Vegetation management
Rules for vegetation management work near overhead powerlines by non-electrical workers
Regulation 614 of the Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019 sets out minimum distances from electric lines for a person, tool, equipment, vehicles, crane, backhoe, excavators, elevating work platform and other machines.
Regulation 616 of the Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019 sets out minimum distances for vegetation which is to be pruned from electric lines.
However, a person performing vegetation management work is exempted from complying with these minimum regulated distances provided that the person:
- holds a current certificate specifying satisfactory completion of a training course in tree clearing, approved by ESV, and
- complies with The Blue Book
- complies with the Vegetation Management Rules.
These rules establish minimum standards for safe vegetation management work in the vicinity of, or near, live overhead powerlines. They are additional to other occupational and health requirements. They apply to persons working for a responsible person who is required by the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020 to prepare an electric line clearance management plan.
From 16 September 2013, the Electrical Safety Rules and the Training Approval Statement supersede the Guidelines for Tree Clearing Work by Authorised Persons released in June 2011.
More information
- Electrical safety rules for vegetation management work near overhead powerlines by non-electrical workers
- Powerlines and vegetation management
- Don’t put your life on the line
Contact us
If you have any queries in relation to vegetation management or undertaking a course in vegetation management, please contact our Line Clearance Assurance team on (03) 9203 9770.
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