Be aware of electrical assets on your farm
Working near electrical infrastructure
can be dangerous
Make sure you know the location of all electrical infrastructure on or near your property, including overhead and underground electricity networks.
Powerlines, power poles and other electrical infrastructure can all present serious safety risks. Do some basic checks before starting work.
- Look around and identify where power poles and powerlines are located and mark them at ground level;
- If powerlines are located near the work area, contact Horizon Power. Our contact details are listed at the end of this brochure. We can provide you with information about voltages and the safe clearances which need to be maintained before you start;
- Ensure you and your workers are suitably trained to carry out the work required;
- Be aware that the distance of powerlines from the ground may appear to be higher or lower depending on the angle from which they are viewed;
- Don’t ever take risks. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for advice. If necessary, we can disconnect the power supply to enable you to safely carry out the work required;
- Contact us immediately if you see an electrical emergency or damaged electrical equipment; and
- In the event of an incident in which your vehicle comes into contact with power infrastructure, do not exit the vehicle and call us on 13 23 51.
Ensure electrical assets can be accessed by trained personnel
In order to ensure the safety and reliability of your power supply, Horizon Power authorised personnel must have clear access to all electrical assets, such as transfomers and power poles, on both public and private property.
Please make sure that access isn’t restricted by activities such as crop-netting.
If you are aware of any access issues, such as boggy tracks, please let us know and we will endeavour to work with you. If we do access your property, we commit to limiting movement as much as possible and ensuring that gates are left open or closed as they were found.
Be aware of the height and width of your equipment and the loads you transport
Pay special attention to electricity infrastructure when driving oversize vehicles, including farming equipment, and when towing lifestock vehicles. You should know the height and width of machinery in both stowed and working conditions and should always lower machinery whenever possible.
To ensure your safety and that of your community, if transporting a load higher than 4.3 metres (or 4.6 metres for livestock vehicles travelling on nominated routes), or wider than 5.5 metres, you must receive approval from Horizon Power before you proceed.
Depending on the route and the size of the load, Horizon Power may need to help you by moving, raising or shielding powerlines or by providing a road escort.
Private power poles and powerlines are your responsibility
Powerlines delivering electricity from your main switchboard and meter to your home or other buildings are private powerlines. This includes the pole where Horizon Power’s overhead service cable is attached and/or the pole where switchboard/meter box is located.
If you have private powerlines or a private power pole on your property, it is your responsibility to inspect and maintain them. Keep trees and branches clear of powerlines. This will help prevent power interruptions and reduce the possibility of fire, electric shock or electrocution.
If you are unsure about whether you are responsible for the powerlines or poles on your property, please contact your local Horizon Power office.
Farm safety presentation
Our farm safety presentation is a handy resource for farmers to prepare and keep workers safe when operating around electrical assets.