Code of practice for vegetation worker electrical safety
This code details the requirements for vegetation control work carried out near the live conductors of overhead power lines and is to be read in conjunction with Electricity Regulations 1947 Regulation 316A.
The code has been developed to ensure the safety of the general public and workers cutting trees near powerlines.
Specific areas covered are:
- General principles
- General safety requirements
- Safe approach distances
- Vegetation clearances
- Work procedures
- Competency and authorisation
- Plant, tools and equipment
Your work practices must comply with this mandatory code.
Training information
Take the Code of Practice for Vegetation Worker Electrical Safety online assessment.
The training units required under the Code of Practice have been selected from the Certificate II in ESI - Powerline Vegetation Control. Workers may choose to take further steps to gain a recognised qualification, rather than a certificate of attainment issued by an RTO for the individual units required by the Code of Practice.
Confirmed training providers are:
Recognition of Prior Learning by an RTO will only be required for training units that are prerequisites for mandatory training units in the Code.
Guidelines for the management of vegetation near powerlines
The purpose of this document is to clarify the responsibilities for controlling and clearing vegetation around overhead power lines. Management includes pruning, cutting and trimming, removing vegetation and disposing of vegetation endangering powerlines.
Building and Energy, as the State’s energy industry technical and safety regulator, has developed these guidelines with the network operators in Western Australia.
The requirements apply to power lines owned and operated by network operators throughout the State.
The responsibilities set out in these guidelines are based on the policy framework developed through extensive community consultation prior to being enacted in legislation.
This publication has been produced by Building and Energy, a division of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. However, for enquiries about vegetation control around overhead power lines, telephone the relevant network operator:
- Western Power on 13 13 51; or
- Horizon Power on 13 23 51.
Stay clear, stay safe – Cutting trees near powerlines can be deadly and dangerous
To help maintain an acceptable level of safety and reduce the possibility of incidents, Building and Energy has developed a fact sheet for vegetation control and safety near powerlines.
