Work On or Near Electrical Apparatus
OPERATING Philosophy
We know you value your people and your network.
Safety of
People
protection of
plant
continuity of
supply
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Describes typical activities most Network Operators perform.
WORKPLACE PROCEDURES
Provided by Network Operators to describe the specific requirements for work activities on their Network.
AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
AS/NZ Standards are developed to provide industries with the minimum requirements for the outcomes of performed work.
NOTE – *Australian Standards are required to be complied with when called up in legislation.
A good example of this includes AS/NZS 3000:2018 – Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules).
SAFE APPROACH DISTANCES
Staying away from electrical apparatus is the third most effective way to achieve the Network Operating Philosophy
When working NEAR to electrical parts, prescribed distances exist that a person, vehicle, and mobile plant are required to be observed.
Depending on the State or Territory in Australia, these prescribed distances are referred to as:
Exclusion Zones
Safe Approach Distances (SADs)
Minimum Approach Distances (MADs)
Approach Limits
These prescribed distances are different depending on the Network Operator’s determination of a person’s technical knowledge & experience.
- AUTHORISED PERSON
This means the Network Operator has determined that the person has enough Technical Knowledge and Experience. - INSTRUCTED PERSON
This means the person is constantly supervised by an Authorised Person. - UNTRAINED PERSON
This means a person who is not an Authorised Person.
These distances can be Legislatively enforced i.e. it’s the Law.
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS
1. Elimination
2. Substitution
3. ISOLATION
4. Engineering
5. Administration
6. PPE
get authorised
UTC can deliver Training and Assessment Course material that provides the needed Technical Knowledge typically required by a Network Operator to authorise a person.
NEW SOUTH WALES
TASMANIA
Research pending – contact us if you need this right now.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Research pending – contact us if you need this right now.
WORK INSIDE EXCLUSION ZONES
Network Operators need workers to come inside Exclusion Zones to perform necessary maintenance and repairs.
1. LIVE LINE PROCEDURES
Legislative & industry procedures exist that allow work on High Voltage apparatus whilst it remains energised.
This is a highly specialised field of work within the electrical industry.
UTC has observed these procedures are usually only used by networks operating considerable & complex Transmission & Distribution Networks i.e. State Government owned Electricity Entities, Electrical Supply Authorities, Power Industry Suppliers etc.
UTC agrees with the majority of privately owned High Voltage Network Operators who choose to not use these procedures.
2. HVIA PROCEDURES
The most common and effective method of performing work on High Voltage electrical apparatus is by implementing what is commonly known as ‘HVIA’ Procedures.
See HVIA Procedures Page for more information.
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS
1. ELIMINATION
2. Substitution
3. Isolation
4. Engineering
5. Administration
6. PPE
