Nobody remembers the numbers, and the consequence of guessing is a fatality. Pick the line and who is operating.
Work near energised electrical services is high risk construction work - a SWMS is required before the work starts, whatever the distance. Use the HRCW checker if you are not sure.
Contact the network operator - Energex, Ergon, Ausgrid, Endeavour, Essential, Powercor, AusNet, SA Power Networks, Western Power, Power and Water, Evoenergy, TasNetworks - before work starts. They can tell you the actual voltage, and they are the ones who de-energise, cover or relocate.
Working near overhead powerlines, mobile plant no-go zones and electrical isolation are all covered in the SWMS libraries, each written to your state's Act and regulator. Browse the libraries → or start with a free SWMS.
Read this. Exclusion zones are set by electrical safety law and they are not the same in every state - and some networks impose tighter distances than the legal minimum. The figures here are the widely used defaults for construction plant and are given to help you ask the right question. Confirm the zone with the network operator and your state's electrical safety regulator before work starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
Obras Onsite Pty Ltd · ABN 54 698 828 821
The tools above are free and yours to use. When you need the paperwork behind them reviewed by someone who has run sites, Obras HSE Services is a live consulting business in south-east Queensland.