OVERHEAD POWER LINE EXCLUSION ZONE ... - Queensland Nickel

OVERHEAD POWER LINE 

EXCLUSION ZONE 

YHSS067 

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp. 

All other copies are uncontrolled. 

DOCUMENT INFORMATION 

Description Requirements for work within the vicinity of power lines 

Document Owner Electrical Engineering Superintendent 

DOCUMENT HISTORY and APPROVAL 

Rev Date Revision Description Originator Reviewed Approved 

2.0 04 Nov 2011 

CONTENTS 

Scheduled review as per 

Document Control Standard. 

Changes shown in red. 

Phil Deboer 

Phil 

Deboer 

David 

Moloney 

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 2 

1.1 Context ...................................................................................................................................... 2 

1.2 Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 2 

2. ACCOUNTABILITIES .................................................................................... 2 

3. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................. 2 

4. PROCESS ...................................................................................................... 3 

4.1 Exclusion Zone.......................................................................................................................... 3 

4.2 Spotter (Safety Observer) Zone ................................................................................................ 3 

4.3 Overhead Power Line Clearance Certificate (Vicinity Permit) .................................................. 5 

4.4 Tramming .................................................................................................................................. 6 

4.5 Contact with Overhead Power Line – Mobile Equipment ......................................................... 7 

5. TRAINING ...................................................................................................... 7 

6. RECORDS ...................................................................................................... 8 

7. APPENDIXES................................................................................................. 8 

8. RELATED DOCUMENTS ............................................................................... 8 

Published Date: 09 November 2011 Rev: 2.0 Next Review Date: 30 November 2013 Page 1 of 8



YHSS067 



1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Context 

Under the Electrical Safety Act (ESA) an Exclusion Zone is created around overhead 

power lines by observing the safe approach distance described within the ESA Code of 

Practice for “Working near Exposed Parts 

1.2 Scope 

This standard is applicable to either; 

� Any work or other activity in the vicinity of overhead power lines within the fenced 

area of Queensland Nickel, or, 

� Any activity under the control of Queensland Nickel, that may inadvertently 

encroach the exclusion zone around those power lines for any reason 

1.2.1 Electrical infrastructure 

Specific electrical infrastructure, affected by this standard is as follows: 

� 11kV overhead power lines supplying the 410 and 310 areas owned by 

Queensland Nickel. 

� 132kV, 66Kv and 11kV overhead power lines being part of the utility (Powerlink and 

Ergon) grid as situated within the fenced area the Queensland Nickel land 

boundary. 

� The 11kV Reactor situated within the 380 Primary Substation yard. 

� Other power lines outside Queensland Nickel that affects activities of Queensland 

Nickel (eg Black River bore field 11kV Ergon power lines) 

� Low voltage powerlines, including insulated aerial conductors. 

The term “overhead power lines” as quoted in this standard includes the infrastructure 

listed in this section. 

1.2.2 Exclusions 

Any work that is likely to have an incursion into the approach limits of overhead power 

lines shall be subject to an authorised system of isolation and access, such as 

YHSS066 High Voltage Isolation and Access. 

Any activity that is not a controlled activity of Queensland Nickel in the vicinity of 

Powerlink and Ergon overhead power line crossings over Greenvale Street is not 

subject to this standard. In such cases, the entity in control of the activity is 

responsible for managing exclusion zone clearances in accordance with the Electrical 

Safety Act and Regulations. 

Electrical cables, other than aerial conductors, are outside the scope of this standard. 

2. ACCOUNTABILITIES 

� Electrical Engineering Superintendent 

o Responsibility for managing compliance with this procedure 

� All Personnel 

o Responsibility for compliance with this procedure 

3. DEFINITIONS 

TERM DEFINITION 




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A nominated member of the work group who has signed onto 

Spotter 

the vicinity permit as the spotter to perform the duties of a 

spotter as prescribed within this procedure. 

4. PROCESS 

4.1 Exclusion Zone 

In order to fulfil the requirements of the Electrical Safety Act, an exclusion zone is 

created around power lines and other exposed electrical conductors, such as the 11kV 

reactor yard at the 380 Primary Substation yard. 

For the purpose of this standard, voltages up to and including 132kV Overhead 

Powerlines the exclusion zone for exposed conductors is 3000mm. The Electrical 

Safety Regulations may, for different situations, specify shorter exclusion zones less 

than the 3000mm prescribed by this standard. To use these shorter exclusion zones, 

written permission must be obtained from the Electrical Engineering Superintendent or 

his delegate. 

4.1.1 Mobile equipment within the Exclusion Zone 

A person shall not operate any mobile equipment or undertake work in situations 

where: 

� Any part of the mobile equipment e.g. cranes, forklifts, truck trays etc 

� A person working in the bucket of an elevating work platform (EWP); 

� Any hand tools or other equipment held by any person involved with the operation, 

or 

� The load being moved 

� Scaffolding, ladders etc are within the exclusion zone. 

Mobile equipment includes, but is not limited to: 

� Cranes, trucks, forklifts 

� Concrete placing booms, 

� Elevating work platforms, 

� Excavating equipment 

4.1.2 Work within the Exclusion Zone 

Where work can only be performed by entering the exclusion zone, such work shall be 

subject to YHSS066 High Voltage Isolation and Access. Work within the exclusion 

zone of live overhead power lines is not allowed. 

4.2 Spotter (Safety Observer) Zone 

The spotter zone concept is designed to encourage plant operators to locate their 

equipment away from the possibility of encroaching the exclusion zone; and when that 

is not possible, adopt other suitable precautions (refer to section 4.3 – Vicinity Permit) 

to prevent encroachment. 

A spotter shall be employed when a crane or plant is operating within the spotter zone. 

4.2.1 Extension of the spotter zone (more than 10 metres) 

Any plant or equipment is considered to be in the “Spotter Zone” when it could enter 

the exclusion zone of live electric lines during operation for any reason.. In such cases, 

the spotter zone could be extended in excess of 10 metres. Examples are: 

� Unrestrained crane jib or excavator boom of length greater than 10 metres. 

� Carried or suspended load that could inadvertently enter the exclusion zone. 




YHSS067 



4.2.2 Exemptions of the spotter zone 

By virtue of the definition of spotter zone, mobile equipment is not operating in a spotter 

zone when: 

� The electric lines have been de-energised and earthed (for high voltage); 

� Devices have been installed to prevent any part of the crane, plant or load being 

moved from entering the exclusion zone; or 

� Any part of the crane, plant or load being moved is prevented from entering the 

exclusion zone by physical barriers. 

Diagram 1. Side View of Exclusion & Typical Spotter (Safety Observer) Zones – Up to 132kV 

10 metres min. 

> 10 m if mobile equipment slew 

radius is greater than 10 metres. 

Diagram 2. Top View of Exclusion & Spotter (Safety Observer) Zones 




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4.2.3 Requirements of the Spotter 

The operator shall not operate mobile equipment or plant without a spotter in situations 

where a spotter is required. 

The spotter shall 

� Observe activities within the spotter zone and not carry out any other duties at the 

time. 

� Not be required to observe more than one piece of mobile equipment or plant at a 

time. 

� Not be located in an elevated work platform, unless this is specifically required for 

as an effective hazard control. 

� Mark the border of the exclusion zone with suitable markers eg. Red warning tapes, 

which can be easily viewed by the crane operator. 

� Be in communication with the operator at all times and have the ability to call for 

emergency assistance at all times. 

4.2.4 Personnel in contact with mobile equipment or load 

When the mobile equipment e.g. crane or plant is operating in the spotter zone, only 

the following persons should be allowed to touch any part of the mobile equipment, 

plant or load being moved: 

� The operator while not in contact with an electrical earth (eg operator remaining in 

the cabin instead of standing on the ground beside the plant); 

� The operator, while standing on the ground or while in contact with an earthed 

situation, may operate the mobile equipment or plant under any of the following 

conditions, when used appropriately: 

o The controls are effectively insulated. 

o The operator wears insulating gloves where the voltage of any of the overhead 

electric lines does not exceed 1000 volts. 

o The operator stands on an equipotential metallic mat, which is electrically 

connected to all metalwork associated with the controls. 

Other personnel who are essential to the particular operation of the mobile equipment 

or plant eg dogger, crane chaser or other worker helping to set up the crane or plant, 

provided these persons are not required to have direct contact with any part of the 

crane, plant or load. 

Where direct contact is necessary: 

� Insulated crane hooks shall be used; 

� Effectively maintained insulating gloves shall be worn; or 

� Such contact shall be via a non-conductive object eg pole or tail rope used to 

control load movement. 

4.3 Overhead Power Line Clearance Certificate (Vicinity Permit) 

An overhead power line clearance certificate (vicinity permit) shall be required for any 

work or activity that may inadvertently have an incursion into the Exclusion Zone. 

4.3.1 Permit to work 

Vicinity permits shall form part of a Permit to Work package. The description of work in 

the vicinity permit shall be part of the scope of that permit to work. 

Vicinity permits shall only be issued after the Permit acceptor has completed a 

comprehensive risk assessment of the job. 

The permit acceptor shall provide sufficient details of the work and equipment involved 

to enable the issuing HV Switching Operator to determine what hazard controls are 




YHSS067 



required under the vicinity permit. The Electrical Engineering Superintendent or his 

delegate shall assist as required. 

4.3.2 Issue of Vicinity Permit 

The HV Switching operator shall nominate specific hazard controls in section 1 of the 

vicinity permit, in consultation with the permit acceptor. 

The HV Switching operator shall issue the vicinity permit to the permit acceptor. 

Only the permit acceptor shall accept and be responsible for adherence to the 

conditions of the vicinity permit until the work is complete. 

Where the permit acceptor does not accept the vicinity permit from the HV Switching 

Operator in person, they shall countersign the vicinity permit before attaching to the 

PTW acknowledging the relevant controls. 

A Vicinity Permit shall not be altered after the permit acceptor has signed to accept the 

vicinity permit. When changes are required, the vicinity permit shall be cancelled and a 

new vicinity permit raised. 

4.3.3 Work group sign on 

The Permit acceptor shall 

� Instruct the work group on the limits of the safe working area, placing particular 

emphasis on locations of live apparatus/plant and the conditions of the Vicinity 

Permit. 

� Instruct the nominated spotter of his duties. 

� Ensure that each member of the work group SIGN ON the 'Vicinity Permit' 

� Be present when a person signs onto the Vicinity Permit. 

The work group shall not sign on to a Vicinity Permit unless they fully understand the 

work to be carried out under the vicinity permit and understand the condition of the 

vicinity permit. 

A person who has signed onto a Vicinity Permit shall not leave site at the end of his or 

her shift without signing off the Vicinity Permit. 

4.4 Tramming 

Tramming or transportation of equipment may cause an incursion into the exclusion 

zone. All tramming activities shall be risk assessed to consider this. A vicinity permit is 

usually required, but a work instruction approved by the manager may be considered 

for certain tramming activities. 

Location of powerlines on site and approximate clearances of power lines above 

roadways are indicated site drawings. Refer to Electrical Engineering Superintendent 

for further advice if required. 

4.4.1 Light vehicles 

Light vehicles intended for the transportation of personnel and small tools would 

normally be exempt from a vicinity permit. 

4.4.2 Movement of cranes 

Movement of a crane to and from a work site shall be considered part of the same work 

and shall be risk assessed and control measures put in place. 

4.4.3 Movement of mobile equipment 

Some mobile equipment, such as a haul truck or excavator has moving parts that may 

contact overhead power lines in transit. If that vehicle is capable of entering the 

exclusion zone of overhead powerlines, then it shall be risk assessed and control 

measures put in place. 




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4.4.4 High loads 

Transported loads that have potential incursions into the exclusion zone shall be risk 

assessed in accordance with this standard. 

4.4.5 Delivery to and from Queensland Nickel by others. 

Equipment delivered to or from Queensland Nickel by other parties or vendors is 

normally outside the scope of this standard, provided that the despatch point on site is 

the Queensland Nickel Warehouse. This clause also applies to off-site despatch points 

such as the Black River bore fields or the South Townsville heavy fuel oil pumping 

station. Specific exclusions to this standard are also covered in section 1. 

4.5 Contact with Overhead Power Line – Mobile Equipment 

If mobile equipment contacts a live overhead power line the following response should 

be undertaken: 

4.5.1 Immediate response by the spotter: 

Immediate response by the spotter: 

� Instruct all personnel, except the crane operator, not to touch the mobile equipment 

and to evacuate the area. 

� Instruct the operator to remain inside the cab, unless his life is in is in danger by 

staying there (eg fire). 

� Call for help - Mobilise the Emergency Response Crew 

� Stand away from the mobile equipment, and monitor the situation until help arrives. 

4.5.2 Response by the emergency response crew 

Upon receiving notification of contact with overhead power lines, the emergency 

response crew should: 

� Have the overhead power lines switched off as soon as possible. 

� Evacuate the operator only after the power lines have been switched off and the 

area has been assessed for further danger. 

4.5.3 Emergency evacuation by the operator 

The operator of mobile equipment should only attempt to evacuate himself if his life is 

in danger by remaining in the mobile equipment. In this situation, the operator should 

jump clear from the mobile equipment without touching the ground and mobile 

equipment at the same time. 

4.5.4 Rubber tyres: fire and explosion. 

If the mobile equipment has rubber tyres there is a likely risk of tyre explosion at any 

time after power line contact. 

In evacuating the operator or performing first aid inside the mobile equipment, any 

personnel entering or exiting should avoid the tyres. 

Rubber tyred vehicles shall not be moved and all personnel (except the emergency 

response crew) evacuated from a barricaded radius of 300metres for 24 hours after 

power line contact. 

5. TRAINING 

Refer to YHSS051 Electrical Safety for details of training and authorisation 

management 




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6. RECORDS 

Records 

N/A 

7. APPENDIXES 

Appendix Details 

Electronic 

Storage Location 

Hard Copy 

Location 

Retention Period 

(yrs) 

Confidential 

Records 

1 YHSS067a Overhead Power Line Clearance Certificate – Vicinity Permit 

8. RELATED DOCUMENTS 

Origin Details 

Queensland 

Nickel 

Queensland 

Government 

Australian 

Standards 

YHSS066 High Voltage Isolation and Access Standard 

YHSS051 Electrical Safety Management Standard 

Code of Practice – Working Near Exposed Live Parts 

Electrical Safety Act 2002 

Electrical Safety Regulations 2002 

N/A

OVERHEAD POWER LINE EXCLUSION ZONE ... - Queensland Nickel

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