No Go Zones - working safely near powerlines 

When working in the vicinity of overhead powerlines or underground electricity cables, it’s crucial that you maintain a safe distance and avoid the No Go Zones. Incidents can occur without physically touching the powerlines – simply getting too close with a metal object can cause electricity to jump.

No Go Zones define the minimum distance to maintain when working near electricity poles and wires or underground cables. You can’t work in these areas unless you’ve obtained a No Go Zone Assessment. Machinery and equipment (including mobile plant), load lifts and scaffolding can’t be used in No Go Zones.

No Go Zones are there to protect people from severe injury or death. Before starting work near overhead powerlines or underground cables, submit an application for a No Go Zone Assessment. Our assessment will outline how to carry out work safely, and may include obtaining a permit to work.  

If you’re completing excavation works, please submit a Before You Dig Australia application before starting work and follow all advice received in your application. 

If your work specifically involves tree cutting near powerlines, please visit the vegetation management web page for more information.  

Before starting work near overhead powerlines or underground cables, submit an application for a No Go Zone Assessment via our mySupply portal. Our assessment will outline how to carry out work safely, and may include obtaining a permit to work. Charges may apply for applications that require additional safety precautions, such as the installation of visual warning devices, a registered spotter or an electricity shutdown.

If you are building a new structure or altering an existing structure in the vicinity of overhead powerlines, or need further information about the No Go Zones or Registered Spotters, please visit the Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) information page.

If you require Sag and Sway calculations of overhead powerlines to ensure your new or altered structure will be compliant once constructed, submit an application for a Sag and Sway assessment via our mySupply portal.

Industry-specific advice

There are special provisions for plant and equipment operating near overhead power lines such as cranes, concrete placing booms, excavators, elevated work platforms, tip trucks and load shifters. More information on these special conditions is available from WorkSafe Victoria and Energy Safe Victoria. 

Powerline safety media kit

Promote the importance of powerline safety within your organisation.  We’ve developed a social media tile, posters, pamphlet and hoardings to help you keep powerline safety front of mind.  Please feel free to download and print this material for display in your workplace, or home.