Working Near Overhead Power Lines (No Go Zones) SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers work planning and work activities near overhead power lines and no-go zones. It supports managing line identification, exclusion areas, plant movement, access and emergency response risks.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan work near lines and identify potential conflicts
• Scope overhead lines and obstacles
• Consult relevant authorities and confirm arrangements
• Set and maintain exclusion zones
• Verify worker competency and communication arrangements
• Complete plant pre-start checks
• Position plant with regard to line clearances
• Operate plant near lines
• Undertake hand work near lines
• Manage traffic, deliveries and driver access
• Monitor weather, respond to emergencies and sign off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out work near overhead power lines.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• WHS Act s19 - primary duty of care to provide safe plant, systems of work and workplace
• WHS Act s46-49 - consultation with other duty holders and workers
• WHS Regulations Part 3.1 - manage risks using the hierarchy of control
• WHS Regulation s147 - risk management
• WHS Regulation s166 - overhead and underground electric lines; keep persons, plant and things outside unsafe distance
• WHS Regulations r291-r299 - high risk construction work and SWMS requirements
• Work near overhead and underground electric lines Code of Practice - planning, approach distances, no-go zones, consultation with electricity supply authority and emergency arrangements
• Managing the risks of plant in the workplace Code of Practice - plant selection, inspection, guarding, operator competence and exclusion zones
• Elevating work platforms Code of Practice - safe approach planning, emergency lowering and electrical line controls for EWPs
• Where applicable in Queensland workplaces, Electrical Safety Act 2002, Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 and Electrical Safety Code of Practice - Working near overhead and underground electric lines

---

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections