INCIDENT

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The layout of an orchard should be such that the need to work in the vicinity of, or pass under, powerlines is not required.
   
2. Where there are powerlines:
   
   
   
   • Ensure all employees are aware of the location of powerlines and the dangers of working near them.
     
   • Ensure that an employee required to work near overhead power lines is aware of the "danger zone" for each type of power line. These are:
     
     
     
     • Within 0.5 metres of a live insulated overhead power line or aerial bundled conductor line of voltage of not more than 1,000-volts;
       
     • Within 1.0 metre of a live uninsulated overhead power line of a voltage of not more than 1,000-volts;
       
     • Within 3.0 metres of a live overhead power line, whether insulated or not, of a voltage exceeding 1,000-volts but no more than 33,000-volts; or
       
     • Within 6.0 metres of a live overhead power line, whether insulated or not, of a voltage exceeding 33,000-volts.
   
   
3. When the safe distance cannot be achieved contact Western Power or the local supply authority to establish means of making the powerlines safe.

FURTHER INFORMATION