Authorisation zones
What is an authorised person?
How do I become an authorised person?
Contact details for electrical entities
An authorisation zone occurs when an authorised or instructed person is permitted to have direct contact with, or to work within the exclusion zone for an insulated low-voltage line.
If an operating plant is to enter the authorisation zone, a safety observer or another safe system of work must be used. This is to prevent contact between the operating plant and the low-voltage line. When contact is permitted, then the safety observer is to prevent damage to the low-voltage line.
A safe system of work may include:
- a safe approach distance between the low-voltage electric lines and operating plant, usually of one metre or greater to prevent contact or damage to the line;
- the use of limit switches to prevent the operating plant from contacting the line; and
- positioning and design of the operating plant to prevent contact with the line.
A safety observer must be used if work with the operating plant involves contact with an energised, insulated low-voltage line as required by regulations.
Section 5.5.4 of the Code of Practice - Working Near Exposed Live Parts provides more information on the role of safety observers for the authorisation zone.
What is an authorised person?
An authorised person is:
- a person who has enough technical knowledge and experience to undertake work that involves contact with, or being near to, the energised electrical part;
- someone who has also been authorised by their employer; and
- approved by the person in control of the electrical part or powerline concerned.
How do I become an authorised person?
In order to authorise a worker, the employer or self-employed person must first gain approval from the person in control of the electrical part to do work that involves being near to the electrical part. The employer or self-employed person would need to ensure that the person has enough technical skill and knowledge to perform the work.
In many instances, approval would need to be sought from an electrical entity. However, if it is a private electric line, the owner would need to approve the person to work near the line. For example, if the line is on a farm, the employer or self employed person would need to seek approval from the farm owner. Once the approval is gained from the person in control, the employer or self employed person will need to authorise the worker to do the work.
Some electrical entities require persons to have certain training before they will allow them to do work near their electricity networks.
Your industry organisation or local electricity entity may provide you with information and advice on training providers. The Department of Justice and Attorney-General does not approve or endorse the training content of these providers.
Contact details for electrical entities
|
Country Energy |
13 23 56 |
|
Energex |
13 12 53 |
|
Ergon Energy |
13 10 46 |
|
Powerlink |
1800 353 031 |
Last updated June 2, 2009
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