Look up and live

For Consumers

Look up and live

Electricity-related deaths and accidents are preventable.

Power lines are an integral part of our outdoor landscape, which makes them easy to forget. With the sun in your eyes, trees in your line of vision or if you are watching something else, you may not see how close you are to power lines.

You need to ensure that you make yourself aware of what is above you as well as the task at hand if your work involved:

Using tall machinery such as cranes and augers
Driving high vehicles
Raising equipment such as irrigation pipes overhead
Climbing on top of machinery or storage silos

Recreational activities such as sailing, flying a kite or model plane and climbing trees can also become a hazard around power lines.

Trucks and powerlines on farms

Electrocutions caused by trucks hitting powerlines on rural properties are on the increase in Victoria. Everyone involved in the delivery of fertiliser, lime and other bulk material to farms is at risk.

Reduce the risk:

store bulk deliveries away from powerlines
never raise the tipper tray of trucks when underneath powerlines.

Did you know?

The height of lines can change depending on weather conditions. In hot weather power lines can sag and lower in hot weather, which reduces the clearances of trucks and other farm machinery.

You do not have to make contact with powerlines to be electrocuted and injured. In some circumstances electricity can jump gaps, which means that being too close to powerlines is extremely hazardous.

Safety tips

Identify all areas where powerlines cross properties. Only tip material near powerlines as a last resort when there is no other location;
Relocate bulk delivery storage sites to a safe area away from powerlines;
Obtain a copy of the “No Go Zone” rules and regulations and study them closely;
Identify all electrical hazards before starting work. If in any doubt contact the local electricity distribution company;
Monitor weather conditions. Powerlines can sag in extreme heat and sway in strong winds;
Powerlines can be difficult to see at dawn and dusk;
Remember that electricity can jump gaps;
Ensure an ESV registered spotter is on hand when working anywhere near overhead powerlines;
Never raise the tray of tipper trucks when underneath powerlines;
Suppliers of bulk materials must ascertain, when taking orders, the delivery point on the farm for the load, the proximity of powerlines and what safety precautions are in place should there be powerlines in the vicinity;
Drivers should refuse to deliver loads if their safety is compromised in anyway;
Display “LOOK UP AND LIVE” stickers on any machinery or equipment which is raised overhead;
Remember – everyone involved in the delivery of material has a duty of care to ensure the safety of themselves and others Relocate bulk delivery storage sites to a safe area away from powerlines;

More information

ESV on telephone 9203 9700/1800 800 158 or via email info@esv.vic.gov.au