Working Near Overhead Power Lines In NSW: Mobile Crane Safety Checklist

When a mobile crane contacts an overhead power line in NSW the outcome can be catastrophic. SafeWork NSW expects PCBUs, supervisors and crane crews to treat work near these assets as a specific electrical hazard. It must be controlled through planning, approach distances, exclusion zones, spotters and permits. 

Teams that build these controls into their lift planning protect their people, reduce shutdown costs and keep critical work moving on program.

Please Note: Always check the current NSW laws and Codes of Practice for advice for your specific site.

Understanding Your Responsibilities In NSW

PCBU Duties For Crane Work Near Power Lines

In NSW the PCBU has the lead role in managing the risk of a crane operating near overhead power lines. That duty covers the whole job, from planning and consultation through to supervision on the day of the lift. You’re expected to identify electrical risks early, eliminate them where you can and, where you can’t, put controls in place that bring the risk down as far as reasonably practicable.

For crane work that usually means deciding whether the lift can be re-planned to stay outside all approach distances or if you need higher level controls, such as shutdowns, relocations or physical barriers arranged with the network operator.

Code Of Practice And WHS Regulation

SafeWork NSW points PCBUs toward the ‘Work Near Overhead Power Lines Code Of Practice’ and the ‘Work Health & Safety Regulation’ as the main references for this type of task. They set out how far plant and people must stay from live lines, when you need a safety observer, how to consult with the electricity supply authority and what to do if contact occurs.

On a live site, that guidance needs to sit alongside your own systems, including project-specific risk assessments, lift plans, SWMS and traffic management plans. When everything lines up the expectations are already clear to the crane crew and the rest of the workforce.

When The Rules Apply On Your Site

These requirements apply whenever mobile plant can reach an overhead line, not only when you plan to work directly underneath it. Common triggers include bridge work near existing roads, culvert and pipeline projects in easements, rail corridor jobs, subdivision work near street lines and lifts in built-up areas where assets cross the property boundary.

If a crane’s boom, jib or load could enter the approach distance under any part of the planned or potential lift path, you should treat the task as work near overhead power lines and plan it with that level of care.

Step 1 – Identify Overhead Power Lines Early

Check Plans And Network Information

Start with information:

• Network plans and asset maps
• Design drawings and survey data
• Online tools from Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy or the private network

Confirm for each line:

• Voltage
• Ownership
• Pole or structure numbers

Walk The Site From The Crane’s Point Of View

On site, stand where the crane could set up and look at:

• Boom path and slew radius
• Load route in and out
• Sagging spans, trees, light poles and nearby buildings
• Access tracks and laydown areas

You’re trying to see every way the crane or load could end up near a line.

Lock The Details Into Your Documents

Capture what you’ve found in:

• Site layout drawings with lines and clearances marked
• The lift plan
• The SWMS and pre start notes

The crew should see the same picture on paper that you saw on site.

Step 2 – Set Approach Distances And Plan The Set Up

Understand The Zones

For work near overhead lines you’ll deal with:

• Approach distance – minimum gap between the line and any part of the crane, rigging or load
• Exclusion zone – guarded space where extra controls apply
• No go zone – area the crane must stay out of unless the supply authority sets conditions

Confirm Minimum Distances

Distances change with:

• Line voltage
• Construction type
• Whether the line is live, de energised or relocated

Use the NSW Code of Practice, then confirm exact distances in writing with the electricity supply authority before you sign off the lift plan.

Plan Crane Type And Position

Use those distances to shape the set up:

• Pick a crane type and configuration that gives capacity and keeps the boom and load path clear
• Choose a set up position where the outrigger footprint and slew radius sit outside marked zones
• Use built in features such as height limiting, slew limiting and rated capacity indicators where available

If any planned movement would cut into a zone, move the crane or change the configuration on paper before it arrives.

Step 3 – Use Spotters And Site Controls

Know When A Spotter Is Required

If any part of the crane or load could enter the exclusion zone, plan for a dedicated safety observer. It shouldn’t be someone juggling other tasks. Their job is to watch the clearance and call instructions, and they need training in work near overhead power lines in line with the Code of Practice and any network conditions.

Define The Spotter’s Role

Make the role clear in the SWMS and briefing:

• Uninterrupted view of the boom and the lines
• Agreed hand signals or radio calls
• Authority to stop the lift if clearances tighten

Everyone on the crew needs to know that a stop call from the spotter is final.

Control Access Around The Lift

Support the spotter with physical controls:

• Barriers, cones and bunting to mark exclusion zones on the ground
• Signage that flags overhead power risk
• Traffic routes that keep other trades and plant out of the crane work area

A simple, quiet work zone makes it much easier to hold safe distances.

Step 4 – Coordinate Permits, Shutdowns And Network Support

Call The Network Operator Early

Contact the supply authority if:

• The crane or load could enter the no go zone
• You’re unsure about voltage or construction
• You need isolation or line work to make the lift safe

This might be Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy or a private network operator.

Understand Available Controls

Depending on the situation the network may:

• De energise and isolate a span
• Raise or re route lines
• Install approved visual indicators such as tiger tails
• Provide written limits and conditions for work

Treat their written advice as the reference document for distances and conditions.

Allow Time In The Program

Permits and shutdowns take time. Build into your program:

• Lead time for network approvals
• Isolation windows matched to crane days
• Contingency plans if shutdown dates move

Good coordination keeps cranes working instead of waiting for clearances.

Step 5 – Lock Controls Into The Lift Plan And Pre-Start

Document The Layout And Controls

Your lift plan should show:

• Line locations and marked zones
• Crane model, configuration and set up position
• Any slew or height limits applied
• Controls agreed with the network operator

Keep drawings simple so an operator or rigger can read them at a glance.

Define Roles And Communication

Confirm in the plan and briefing:

• Who supervises the lift
• Who operates and rigs
• Who acts as spotter
• Radio channels or hand signals

Clarity on roles stops people making their own calls near live assets.

Run Focused Pre-Start Checks

Before the first lift:

• Walk the work area with the crew
• Point out the lines, zones and crane limits on the ground
• Check barriers, signage and spotter position
• Revisit what to do if contact occurs, including staying in the cab, keeping others away and calling the network

Those ten minutes align the paperwork with what actually happens beside the crane.

AOR Cranes Supports Safe Lifts Near Overhead Power Lines

AOR Cranes works through overhead power risks from the planning stage. The team can review drawings, visit sites and suggest crane types, set up positions and lift sequences that keep clear of live assets while still meeting program and access constraints. That support is geared to civil and utilities work in Sydney and regional NSW, where power lines run through most streets, easements and corridors.

On the ground you’re working with operators and riggers who understand NSW rules for work near overhead lines and know how to run lifts with exclusion zones, spotters and crane limits in place. The office backs that up with clear lift plans and paperwork that slot into your SWMS and permit process. Bring AOR in early and you gain a crane partner who helps protect people, reduce shutdown headaches and keep critical work moving.

If you need crane hire in Sydney, get in touch with AOR Cranes or call 02 9024 9425 to discuss how we can help.

FAQ: Working Near Overhead Power Lines In NSW

What is the minimum approach distance for cranes near power lines in NSW?
There isn’t a single distance for every job. Clearances change with voltage, line construction and whether the line is live or de-energised. Always check the current Work Near Overhead Power Lines Code of Practice and get written distances from the electricity supply authority before you finalise a lift plan.

When do I need a spotter for crane work near power lines?
Plan for a dedicated safety observer whenever the crane or load can enter the exclusion zone set by the Code or the network. A spotter is also smart where visibility is poor, the lift is complex or the operator can’t see the lines for the full movement.

Who organises power shutdowns or permits?
The PCBU or principal contractor normally leads contact with the electricity supply authority and arranges permits or shutdowns. Your crane provider can supply lift information and diagrams so the application has accurate crane data.

What should I do if a crane or load contacts an overhead power line?
Keep the operator in the cab if it’s safe. Warn everyone nearby to stay well away from the crane, the load and the ground around it. Call emergency services and the electricity supply authority immediately and follow their instructions before anyone approaches the plant.