issue of an electrical access removal of the earth are notified; and
permit, wherever practicable. d) consideration is given to induced
Where an earth has not been applied to voltages.
electrical apparatus prior to the issue of The earth removed shall be replaced in the
an electrical access permit, the recipient in same, or other equally effective position,
charge shall arrange for discharging and/or as soon as possible.
earthing of the electrical apparatus before
any recipient touches the high voltage
conductors.
46
9.2.10 Temporary cessation of 9.2.12 Working on multi-circuit
work or absence of recipients overhead lines
Following a temporary cessation of work Where more than one high voltage circuit is
or when recipients have been temporarily carried on a pole or line structure and work
absent from the work site, upon return is to be performed on circuits under an
each recipient shall report to the recipient electrical access permit while others remain
in charge to re-confirm the conditions of live, each recipient of the work party who
the electrical access permit. approaches near any circuits shall correctly
9.2.11 Testing under an electrical identify the circuit/s under electrical access
access permit permit and all other circuits.
Testing under an electrical access permit If there is any doubt the recipient shall seek
may be undertaken in accordance with clarification from the recipient in charge.
approved procedures that include a risk 9.2.13 Change of electrical access
assessment to ensure that: permit conditions
a) all other work shall cease for the duration The conditions specified and the precautions
of the testing; and listed on the electrical access permit shall
b) no hazardous voltages and currents will not be changed unless mutually agreed
be accessible as a result of the testing; and upon by both the operating authority and
c) recipient/s conducting the testing have the recipient in charge, and then only
the appropriate competency; and when a check has been made with the
appropriate operating authority regarding
d) consideration shall be given to any stored the requirements of other electrical access
electrical charge; and permits and all recipients working under the
e) test voltages and current do not exceed electrical access permit have been notified
the equipment rating or test equipment of the change.
rating; and
9.2.14 Cancellation of an electrical
f) consideration shall be given to maintain access permit
earth between the recipient/s and the
sources of supply; and 9.2.14.1 Recipients signing off an
electrical access permit.
g) consideration shall be given to the
hazards of connecting and disconnecting It shall be the duty of each recipient of an
test equipment; and electrical access permit to sign-off before
the electrical access permit is relinquished.
h) adequate precautions are taken for
the safety of all persons during the
performance of the test; and
i) the provisions of section 9.2.9.3 are met.
47
9.2.14.2 Responsibilities of 9.3 Testing HV electrical

the recipient in charge when
relinquishing an electrical access
apparatus procedure
permit for cancellation. 9.3.1 General
When an electrical access permit is to be The sanction for testing or an alternative
relinquished for cancellation, the recipient approved authorisation for testing shall be
in charge shall: used if the testing of high voltage electrical
a) ensure all recipients signed on to the apparatus has the potential to produce
electrical access permit have ceased currents and voltages hazardous to the
work covered by the electrical access human body.
permit and have signed off; and The alternative approved procedure shall
b) ensure all recipients and equipment are satisfy the requirements of section 9.3 to
clear and will remain clear of the electrical achieve the same or better safety outcomes.
apparatus; and 9.3.2 Planning for testing
c) sign-off the electrical access permit; of high voltage apparatus
as the recipient in charge to indicate Only an authorised applicant shall make
that the electrical access permit can application for a sanction for testing.
be cancelled; and
Before making an application for sanction
d) advise the operating authority of any
for testing the authorised applicant shall
condition of the electrical apparatus that
establish that the proposed work has been
could affect its operation.
properly planned and can be carried out safely.
Having the recipient in charge as the
The electrical apparatus to be tested and its
cancelling operator is undesirable and
location shall be accurately defined and the
should be avoided. Appropriate approved
task to be undertaken adequately described.
procedures shall be established to cover
instances where this is unavoidable. Testing shall be undertaken in accordance
with approved procedures and adequate
9.2.14.3 Absence of a recipient
precautions shall be taken to avoid exposure
at relinquishment.
to hazardous voltages and currents.
The practice of signing off an electrical
access permit on behalf of another person
is undesirable and should be avoided.
Appropriate organisation procedures should
be implemented with instruction for signing
off recipients where the recipients could not
sign-off in person.
48
Only one sanction for testing shall be on 9.3.3.3 A tester responsible at remote
issue on the same electrical apparatus location is an authorised tester at a remote
at any time. However, where the testing location to whom an authorised electrical
requires work at remote locations as operator has issued a complementary
well as at the nominated main location, sanction for testing.
a complementary sanction for testing 9.3.3.4 Sanctions for testing and
covering the same electrical apparatus complementary sanctions for testing shall be
shall be issued at each remote location. issued and cancelled only by an authorised
Where a complementary sanction for electrical operator.
testing is required, it shall be nominated 9.3.3.5 The appropriate provisions of
on the original application and issued only sections 7, 8, and 9 shall also apply to
in accordance with section 9.3. sanctions for testing and complementary
Where the test is to be undertaken on sanctions for testing.
electrical apparatus having more than one 9.3.3.6 Sanctions for testing and
control authority involvement then protocols complementary sanctions for testing may
shall be established for processing the be issued or relinquished by telephone or
application and test requirements. radio, subject to the statements between the
9.3.3 Sanction for testing procedure authorised electrical operator and the tester
9.3.3.1 A sanction for testing shall be either in charge or tester responsible at remote
cancelled or suspended prior to the issue location, as appropriate, being confirmed
of an electrical access permit on the same by a witness at each end.
electrical apparatus. 9.3.3.7 In the case of a sanction for testing
9.3.3.2 The sanction for testing shall or a complementary sanction for testing
be issued to the tester in charge by an issued by telephone or radio, the tester in
authorised electrical operator. charge or the tester responsible at remote
location, as appropriate, shall assume the
A complementary sanction for testing responsibilities of the authorised electrical
shall be issued only after, and relinquished operator in applying these provisions.
only before, the sanction for testing at the
nominated main location.
Such issues and cancellations shall take
place only with the approval of the tester
in charge.
49
9.3.4 Persons permitted to sign The conditions under which an authorised

onto sanctions for testing electrical operator or authorised recipient
Persons permitted to sign onto a sanction shall sign on to a sanction for testing are
for testing shall be authorised testers, that the authorised electrical operator or
authorised electrical operators, authorised recipient:
recipients or instructed persons approved to a) understands instructions given on what
work under that specific sanction for testing. approach is permitted to the electrical
apparatus; and
In the case of authorised electrical operators,
authorised recipients or instructed persons, b) understands instructions given on what
it shall be the responsibility of the tester in activity is permitted to be taken in relation
charge or the tester responsible at remote to the electrical apparatus; and
location to ensure that such persons are c) aware of the nearest adjacent live
placed in the charge of an authorised tester, electrical apparatus; and
who may be the tester in charge. d) agrees to the general supervision by
The conditions under which an authorised a nominated authorised tester.
tester shall sign on to a sanction for testing The conditions under which an instructed
are the authorised tester: person shall sign-on to a sanction for testing
a) understands the electrical apparatus are that the person:
covered and the limits of the sanction a) understands instructions given on what
for testing; and approach is permitted to the electrical
b) is satisfied with the precautions taken; apparatus; and
and b) understands instructions given on what
c) is aware of the nearest adjacent live activity is permitted to be taken in relation
electrical apparatus. to the electrical apparatus; and
c) is made aware of the nearest adjacent
live electrical apparatus; and
d) agrees to the continuous and close
supervision by a nominated authorised
tester.
50
9.3.5 Responsibilities of tester 9.3.6 Complementary sanctions for
in charge testing—responsibilities of tester
9.3.5.1 The tester in charge shall ensure responsible at remote location
that the members of the work party who will The tester responsible at remote location
be making contact with electrical apparatus shall assume the same responsibilities as
under test and any of the test connections specified for the tester in charge, and shall
or approaching within the prescribed safe function under direction of the latter.
approach distances during the currency 9.3.7 Relinquishment of sanctions
of the sanction for testing, sign onto the for testing
sanction for testing or a complementary
sanction for testing. 9.3.7.1 When relinquishing a sanction for
testing, the tester in charge shall advise the
9.3.5.2 The tester in charge shall ensure operating authority of the condition of the
that the members of the work party are electrical apparatus at all related locations.
suitably experienced and trained for the
work required of them and that adequate 9.3.7.2 Where complementary sanctions
precautions are taken for the safety of for testing have been issued, each tester
all persons. responsible at remote location shall:
a) advise the tester in charge of
relinquishment of the complementary
sanction for testing and the condition
of the electrical apparatus at the remote
location
b) advise the operating authority at the
remote location of the condition of the
electrical apparatus at that location.
The tester in charge shall ensure that all
complementary sanctions for testing have
been relinquished prior to relinquishing
the sanction for testing.
51
9.4 Out of commission 9.5 Suspension of

electrical apparatus an access authority
9.4.1 Declaring electrical apparatus 9.5.1 General
out of commission When the operating authority and the
An out of commission declaration shall recipient/tester in charge agree, an access
include a statement of the condition of the authority can be suspended in accordance
electrical apparatus, as well as all relevant with approved procedures.
auxiliary equipment, including, but not limited 9.5.2 Conditions for suspension
to, control circuits, compressed air supplies of an access authority
and alternative energy sources.
Approved procedures for suspension of
9.4.2 Access to out of commission an access authority shall ensure that:
a) an access authority is not considered
Electrical apparatus that is declared out suspended until all recipients have signed
of commission may be approached and off; and
worked upon without the issue of an
b) recipients sign off and have no access to
electrical access permit.
the electrical apparatus while the access
Although the electrical apparatus is not authority is suspended; and
electrically connected, consideration shall c) the operating authority is informed of
be given to the possibility of inadvertent the condition/status of the electrical
energisation from adjacent electrical apparatus.
apparatus, induction, lightning, static
charges or other means and appropriate 9.5.3 Procedure for suspension
controls applied. of an access authority
Approved procedures for suspension of an
access authority shall ensure that:
a) the recipient or tester in charge ensures
that all recipients sign-off and are
informed that the access authority is
suspended and no further access is
permitted; and
b) the operating authority is notified of the
status of the electrical apparatus; and
c) while suspended the access authority
is under the control of the operating
authority.
52
9.5.4 Procedure for resumption All live work shall be conducted in
of an access authority accordance with approved procedures
Approved procedures for resumption of and approved live work minimum
an access authority shall ensure that: approach distances.
a) the access authority is resumed with When developing approved procedures,

the same isolations, earths and other determining live work minimum approach
precautions at the time of suspension; and distances and performing the tasks the
following shall be considered:
b) the operating authority shall approve
the resumption of the access authority a) AS 5804 (High voltage live working) and
and where considered necessary use related standards and guidelines as may
the procedure for issue of the access be appropriate; and
authority; and b) electrical and ergonomic distances
c) the recipient/tester in charge ensures that necessary to prevent flashover; and
recipients are informed of the limits of the c) possibility of inadvertent movement; and
access authority and precautions taken. d) minimising the duration of work at the live
work minimum approach distances; and
9.6 Live work—high e) work techniques that provide maximum
voltage practical distance from live conductors; and
Section 9.6 is not applicable to the f) limiting overvoltage conditions by
operation, washing or testing of live high operational or site controls; and
voltage electrical apparatus. Refer to g) work crew on site risk assessment; and
h) control of inadvertent movement by the
9.6.1 General use of insulating barriers, insulated plant
Live work shall only be undertaken after and appliances and controlled body
first considering performing the work under movements; and
isolated and earthed conditions. i) environmental conditions.
Before live work is undertaken a hazard
identification and risk assessment
shall confirm that the work can be
performed safely.
53
9.6.2 Minimum requirements 9.6.4 Glove and barrier work

The procedures for undertaking live An authorised live high voltage worker may
work shall include: make insulated contact with live high voltage
a) persons performing live work and conductors up to 33kV when fully insulated
appointed safety observers shall be from earth and other phases using approved
authorised live high voltage workers; and and tested personal protective equipment
and insulating devices.
b) persons when specifically instructed and
supervised by an authorised live high 9.6.5 Bare hand work
voltage worker as part of live high voltage An authorised live high voltage worker
worker training; and may make bare hand contact with live
c) the risk assessment shall consider high voltage conductors of 220kV and
as a minimum: above provided they are fully insulated from
earth and other conductors at different
°° the condition of the electrical
apparatus; and potentials by means of air gaps appropriate
to the voltage of the conductors and the
°° proximity of other electrical apparatus; precautions applied.
and
°° proximity of earthed equipment and 9.7 Preparing high
structures; and
voltage electrical
°° protection and control settings; and
apparatus for access
°° appointment of a safety observer; and
9.7.1 Isolation and earthing
d) persons performing live work shall use
appropriate rated and tested equipment High voltage electrical apparatus should not
and wear appropriate apparel; and be regarded as being safe for the issue of
e) the work shall be performed in an electrical access permit until it has been
accordance with approved procedures. isolated and earthed.
9.6.3 Insulating stick work Whenever practicable, all isolation points

should be tagged.
An authorised live high voltage worker may
access live high voltage conductors using Consideration shall be given to the isolation
insulating sticks at the distances determined of sources of supply from low voltage or
through reference to section 9.6.1. secondary circuits.
Approved procedures shall ensure the
integrity of the isolation is maintained during
currency of the electrical access permit.
54
Isolation for access shall either be visible, 9.7.2.2 Hazards that are likely
or an approved means used to confirm that to be life-threatening
the electrical apparatus is de-energised. Situations where there is an immediate and
Note: such isolation may not eliminate the effects probable risk of contact with live electrical
of electrical or magnetic induction.
apparatus shall be defined by the use
Earths shall be applied as described in of danger barriers and/or signs (refer to
section 8.2. If earthing is impracticable, 9.7.2.4). For example:
other appropriate precautions shall be taken a) areas where safe approach distances
and the authorised electrical operator shall cannot be maintained;
advise the recipient in charge and record
the absence of an earth on the electrical b) areas in which high voltage testing
access permit. is in progress.
9.7.2 Barriers and signs 9.7.2.3 Hazards that are not likely
to be life-threatening
9.7.2.1 General
For the purpose of general identification of
Appropriate barriers shall be used where those areas where warning is necessary,
necessary to indicate areas containing warning barriers and/or signs shall be used.
live electrical apparatus and the degree For example, between work areas and
of hazard. adjacent areas containing live high voltage
Appropriate signs shall be used where electrical apparatus that does not present
necessary to: an electrical hazard to normal pedestrian
movement. (Refer to 9.7.2.4)
a) identify electrical apparatus covered
by an access authority; and 9.7.2.4 Descriptions of barriers
b) identify adjacent live electrical apparatus and signs
and related hazard. Live (Alive) sign
Barriers shall not be altered or crossed Approved danger sign with the word
except in accordance with approved LIVE (ALIVE) printed in white upon a red
procedures. background or otherwise conforming
In particular instances where identification to AS1319.
is positive, such as on some high voltage Danger barrier and/or sign
overhead lines and underground cables, and
A barrier and/or sign of suitable material
providing appropriate safeguards have been
coloured red or alternatively red and white,
taken, approved procedures may dispense
to indicate the presence of danger, or
with the use of barriers and/or signs.
otherwise conforming to AS1319.
55
Under access permit sign Additional barriers and signs may be erected
A sign of appropriate dimensions with the after the issue of the electrical access permit
words UNDER ACCESS PERMIT or similar by agreement between the authorised
printed in white on a green background or electrical operator and the recipient in
otherwise conforming to AS1319. charge.
Under sanction for testing sign 9.7.2.6 Barriers and/or signs

for sanction for testing
A danger sign of appropriate dimensions
with the words UNDER SANCTION Prior to the issue of a sanction for testing,
FOR TESTING printed in red on a white barriers and signs shall be erected to:
background or otherwise conforming a) make it clearly evident which electrical
to AS1319. apparatus is under sanction for testing
and which is not; and
Warning barrier and/or sign
b) guard against mistaken or inadvertent
A barrier and/or sign of suitable material, contact with other electrical apparatus
coloured yellow, or alternatively yellow and or equipment under test.
black, to indicate the need for a warning,
or otherwise conforming to AS1319. The above shall be achieved with the use
of appropriate signs and barriers including
9.7.2.5 Barriers and signs danger barriers, live signs and under
for electrical access permits sanction for testing signs. In positioning
Prior to the issue of an electrical signs and barriers consideration shall be
access permit, barriers and signs given to all approaches to the work area.
shall be erected to: Additional barriers and signs may be erected
a) make it clearly evident which electrical after the issue of the sanction for testing by
apparatus is under electrical access the tester in charge.
permit and which is not; and
b) guard against mistaken or inadvertent
contact with other electrical apparatus.
The above shall be achieved with the use
of appropriate signs and barriers including
live signs and under access permit signs.
In positioning signs and barriers
consideration shall be given to all
approaches to the work area.
56
9.7.3 Use of a statement of condition Where it is not practicable to detail all such
of apparatus/plant (SCAP) precautions, a general statement of the
9.7.3.1 General condition of the electrical apparatus
(e.g. isolated and earthed) is acceptable
A SCAP is a statement outlining the provided that:
condition of apparatus/plant. It shall be used
a) it is acceptable to the operating
between operating authorities to confirm
authorities; and
plant conditions and isolations to support
an access authority or other operational b) it is acceptable to all recipients on the
requirements. associated electrical access permit or
sanction for testing; and
This statement covers only the state of the
electrical apparatus or plant specified and c) the authorised electrical operator issuing
does not by itself authorise work on the the electrical access permit or sanction
electrical apparatus or plant. for testing can satisfy the recipients of the
precautions taken through demonstration
9.7.3.2 Use of the SCAP—written or references to drawings, etc.
and verbal
Where a general statement is used and any
The conditions of isolation shall remain isolation point is to be changed, while still
unchanged until the statement is cancelled. maintaining general condition of isolation,
Any earths listed on the statement may be prior agreement shall be obtained from all
removed as requested by the recipient in affected operating authorities.
accordance with 9.7.3.2. The receiving operating authority shall
The SCAP shall, where practicable, detail all consult with recipients of affected access
relevant precautions taken for the safety of authorities before agreeing to any change.
the work party. Where the precautions are
detailed they shall not be changed during
the currency of the SCAP.
57
Verbal statements shall only be used 9.7.4.4 When access is required within
between operating authorities when: spout bushings the contacts shall be
a) there is mutual agreement to use verbal confirmed as de-energised by an approved
statements; and test. The circuit shall also be earthed
elsewhere or other precautions taken to
b) they have established procedures and
ensure that the spout contacts cannot
systems for the centralised logging of
become live by induction or other means.
information both given and received,
regarding the condition of electrical 9.7.4.5 When it is not practicable to earth
apparatus; and metal-clad circuits, a risk assessment shall
c) the procedures and systems guard be conducted to determine the special
against the inadvertent operation or precautions, including discharging, to ensure
restoration of electrical apparatus. that the conductors can be regarded as
being at earth potential.
9.7.4 High voltage metal-clad
switchgear and associated 9.7.5 Rotating high voltage machines
electrical apparatus A rotating machine, or circuits connected
9.7.4.1 For the purpose of issuing an to it, shall not be regarded as safe for the
electrical access permit, a circuit breaker issue of an electrical access permit while the
or a voltage transformer may be regarded machine is revolving unless it is on turning
as isolated and at earth potential when it gear with earths applied.
is racked out, and appropriate precautions These earths may be removed during the
taken to prevent re-energisation. (See also currency of an electrical access permit in
section 9.1) accordance with section 9.7.5.
9.7.4.2 For work on busbar circuits, where
the physical separation of circuits within a
chamber is not visibly evident, additional
precautions shall be taken for the safety
of the working party.
9.7.4.3 The proposed means of access
within metal-clad chambers shall be
described to the authorised electrical
operator by the recipient in charge and
both must agree on the extent of access
and that such access is safe.
58
9.8 Working on insulated Prior to spiking, the operating authority
shall be advised. The operating authority
power or supervisory shall prevent the energising or re-energising
cables of any cable in the vicinity of the proposed
9.8.1 On-site identification of works until advised that spiking has been
insulated cables (including out of completed.
commission or abandoned cables) 9.8.3 Working under induced
Where it is necessary for a cable to be voltage conditions
de-energised to enable access to the cable, Whenever work is to be carried out on a
the de-energised state should be confirmed cable core, sheath, armouring, oil line, etc.,
on site by positive identification or visually of a fully insulated cable system, careful
tracing it from one end or by the use of assessment shall first be given to the voltage
a spiking device. that may appear on the conductor via
9.8.2 Spiking of cables induction or other means and appropriate
earthing practices and approved work
A spiking device may be used to
procedures adopted.
confirm that a cable is de-energised.
When a cable is to be spiked by a
power-operated spiking device, the
following measures shall be taken:
a) where practicable, the electrical condition
of the remote ends of the cable shall
be confirmed as isolated and earthed;
the person in charge of the work shall
personally select the cable to be spiked
after careful reference to the appropriate
records and use of cable tracers where
necessary; and
b) an approved cable spiking device shall be
used by a person trained in its use and in
59
10 Placing high
voltage electrical
Placing high voltage electrical apparatus in service
apparatus in service
Principle 10.2 Connections to
High voltage electrical new or out of commission
apparatus shall not be electrical apparatus
placed into service until it has Before any electrical connection is made
been cleared for service. whereby new electrical apparatus or any
electrical apparatus previously out of
10.1 Clearance commission can be energised by direct
switching or live work procedures:
for service
a) the operating authority shall be notified
An operating authority shall not consider of the intention to make such connection;
electrical apparatus being available for and
service until it has been handed over
b) all persons associated with the work, and
from the constructing or maintaining
any others likely to be affected shall be
authority by written notification or by
informed that no further work is permitted
on the electrical apparatus unless:
°° they are recipients of an access
authority, or
°° live work procedures are used.
To enable the connection to be made,
an appropriate access authority or live
work procedure shall be used.
60
11 Low voltage
network assets
Low voltage network assets

Principle 11.3 Work on or near
Safe working procedures de-energised low voltage
shall be established for exposed conductors
work on or near low voltage 11.3.1 Except for protection, control
network assets. systems, station service supplies, auxiliary
circuits and low voltage services, an access
11.1 General authority shall be issued to work on or
near the exposed conductors. For this
11.1.1 Persons required to work on or purpose, an electrical access permit or other
near low voltage network assets shall be approved access authority may be used.
appropriately trained and authorised.
11.3.2 The conductors shall be isolated,
11.1.2 Work on or near low voltage network where practicable.
assets shall be undertaken in accordance
with approved procedures. 11.3.3 Exposed conductors shall be proved
de-energised in accordance with approved
11.1.3 Before commencing work on or near procedures. This shall include testing of all
any low voltage network assets, they shall conductors by an approved voltage test.
firstly be identified as the assets associated
with the work to be undertaken. 11.3.4 Control measures shall be taken to:
a) prevent inadvertent contact with other
11.2 Work on or near live live exposed conductors, or objects at
different potentials; and
low voltage conductors
b) minimise the risks from hazardous
When work is to be carried out on or near induced voltages or unknown supplies.
live low voltage network assets, approved
precautions shall be taken to prevent 11.3.5 Control measures may include
simultaneous contact with conductors or the use of:
conducting objects at different potentials. a) blocking and locking of switches;
b) signs and tags placed at all points
of isolation, that shall be removed only
with the permission of a person identified
in approved procedures;
c) earths;
d) bonds;
e) work planning to minimise the risk of
inadvertent contact with live conductors
in the vicinity of the work;
f) insulating and other types of barriers.
61
12 Work by persons
not under the control
Work by persons not under the control of the asset owner
of the asset owner

Principle 12.2 Permit to work
The asset owner shall have adjacent to network
procedures to facilitate a safe assets
system of access, by persons Where the safe system of access referred
not under the control of the to in section 12.1 is used, it shall include
the use of the permit to work adjacent to
asset owner. network assets.
12.1 General When a permit to work adjacent to
network assets is required, the network
An electrical asset owner shall have asset owner shall require a written
procedures to facilitate a safe system of application to be submitted.
access by persons, not under the control of
the asset owner, to work near or within safe The application shall include sufficient
approach distance or, when appropriate, information to enable the network asset
in the vicinity of electrical apparatus. owner to determine appropriate control
measures to enable safe access.
For the purposes of this section, persons
not under the control of the electrical The procedure for the permit to work
asset owner are persons or organisations adjacent to network assets shall include:
that have no contractual obligation to a) an approved issuer; and
the electrical asset owner and are not b) nominated person in charge of the
performing work for the asset owner for work; and
the particular task.
c) control measures (precautions)
The electrical asset owner shall ensure undertaken by the asset owner; and
appropriate instruction is provided on the
d) instructions given to the nominated
electrical hazards.
person in charge of the work; and
The electrical asset owner shall instruct the e) a process for the issue and cancellation.
person controlling the work (not under the
control of the asset owner) that the person
is responsible for having a safe system of
work in place to avoid the risk from electrical
hazard and will ensure all persons are aware
of the safe system of work
62
Work by persons not under the control of the asset owner
12.3 Work on abandoned No person shall perform tree clearing work
in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus
underground cables unless the person:
For work by persons (not under the a) has completed a training course
control of the asset owner) on abandoned approved by ESV; and
underground cables the use of a safe
system of access shall be considered by b) has a standard of qualifications,
the electrical asset owner. proficiency and experience that
enable the person to safely perform
the work; and
12.4 Electrical safety
c) has been endorsed in writing by
rules for vegetation the organisation (e.g. the employer)
management work near to perform the work; and
overhead powerlines by d) has documented a hazard identification
non-electrical workers and risk assessment; and
Vegetation management clearing work in e) has implemented a risk management
this section means the pruning, cutting, process to control hazards associated
trimming or felling of a tree and the assisting with the work; and
to prune, cut, trim or fell a tree where any f) complies with Electrical safety rules
part of the tree is or may come within, or the for vegetation management work near
work requires any person, tool, equipment overhead powerlines by non-electrical
or vehicle to come within, the minimum safe workers, as published or amended
distance prescribed in the Electricity Safety from time to time by ESV.
Act 1998 (the Act) or associated Regulations
for persons who are not employed, engaged
or under control of the electrical asset owner.
63
Appendix A—Information
to be contained in forms
Appendix A—Information to be contained in forms
This appendix provides Examples of information that could

be included are:
information that shall be
included and other information °° work to be done; and
that could be considered by °° details of special requirements by work
party e.g. hazard control measures,
organisations in the formal cross-referencing of electrical access
communications associated permits; and
with procedures referenced °° instructions to be observed; and
in this Code. Unless stated °° a unique identifying number; and
otherwise, the information may °° the date, and endorsement of the
applicant; and
be communicated verbally or
by written or electronic means. °° time and date for anticipated start
and finish of access authority; and
Application for an °° the work location.

access authority Application for authority
An application for an access authority shall to work in the vicinity of
contain sufficient information to determine:
°° the type of access authority to be issued;
and An application for an authority to work
in the vicinity of electrical apparatus shall
°° electrical apparatus to be covered; and contain sufficient information to determine:
°° the precautions to be taken.
°° work to be done, including details
of mobile plant; and
°° the work location and work area
and access routes.
Examples of information that could be
included are:
°° details of special requirements by work
party e.g. cross-referencing to related
access authority and instructions to
be observed; and
°° unique identification number; and
°° date and endorsement of applicant; and
°° time and date for start and finish.
64
Personal authorisations Authority to work in
Authorised persons shall be issued the vicinity of electrical
a written statement of their authority. apparatus
The statement shall contain: The details shall contain:
°° the type of authority; and °° unique identification number; and
°° any limitations or extensions on the °° location of work; and
type of authority; and
°° description of work, day, commencement
°° the signature of the authorising officer; date; and
and
°° estimated day and date of completion;
°° the date of issue. and
The statement could also contain: °° instructions to be observed by the work
party; and
°° the duration or authorisation review date;
and °° receipt, relinquishment and cancelling;
and
°° the date of reviews and competency
tests; and °° signatures, time, date of issue.
°° signed statement of acknowledgment
by the v; and
°° the knowledge and skill required
for the authority; and
°° a description and scope of duties
the person is authorised to perform.
65
Appendix A
Clearance to place Electrical access permit

electrical apparatus and sanction for testing
into service (may also be The details shall contain:
overhead line clearance °° unique identification number, location,
and underground cable application number, cancellation due
time and date; and
clearance)
The details shall contain: °° location or station; and
°° sections for electrical apparatus covered;
°° a description of the electrical apparatus; and
and
°° condition of electrical apparatus (for
°° being cleared; and sanction for testing) and precautions
°° expected commissioning date; and taken; and
°° authority to place into service with °° section for issue, title, time, date,
signature and date from the construction issued by; and
authority; and
°° sections for receipt, and
°° authority to place into service with
signature and date from the testing °° section for condition of electrical
apparatus on relinquishment of
authority; and
sanction for testing; and
°° statement that all construction persons
are clear and will treat the apparatus as °° section for cancellation, signed, title,
time, date.
live and provision for construction persons
to sign statement; and The details could contain:
°° statement that all commissioning tests °° for telephone or radio issue, additional
have been completed by the testing sections for witnesses.
authority and provision for the testing
authority to sign and date the statement;
and
°° statement that the apparatus has been
accepted by the operating authority and
provision for the operating authority to
sign and date the statement.
The details could contain:
°° drawing references; and
°° description of works; and
°° statement of when works ready
for general inspection.
66
Statement of condition
of apparatus/plant (SCAP)
The details shall contain:
° statement of certification of conditions of
° electrical apparatus and
° sections for signatures of acceptance,
relinquishment and cancellation; and
°° record of electrical apparatus permits
issued; and
°° statement that states: “This statement
covers only the state of the eelectrical
apparatus specified hereon and does not
by itself authorise work on the electrical
apparatus”.
67
For further information go to
www.esv.vic.gov.au or phone
ESV on (03) 9203 9700.
Published by Energy Safe Victoria

Level 5
4 Riverside Quay
Southbank VIC 3006
(Version 11/2017)

The Blue Book 2017: Code of Practice On Electrical Safety For The Work On or Near High Voltage Electrical Apparatus

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The Blue Book 2017

Code of Practice on electrical safety for the work

This Code was published by Energy Safe

The following persons significantly contributed to the revision:

Company Sector represented

The Electricity Safety (Installations) 8 August 2017

°° Electrical access permit means °° Authorised applicant means an

6. Authority to receive electrical access 15. De-energised means not connected

Workplace health and safety laws place

°° an electricity supply network operated °° documenting the process; and

Figure 1: Hierarchy of documentation for electrical safety

Acts and Regulations

Principle 3.3 Communications

3.6 Insulating sticks General PPE requirements

3.13.3 Magnetic fields 3.14 Victim Rescue

Head and trunk 2000 milliTesla

Training and authorisation

4.2.2 Learning outcomes 4.2.3 Training courses

Work in the vicinity of electrical apparatus

Principle Expected reach shall include all intentional

Exclusion zone Exclusion zone

SAD is based on the exclusion zone

Vicinity means a situation

Near means a situation where

Safe approach distance means the

Instructed persons’ safe approach

Table 1: Safe approach distance for persons to exposed conductors

Nominal phase to Ordinary Instructed persons or authorised

6.2.3 Guidelines for the development 6.3 Safe approach

Nominal phase to Safe approach distance— Safe approach distance—

6.4 Safe approach When the work requires a closer approach

Nominal Safe approach Safe approach Safe approach

Nominal phase Safe approach distances Working within safe approach

All electrical apparatus shall be considered Contact by persons may be made to

6.9 Work in stations

6.10 Work outside

Operation of high voltage and DC traction electrical apparatus

Principle 8.1.3 In applying an earthing device,

In situations where there is the risk of

8.6 High voltage As a minimum the catenary wire of aerial

8.7 Aerial supervisory

Access for work on or near high voltage electrical apparatus

9.2.2 Multiple working parties 9.2.4.2 At the time of issue of an electrical

9.2.6 Recipient working alone 9.2.9.2 Recording of earths

9.2.14.2 Responsibilities of 9.3 Testing HV electrical

9.3.4 Persons permitted to sign The conditions under which an authorised

9.4 Out of commission 9.5 Suspension of

a) the access authority is resumed with When developing approved procedures,

9.6.2 Minimum requirements 9.6.4 Glove and barrier work

9.6.3 Insulating stick work Whenever practicable, all isolation points

Under sanction for testing sign 9.7.2.6 Barriers and/or signs

Low voltage network assets

of the asset owner

This appendix provides Examples of information that could

Application for an °° the work location.

Clearance to place Electrical access permit

Published by Energy Safe Victoria

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