Rules for vegetation management work near overhead powerlines by non-electrical workers

Regulation 318 of the Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 2009 sets out minimum distances from electric lines for a person, tool, equipment, vehicles, crane, backhoe, excavators, elevating work platform and other machines.

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.

The recently revised Blue Book 2012 now incorporates a sub-section for vegetation management work near powerlines by non-electrical workers who are not under the control of the electricity asset owner.

One requirement set out in the new subsection is that a person who has completed a training course approved by ESV must comply with Electrical Safety Rules for vegetation Work near Overhead Powerlines by Non-electrical workers (Electrical Safety Rules) as published or amended from time to time by ESV.

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 2015 to have an electric line clearance management plan prepared before 31 March each year. These rules do not apply to persons working for, or under the control of, an electricity asset owner.

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.

Further information

Download the following vegetation management documents:

• Electrical Safety Rules for Vegetation Management Work Near Overhead Powerlines by Non- Electrical Workers
• Training Approval Statement “Course In Vegetation Management”

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.