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Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999

Legislation · Victoria · 2020
i Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 S.R. No. 141/1999 TABLE OF PROVISIONS Regulation Page PART 1—PRELIMINARY 1 1. Objectives 1 2. Authorising provisions 1 3. Commencement 2 4. Revocation 2 5. Definitions 2 6. Exemptions 5 PART 2—REPORTING AND AUDIT 6 7. Notification of serious electrical incidents 6 8. Reporting of incidents 7 9. Certain plans required and information to be given 9 PART 3—DUTIES OF NETWORK OPERATORS 11 10. Section 75 of the Act applies to this Part 11 11. Automatic disconnecting devices 11 12. Location of earth 11 13. Minimum distances between aerial lines and the ground 11 14. Minimum distances between aerial lines and parts of buildings or structures 13 15. Minimum distances for low voltage insulated conductors supported along the façade of a building or structure 17 16. Minimum distances between a.c. aerial lines and parts of railway systems 18 17. Minimum distances between a.c. aerial lines and parts of tramway systems 19 18. Minimum distances between conductors of aerial lines 20 19. Minimum distances between aerial lines and water accessible to boats 22 20. Construction of underground lines 22 21. Mechanical protection of underground lines above the ground 25 -- 1 of 75 -- Regulation Page ii 22. Substations 26 23. Earthing and electrical protection 27 24. Access and warning signs 31 25. Poles and towers 32 26. Marking of network assets 32 27. Inspection and testing 33 28. Operation and maintenance 33 29. Standard of the Upstream Network 35 PART 4—DUTIES OF THE PUBLIC 36 30. Application 36 31. Sporting activities 36 32. Aircraft 37 33. Entangled objects 37 34. Blasting and fires 37 35. Protection of underground network assets from damage 38 36. Excavating 38 37. Altering levels 39 38. Minimum distances between parts of buildings, structures, scaffolding and posts and aerial lines of network operators 40 39. Minimum distances between materials and network assets 43 40. Minimum distances between vehicles, plant, machinery and vessels and overhead network assets 45 41. Minimum distances between transported loads and overhead network assets 45 42. Minimum distances between conductors of aerial lines and network assets 48 43. Minimum distances between persons and conductors of aerial lines of network operators 53 44. Placing of materials 53 45. Tree clearing 53 46. Damage and interference 54 PART 5—TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS 56 47. Exemption for existing aerial lines 56 48. Exemption for existing d.c. aerial conductors under bridges and roads 57 49. Exemption for existing underground lines 57 __________________ -- 2 of 75 -- Regulation Page iii SCHEDULES 58 SCHEDULE 1—Electrical incident confirmation form 58 SCHEDULE 2—Electrical incident report form 60 SCHEDULE 3—Classification of roads 65 ═══════════════ NOTES 67 -- 3 of 75 -- 1 STATUTORY RULES 1999 S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety Act 1998 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 The Governor in Council makes the following Regulations: Dated: 14 December 1999 Responsible Minister: STEVE BRACKS Treasurer HELEN DOYE Clerk of the Executive Council PART 1—PRELIMINARY 1. Objectives The objectives of these Regulations are— (a) to prescribe standards for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of network assets; (b) to protect persons from risk, and property from damage, associated with network assets. 2. Authorising provisions These Regulations are made under sections 149, 151 and 157 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998. -- 4 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 2 3. Commencement These Regulations come into operation on 31 December 1999. 4. Revocation The Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1997 1 are revoked. 5. Definitions (1) In these Regulations— "active conductor" means— (a) a conductor of a network asset that is maintained at a potential difference from— (i) the neutral conductor; or (ii) the earthed conductor; or (b) if a network asset does not include a neutral or earthed conductor, each conductor of the network; "aerial line" means a conductor placed above the ground or water and in the open air; "AS" means an Australian Standard issued by Standards Australia, as published or amended from time to time; "AS/NZS" means an Australian/New Zealand Standard issued jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, as published or amended from time to time; "conductor" means the whole or any part of a wire, cable or other thing used, or to be used, for the purpose of transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity, but does not include a wire, cable or other thing directly used in generating electrical energy or converting r. 3 -- 5 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 3 electrical energy into another form of energy; "consumers mains" has the same meaning as it has in AS/NZS 3000; "d.c. traction conductor" means an overhead tram trolley wire, a train contact wire or a tram or train catenary or traction feeder that operates on direct current, but does not include tram and train negative conductors; "d.c. traction system" means that part of a railway or tramway system that consists of d.c. traction conductors and railway or tramway tracks, negative conductors and associated equipment that operates on direct current; "extra low voltage" means not exceeding 50 volts alternating current or 120 volts ripple- free direct current; "high voltage" means exceeding low voltage; "live" means having a difference of electrical potential to earth, or to non-electrical parts; "low voltage" means exceeding extra low voltage, but not exceeding 1000 volts alternating current or 1500 volts direct current; "minimum depth" in relation to an underground line, means the minimum depth of the line from the uppermost surface of the line or the conduit and pipe enclosing the line; "negative conductor" means a conductor in a circuit of a railway or tramway system that is maintained at approximately the same electrical potential as the railway or tramway track and that is insulated from earth; r. 5 -- 6 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 4 "network asset" means any asset that is owned or operated by a network operator for the purposes of— (a) generating, transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity of the network operator; or (b) operating a railway or tramway system; "neutral conductor" means a conductor of a circuit that is earthed at its origin; "other cable system" means— (a) telecommunication and control cables; or (b) aerial earthed cables— attached to a network operator's buildings or structures; "protective equipment" means equipment that is intended to isolate the active conductors of a circuit if an electrical fault occurs; "service line" means the final span or section of a low voltage aerial or underground line of an upstream network that is connected to a point of supply; "substation" means a plant, building or structure that is above ground or underground in which electricity supply is generated, converted, controlled or transformed; "the Act" means the Electricity Safety Act 1998; "underground line" means a conductor placed under the ground and includes any part of the conductor that is at or above the surface of the ground. r. 5 -- 7 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 5 (2) The diagrams used in these Regulations are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be a comprehensive depiction of the situations they illustrate. 6. Exemptions (1) The Office may, on the application of any person, exempt a person from any requirement of these Regulations subject to any conditions specified by the Office. (2) An application under this regulation must be in writing and must— (a) contain details as to why the exemption is sought; and (b) include a statement as to whether or not the granting of the exemption will lead to a significant decrease in electrical safety. (3) The fee of $1000 must accompany an application to the Office. (4) A person must comply with any condition specified by the Office under sub-regulation (1). Penalty: 20 penalty units. (5) The Office may, at any time, revoke any exemption granted by it in this regulation, but the revocation does not affect the previous lawful exercise of the exemption. _______________ r. 6 -- 8 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 6 PART 2—REPORTING AND AUDIT 7. Notification of serious electrical incidents (1) For the purposes of sections 142(1) and (2) of the Act, an electricity supplier who is a network operator who owns or operates an upstream network must— (a) as soon as is practicable report to the Office by telephone, on a telephone number specified by the Office, all of the details of the serious electrical incident within its knowledge; and (b) within 2 business days of the telephone report, send to the Office by facsimile or electronic mail a report of the incident in the form of Schedule 1 or a form containing equivalent information approved by the Office; and (c) within 20 business days of the telephone report, send to the Office a report of the incident in the form of Schedule 2 or a form containing the equivalent information approved by the Office. (2) For the purposes of section 142(3) of the Act, a fire control authority must— (a) as soon as is practicable report to the Office by telephone, on a telephone number specified by the Office, all of the details of the serious electrical incident within its knowledge; and (b) within 20 business days of becoming aware that a fire is of an electrical nature, send to the Office— r. 7 -- 9 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 7 (i) a report of the incident in the form of Schedule 2 or a form containing the equivalent information approved by the Office; and (ii) the results of any investigation into the fire. 8. Reporting of incidents (1) If a serious electrical incident occurs in relation to a network asset of an owner or operator of a railway or tramway system, the owner or operator must— (a) as soon as is practicable report to the Office by telephone, on a telephone number specified by the Office, all of the details of the incident within its knowledge; and (b) within 2 business days of the telephone report, send to the Office by facsimile or electronic mail a report of the incident in the form of Schedule 1 or a form containing the equivalent information approved by the Office; and (c) within 20 business days of the telephone report, send to the Office a report of the incident in the form of Schedule 2 or a form containing the equivalent information approved by the Office. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) If an incident occurs involving electricity in which a person— (a) makes accidental contact with any live high voltage electric line or live electrical equipment operated at high voltage; or r. 8 -- 10 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 8 (b) receives an electric shock as a result of direct or indirect contact with any network assets or an electrical installation— each person to whom this sub-regulation applies must, within 20 business days of becoming aware of the incident, send to the Office a report of the incident in the form of Schedule 2 or a form containing the equivalent information approved by the Office. Penalty: In the case of a natural person, 10 penalty units. In the case of a body corporate, 20 penalty units. (3) Sub-regulation (2) applies to— (a) a network operator who becomes aware of such an incident that occurs in relation to its network assets; and (b) an electricity supplier who becomes aware of such an incident that occurs in relation to an electrical installation to which it generates, transmits, distributes or supplies electricity. (4) A fire control authority that attends or investigates an incident involving electricity in which a person— (a) made accidental contact with any live high voltage electric line or live electrical equipment operated at high voltage; or (b) received an electric shock as a result of direct or indirect contact with any network assets or an electrical installation— must, within 20 business days of becoming aware that the incident involved electricity, send to the Office a report of the incident in the form of Schedule 2 or a form containing the equivalent r. 8 -- 11 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 9 information approved by the Office and the results of any investigation made by the fire control authority into the incident. 9. Certain plans required and information to be given (1) A network operator must have a plan specifying— (a) how the network operator will restore electrical safety to the site of a serious electrical incident or an incident of the nature described in regulation 8(2) in relation to its network assets; and (b) if the network operator is the owner or operator of an upstream network, how the network operator will assist in the restoration of electrical safety to the site of a serious electrical incident or an incident of the nature described in regulation 8(2) in relation to an electrical installation to which it supplies electricity. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A network operator must have a plan that describes how the network operator will test, inspect, maintain and operate its network assets to ensure that the network operator complies with the requirements of Part 3. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (3) A network operator must have a plan that describes long term strategies to prevent unauthorised persons climbing poles, towers and other structures supporting aerial lines including— (a) minimum heights from the ground for all foot supports; and r. 9 -- 12 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 10 (b) protection of the poles, towers and structures. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (4) A network operator must give to the Office any information that the Office requests in writing concerning the network operator's testing, inspection, maintenance and operation of its network assets and the results of the testing, inspection, maintenance and operation within 10 business days of the request. Penalty: 10 penalty units. _______________ r. 9 -- 13 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 11 PART 3—DUTIES OF NETWORK OPERATORS 10. Section 75 of the Act applies to this Part For the purposes of section 75 of the Act, network assets that are part of an upstream network, or the supply network of a railway and tramway system, must be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with this Part. 11. Automatic disconnecting devices An active conductor of a high voltage electric line and high voltage electrical equipment must be protected by automatic protective equipment. 12. Location of earth An upstream network must be earthed at a location that permits the connection of devices for protecting the network against earth faults. 13. Minimum distances between aerial lines and the ground (1) An aerial service line or an aerial line that forms part of an other cable system must not, at any time, be closer to the ground than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 13.1. (2) Any other aerial line must not, at any time, be closer to the ground than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 13.2. (3) This regulation does not apply to a low voltage insulated conductor supported along the façade of a building or structure. r. 10 -- 14 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 12 TABLE 13.1—Minimum distances to the ground from aerial service lines or aerial lines that form part of other cable systems (except low voltage insulated conductors supported along the façade of a building or structure) Service line and other cable system location Minimum distance Over a 2000mm wide strip in the centre of each carriageway of a road 5500mm Over any other part of a freeway, primary road, or highway as defined in Part A of Schedule 3 5500mm Over any other part of a secondary road, or collector road as defined in Part B of Schedule 3 4900mm Over any other part of any other road 4600mm Over any part of a driveway 4600mm Over other ground traversable by vehicles 4600mm At the connection to a building or structure 3000mm Elsewhere 3000mm TABLE 13.2—Minimum distances to the ground from all other aerial lines (except low voltage insulated conductors supported along the façade of a building or structure) Minimum distance Type of aerial line Nominal voltage ('U') Carriageway of roads Ground traversable by vehicles Elsewhere U < 1500V d.c. traction conductor 5000mm 5000mm 4500mm Alternating current bare or insulated U < 1kV or insulated with earthed screen U > 1kV 5500mm 5500mm 4500mm Alternating current insulated without an earthed screen U > 1kV 6000mm 5500mm 4500mm Minimum distance r. 13 -- 15 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 13 Type of aerial line Nominal voltage ('U') Carriageway of roads Ground traversable by vehicles Elsewhere Alternating current bare or covered 1kV < U < 33kV 6700mm 5500mm 4500mm 33kV < U < 132kV 6700mm 6700mm 5500mm 132kV < U < 275kV 8700mm 6700mm 6700mm 275kV < U < 330kV 9700mm 6700mm 6700mm 330kV < U < 500kV 11400mm 10700mm 10700mm 14. Minimum distances between aerial lines and parts of buildings or structures (1) An aerial line carrying alternating current must not, at any time, be closer to a building or structure or part of a building or structure specified in Table 14.1 (and partially illustrated in Figures 14.1 and 14.2) than the relevant minimum distance specified in that Table. (2) An aerial line carrying direct current must not, at any time, be closer to a building or structure or part of a building or structure specified in Table 14.2 (and partially illustrated in Figures 14.1 and 14.2) than the relevant minimum distance specified in that Table. (3) This regulation does not apply to— (a) a low voltage insulated conductor supported along the façade of a building or structure; or (b) the connection of an aerial line to a building or structure. r. 14 -- 16 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 14 r. 14 -- 17 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 15 r. 14 -- 18 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 16 TABLE 14.2—Minimum distances to parts of buildings or structures from all aerial lines carrying direct current (except at connections to the building or structure and except low voltage insulated conductors supported along the façade of a building or structure) Minimum distance for type of aerial line and nominal voltage ('U') U< 600V 600V < U< 1500V Direct current aerial line Insulated Bare Bare or Insulated A Vertically above those parts of a building or structure normally accessible to persons 2700mm 3700mm 4500mm B Vertically above those parts of a building or structure not normally accessible to persons but on which a person can stand 100mm 2700mm 3700mm C In any direction, other than vertically above, from those parts of a building or structure normally accessible to persons or vertically below as described in row E, or from any part not normally accessible to persons but on which a person can stand 100mm 1500mm 2100mm D In any direction, other than vertically below as described in row E, from those parts of a building or structure not normally accessible to persons 100mm 600mm 1500mm E Vertically below those parts of a building or structure erected over a d.c. traction system 100mm 300mm 300mm r. 14 -- 19 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 17 15. Minimum distances for low voltage insulated conductors supported along the façade of a building or structure (1) A low voltage insulated conductor supported along the façade of a building or structure must not, at any time, be closer to a part of a building or structure specified in Table 15.1 (and partially illustrated in Figures 15.1, 15.2 and 15.3) than the relevant minimum distance specified in the Table. (2) In this regulation a low voltage insulated conductor is supported along the façade of a building or structure if the conductor is supported by the façade of the building or structure at a distance of no more than 300 millimetres from the façade. r. 15 -- 20 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 18 TABLE 15.1—Minimum distances to parts of buildings or structures from low voltage insulated conductors supported along the façade of the building or structure Low voltage insulated conductor Minimum distance A Vertically from ground 2500mm B Above windows and doors 300mm C Each side and below windows 500mm D Each side of doors and balconies 1000mm E From metallic parts of buildings or structures 50mm 16. Minimum distances between a.c. aerial lines and parts of railway systems (1) A low voltage aerial line carrying alternating current must not, at any time, be above a d.c. train traction conductor. (2) A high voltage aerial line carrying alternating current above a direct current catenary wire or supervisory cable for a d.c. train traction conductor must not, at any time, be closer than 900 millimetres above a straight line joining the higher of the supporting points for the span of the catenary wire or supervisory cable. r. 16 -- 21 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 19 (3) An aerial line carrying alternating current must not, at any time, be closer to a part of a railway system specified in Table 16 than the relevant minimum distance specified in that Table. TABLE 16—Minimum distances to parts of railway systems from aerial lines carrying alternating current Minimum distance from part of a railway system Alternating current aerial line Nominal voltage ('U') Above track From d.c. traction conductors From d.c. traction conductor wire/cable supports U <1kV 6700mm Not permitted 2700mm 1kV < U ≤ 22kV 7600mm 1200mm 3700mm 22kV < U ≤ 66kV 7600mm 1800mm 4600mm 66kV < U ≤ 132kV 7900mm 2100mm 4600mm 132kV < U ≤ 275kV 9000mm 3000mm 5500mm 275kV < U ≤ 330kV 9800mm 4000mm 6400mm 330kV < U ≤ 500kV 11300mm 5500mm 7900mm 17. Minimum distances between a.c. aerial lines and parts of tramway systems An aerial line carrying alternating current must not, at any time, be closer to a part of a tramway system specified in Table 17 than the relevant minimum distance specified in that Table. r. 17 -- 22 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 20 TABLE 17—Minimum distances to parts of tramway systems from aerial lines carrying alternating current Minimum distance from part of a tramway system Alternating current aerial line Nominal voltage ('U') Above track From d.c. traction conductors From d.c. traction conductor wire/cable supports U ≤ 1kV 7000mm 600mm 2700mm 1kV < U ≤ 22kV 8200mm 1200mm 3700mm 22kV < U ≤ 66kV 8200mm 1800mm 4600mm 66kV < U ≤ 132kV 8200mm 2100mm 4600mm 132kV < U ≤ 220kV 9000mm 3000mm 5500mm 220kV < U ≤ 330kV 9800mm 4000mm 6400mm 330kV < U ≤ 500kV 11300mm 5500mm 7900mm 18. Minimum distances between conductors of aerial lines (1) A conductor of an aerial line must not, at any time, be closer to the conductor of another aerial line than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 18. (2) An aerial line must not, at any time— (a) be above a private electric line and be attached to the same pole line; or (b) cross a private electric line except where the aerial line and the private electric line are attached to a common pole or support. (3) A d.c. street traction conductor must not, at any time, cross an electrolysis drainage cable except where the conductor and the cable are attached to a common pole or support. TABLE 18—Minimum distances between conductors of aerial lines r. 18 -- 23 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 21 Type and nominal voltage ('U') of conductor Minimum distance Upper circuit Lower circuit Between the points where the conductors are attached to a common pole or support Between the conductor spans Circuits on same pole line Between the conductor spans Circuits crossing not on same pole line Low voltage alternating current aerial line Private electric line 380mm Not permitted Not permitted Low voltage alternating current aerial line Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 380mm 900mm 600mm Low voltage alternating current aerial line d.c. street traction conductor U ≤ 600V 600mm 600mm 600mm d.c. street traction conductor U ≤ 600V Electrolysis drainage cable 380mm 600mm Not permitted d.c. street traction conductor U ≤ 600V Other cable system 1000mm 1000mm 1000mm Alternating current aerial line U > 1kV U < 11kV Private electric line 1200mm Not permitted Not permitted Alternating current aerial line U > 1kV U < 11kV Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 1200mm 900mm 600mm Type and nominal voltage ('U') of conductor Minimum distance -- 24 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 22 Upper circuit Lower circuit Between the points where the conductors are attached to a common pole or support Between the conductor spans Circuits on same pole line Between the conductor spans Circuits crossing not on same pole line Alternating current aerial line U > 11kV U < 33kV Private electric line 1200mm Not permitted Not permitted Alternating current aerial line U > 11kV U < 33kV Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 1200mm 900mm 750mm Alternating current aerial line U > 33kV U < 66kV Private electric line 1800mm Not permitted Not permitted Alternating current aerial line U > 33kV U < 66kV Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 1800mm 1800mm 1200mm 19. Minimum distances between aerial lines and water accessible to boats An aerial line must not, at any time, be closer than 13 500 millimetres to the surface of any water accessible to boats with masts. 20. Construction of underground lines (1) An underground line must— (a) be directly buried; or (b) be directly buried and be covered with a mechanical cover; or (c) be buried enclosed in a conduit or pipe. r. 19 -- 25 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 23 (2) An underground line must not, at any time, be closer to the surface of the ground than the relevant minimum depth specified in Table 20. (3) For the purposes of Column 3 of Table 20, "mechanical cover" means— (a) a layer of concrete that is at least 50mm thick with a characteristic strength defined by AS 3600 and AS 1012 and determined to be not less than 15 MPa at 28 days and that is placed not less than 50mm and not more than 150mm above the cable and that overlaps the cable by at least 40mm on each side of the cable; or (b) a series of concrete slabs that are at least 40mm thick with a characteristic strength defined by AS 3600 and AS 1012 and determined to be not less than 15 MPa at 28 days and that touch each other so that no spaces are left between the slabs and that are placed not less than 50mm and not more than 150mm above the cable and that overlap the cable by at least 40mm on each side of the cable; or (c) a covering made of a plastic or composite material that the Office is satisfied provides equal protection to that provided by the methods described in paragraph (a) or (b). (4) For the purposes of Column 4 of Table 20— (a) "conduit" means a rigid, non-metallic heavy duty conduit that complies with AS/NZS 2053; (b) "pipe" means a medium or heavy galvanised steel tube that complies with AS 1074. r. 20 -- 26 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 24 TABLE 20—Minimum depths for underground lines from the surface of the ground 1 Type of underground line Nominal voltage ('U') 2 Directly buried 3 Directly buried and covered with a mechanical cover 4 Buried enclosed in a conduit or pipe U <1500V direct current 750mm 600mm 450mm Alternating current U < 1kV Single core 750mm 600mm 450mm Multi core 750mm 450mm 450mm Alternating current 1kV < U < 22kV 750mm 600mm 600mm Alternating current 22kV < U < 66kV 1000mm 750mm 750mm Alternating current 66kV < U < 220kV 1000mm 1000mm 1000mm (5) This regulation does not apply to— (a) the first 1000 millimetres of a low voltage underground line; and (b) the first 2000 millimetres of a high voltage underground line— from the point where the underground line enters the ground if that initial portion of the line is protected by a mechanical cover or conduit or pipe of a type described in sub-regulation (3) or (4). (6) This regulation does not apply to— r. 20 -- 27 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 25 (a) negative conductors; or (b) those portions of underground lines above ground. 21. Mechanical protection of underground lines above the ground (1) Any part of an underground line that is at or above the surface of the ground must be mechanically protected from the point where the line enters or exits the ground to a height of 2400 millimetres from any surface accessible to the public on which a person can stand. (2) The mechanical protection must be by— (a) cable guard of mild steel of 2·5 millimetre thickness for a high voltage underground line and 1·6 millimetre thickness for a low voltage underground line galvanised in accordance with AS/NZS 4680 and AS/NZS 4792; or (b) a galvanised steel tube in accordance with AS 1074; or (c) other material that the Office is satisfied gives equivalent mechanical protection. (3) Any part of an underground line that is more than 2400 millimetres in height from a surface accessible to the public on which a person can stand must be enclosed in a rigid non-metallic heavy duty conduit that complies with AS/NZS 2053 or in metallic piping or casing that is earthed in accordance with these Regulations if that part is— (a) within reach of a person from a window or other accessible part of a building or r. 21 -- 28 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 26 structure as determined by Appendix G of AS 2067; or (b) high voltage and is not metallically screened. (4) This regulation does not apply to negative conductors. 22. Substations (1) A kiosk substation must not, at any time, be closer than 1200 millimetres to any building or structure unless the wall of the adjacent building or structure, and any fence between the substation and the building or structure, has a fire rating of more than 2 hours as determined by the Building Code of Australia 1996. (2) The walls and fences enclosing a ground type substation must— (a) be soundly constructed to deter unauthorised entry with a minimum height of 2500 millimetres; and (b) be no closer than the following horizontal distances to any live and bare electrical equipment— (i) 1500 millimetres for substations having a primary nominal voltage of up to 22kV; or (ii) 3000 millimetres for substations having a primary nominal voltage of more than 22kV but not more than 66kV; and (c) be no closer than 1200 millimetres to any other building or structure unless— (i) the wall and any fence enclosing the ground type substation complies with the Building Code of Australia (as published or amended from time to time) for the containment of fire; and r. 22 -- 29 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 27 (ii) the wall of the other building or structure, and any fence between the walls and fences of the substation and the other building or structure, has a fire rating of more than 2 hours as determined by the Building Code of Australia 1996. (3) Any part of a supporting platform and equipment for a pole mounted substation that is mounted on, or attached to, the pole or crossarms of the pole (except conductors) and that is— (a) more than 500 millimetres from the vertical projection of the kerb line in the direction away from a vehicular carriageway and that is more than 200 millimetres from the surface of the pole must be no lower than 3600 millimetres in height from the ground; and (b) more than 500 millimetres from the vertical projection of the kerb line in the direction away from a vehicular carriageway and is less than 200 millimetres from the surface of the pole must be no lower than 2400 millimetres in height from the ground; and (c) elsewhere must be no lower than 4600 millimetres in height from the ground. 23. Earthing and electrical protection (1) Earthing and protection systems must isolate unsafe electrical conditions. (2) Uninsulated metal and concrete that is accessible to persons and that— (a) forms part of a circuit (excluding the current carrying conductors); and r. 23 -- 30 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 28 (b) could be energised in the event of a primary insulation failure of the circuit— must be earthed and comply with clause 10 of the Guidelines for Design and Maintenance of Overhead Distribution and Transmission Lines, HB--C(b)1 issued jointly by the Electricity Supply Association of Australia and Standards Australia, as published or amended from time to time. (3) Sub-regulation (2) does not apply to uninsulated metal or concrete bonded to a railway track. (4) Service lines must be protected by protective equipment that can isolate each of the active conductors of an electrical installation. (5) The protective equipment referred to in sub- regulation (4) for aerial lines must be installed— (a) at, or next to, the point of supply; or (b) at, or next to, any point where an unmetered consumers mains is attached to the consumer's premises; or (c) at any pole to which a consumers mains is attached; or (d) at the network operator's pole to which a service line is connected. (6) The protective equipment referred to in sub-regulation (4) for underground lines must be installed— (a) at, or next to, the point where the service line is connected to the network operator's supply mains; or (b) at the point, or within 3000 millimetres of the point, where the consumers mains is connected to the network operator's supply main; or r. 23 -- 31 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 29 (c) where an aerial service line has been converted to an underground line, at the point where the aerial service line is connected to the consumer's premises; or (d) at or next to the network operator's metering equipment located at the consumer's premises, but only if— (i) the unmetered portion of the consumers mains that runs from the property boundary to the building or structure housing the metering equipment is buried at least a minimum depth of 500 millimetres below the surface of the ground and consists of— (A) an elastomer, thermoplastic or cross-linked polyethylene insulated single-core cable with elastomer or thermoplastic sheathing, that complies with AS/NZS 3116, AS 3147 or AS/NZS 3198 for underground cable, and that is buried enclosed in a conduit as defined in regulation 20(4)(a) or in a pipe as defined in regulation 20(4)(b); or (B) an elastomer, thermoplastic or cross-linked polyethylene insulated multi-core cable with elastomer or thermoplastic sheathing, that complies with AS/NZS 3116, AS 3147 or AS/NZS 3198 for underground cable, and that is buried enclosed in a conduit as defined in regulation 20(4)(a) or in a pipe as defined in regulation 20(4)(b), or directly buried and covered with r. 23 -- 32 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 30 concrete slabs in accordance with regulation 20(3)(b); or (C) a neutral screened cable that complies with AS/NZS 3155 for underground cable, and that is buried enclosed in a conduit as defined in regulation 20(4)(a) or in a pipe as defined in regulation 20(4)(b), or is directly buried and covered with concrete slabs in accordance with regulation 20(3)(b); and (ii) the unmetered consumers mains within the building or structure housing the metering equipment is enclosed in a heavy duty non-metallic conduit of a sort described in AS/NZS 2053. (7) Sub-regulation (6)(d)(i) does not apply to the first 1000 millimetres of a consumers mains from the point where the consumers mains enters the ground if that initial portion of the mains consists of the material, and is protected by a mechanical cover or conduit or pipe of the type, described in sub-regulation (6)(d)(i)(A), (B) or (C). (8) Low voltage underground lines must— (a) be of a double insulated construction; or (b) be surrounded by an earthed metallic screen. (9) High voltage underground lines must be surrounded by an earthed metallic screen. (10) All joints in an underground line must be insulated and protected with at least the same level of insulation and protection as that surrounding the electric lines joined. (11) A low voltage network asset must be earthed by means of a multiple earthed neutral system r. 23 -- 33 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 31 consisting of a continuous neutral conductor that is connected to all customers' premises in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 and to the general mass of the earth at each distribution substation or generator and must have— (a) a neutral conductor of the service line with a resistance of not more than 1 ohm to earth; and (b) all parts of the equipment and conductive structures used to support or enclose conductors of the network asset earthed if any part is less than 2400 millimetres from the ground (with the exception of cable guards used for the protection of cables on poles). (12) Despite sub-regulation (11), a low voltage network asset may be earthed by any other method approved by the Office. (13) A neutral conductor of any aerial line that is a service line must be bonded to a metallic part of a building or structure if the service line is directly supported by the metallic part or is within 25 millimetres of the metallic part, or be of a double insulated construction. (14) Sub-regulations (11), (12) and (13) do not apply to d.c. traction systems or signalling systems carrying alternating current of railway and tramway systems. 24. Access and warning signs (1) Reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent unauthorised access to network assets. (2) All entrances to substation buildings or structures and compounds of network assets must be clearly and permanently marked with a warning sign prohibiting the entry of unauthorised persons. r. 24 -- 34 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 32 (3) If an aerial line crosses water, a clear and permanent sign warning of the overhead electric line must be erected at the normal high water mark— (a) at all boat ramps providing access to the water; (b) at all points where the electric line starts crossing the water; and (c) 20 metres before the electric line when approaching the line by water. 25. Poles and towers Poles, towers and other structures supporting aerial lines must be as vertical as is practicable and— (a) must not lean over the kerb line in the direction of a vehicular carriageway more than 5 degrees from the perpendicular; and (b) elsewhere, must not lean more than 10 degrees from the perpendicular. 26. Marking of network assets (1) If aerial lines are in the vicinity of an airport or airfield, the lines must be marked to indicate their position and direction in accordance with AS 3891.1 and AS 3891.2. (2) Underground lines, other than extra low voltage lines, buried in any part of a road must— (a) be clearly and permanently marked at the points where the underground line enters and exits the ground; and (b) be identified by an orange marker tape in accordance with AS/NZS 2648.1 at least 150 millimetres above the uppermost surface r. 25 -- 35 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 33 of the line or the conduit or pipe enclosing the line. 27. Inspection and testing (1) Before a network operator first energizes any part of a network asset, or re-energizes any part of a network asset after the part has been declared out of commission, the part must be inspected and tested to ensure that it is safe. (2) Earthing systems, except common multiple earthed neutral earthing systems, and electrical protection equipment, except fuses, must be inspected and tested at least every 10 years for compliance with regulation 23. (3) The results of the tests and inspections referred to in this regulation must be recorded and kept until the results of the subsequent test or inspection have been recorded. 28. Operation and maintenance (1) A network operator must ensure that any person operating or maintaining its network assets has a standard of qualifications, proficiency and experience that enables that person to safely perform their function. (2) A network operator must have written operating and maintenance procedures that describe the methods of operation, maintenance, earthing, isolation, energisation and de-energisation of its network assets. (3) A network operator must ensure that any person operating or maintaining any part of any of its network assets is trained, authorised and instructed to perform the work on that part in accordance with the network operator's operating and maintenance procedures. r. 27 -- 36 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 34 (4) The owner or operator of an upstream network must ensure that any person under its control who is working on or near its network assets or on any other network assets— (a) is appropriately trained and is aware of the requirements of The Blue Book; and (b) complies with the provisions of The Blue Book that apply to the work that the person is carrying out. (5) The owner or operator of an upstream network must ensure that a permit system for work on the network assets as required in The Blue Book is used and maintained. (6) The owner or operator of a railway or tramway system must ensure that any person under its control who is working on or near its network assets or on any other network assets— (a) is appropriately trained and is aware of the requirements of the Electrical Safety Rules; and (b) complies with the provisions of the Electrical Safety Rules that apply to the work that the person is carrying out. (7) The owner or operator of a railway and tramway system must ensure that a permit system for work on the network assets as required in the Electrical Safety Rules is used and maintained. (8) In this regulation— "Electrical Safety Rules" means— (a) for the owner or operator of a railway system, the Train Infrastructure Electrical Safety Rules (High Voltage Rules) IPG OR-01 1997 published by r. 28 -- 37 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 35 the Public Transport Corporation of Victoria; and (b) for the owner or operator of a tramway system, the Tram Electrical Safety and Operating Rules published by the Public Transport Corporation of Victoria; "The Blue Book" means the Code of Practice on Electrical Safety For Work On Or Near High Voltage Electrical Apparatus published by the Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector, as amended from time to time. 29. Standard of the Upstream Network An upstream network must be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with AS 2926. _______________ r. 29 -- 38 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 36 PART 4—DUTIES OF THE PUBLIC 30. Application (1) A person may do anything that is otherwise prohibited by regulations 32 to 46 if the person— (a) does that thing with the written permission of the relevant network operator; and (b) complies with any conditions imposed by the network operator in giving the permission. (2) A person applying for permission for the purposes of sub-regulation (1) must— (a) make the application in writing and must give details as to why the permission is sought; and (b) include in the application a statement as to whether or not the granting of the permission will lead to a significant decrease in electrical safety. (3) The relevant network operator may, at any time, revoke any permission granted by it under this Part, but the revocation does not affect the previous lawful exercise of the permission. 31. Sporting activities A person must not throw, hit, kick, launch, discharge, fire or project, or cause to be thrown, hit, kicked, launched, discharged, fired or projected, any object— (a) with intent to strike; or r. 30 -- 39 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 37 (b) if there is significant risk that the object will strike— an electric light on public land or any part of a network asset. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 32. Aircraft (1) A person must not launch, release, operate, fly or land any aircraft, glider, hang glider, hot air balloon, parachute, mechanically propelled model aircraft, model glider or kite within 45 metres of any network asset that is above the ground. Penalty: 10 penalty units. (2) Sub-regulation (1) does not apply to a person who lands an aircraft, glider, hang glider, hot air balloon or parachute if the particular circumstances reasonably necessitated the landing by the person. 33. Entangled objects A person must not pull or interfere with any object resting on, or entangled in, any network asset unless the action is reasonably necessary to prevent or reduce injury to a person or damage to property. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 34. Blasting and fires A person must not— (a) blast or cause blasting to be done; or (b) light or cause to be lit or allow to remain alight any fire; or r. 32 -- 40 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 38 (c) install equipment or operate processes likely to create an explosive atmosphere— in the vicinity of any network asset in such a manner that the asset is likely to be damaged or an explosion is likely to occur. Penalty: 20 penalty units. 35. Protection of underground network assets from damage A person must not place or allow to remain, or cause to be placed or be allowed to remain, any corrosive, abrasive, heavy or deleterious material or substance above or in the vicinity of any underground network asset, the existence and location of which should reasonably have been known to the person, that damages or is likely to damage the asset. Penalty: 20 penalty units. 36. Excavating A person must not— (a) make an excavation deeper than 300 millimetres on public land unless the person has inspected— (i) the register of the relevant distribution company under section 77(1) of the Act; and (ii) the register of the relevant person who operates a railway and tramway system under section 76(2) of the Act— and located all underground lines in the vicinity of the excavation; or (b) cut away, excavate or remove, or cause to be cut away, excavated or removed, any earth or material supporting or covering any r. 35 -- 41 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 39 network assets so as to endanger the stability of the assets; or (c) make an excavation deeper than— (i) 900 millimetres closer than the distance of 15 000 millimetres; or (ii) 300 millimetres closer than the distance of 1500 millimetres— from any tower supporting any network asset; or (d) make an excavation deeper than— (i) 1800 millimetres closer than the distance of 3000 millimetres; or (ii) 900 millimetres closer than the distance of 1500 millimetres— from any pole or lighting standard supporting any network asset or from any pole or bed log to which is affixed a staywire used for the support of the asset; or (e) make an excavation deeper than 300 millimetres closer than the distance of 600 millimetres from any wall, fence or foundation of a substation of a network operator. Penalty: 20 penalty units. 37. Altering levels A person must not— (a) place material above ground level below an aerial line of a network operator in a manner to alter the level of the ground so that the minimum distance between the ground and the line required by Part 3 of these Regulations is infringed; or r. 37 -- 42 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 40 (b) place any material above ground level next to a network asset so that any minimum distance required by Part 3 of these Regulations is infringed. Penalty: 20 penalty units. 38. Minimum distances between parts of buildings, structures, scaffolding and posts and aerial lines of network operators A person must not build, erect or maintain a building, structure, scaffolding or post, or part of a building, structure, scaffolding or post, specified in Table 38 so that, at any time, the building, structure, scaffolding, post or part is closer to an aerial line of a network operator than the relevant minimum distance specified in that Table. Penalty: 20 penalty units. r. 38 -- 43 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 41 r. 38 -- 44 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 42 r. 38 -- 45 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 43 39. Minimum distances between materials and network assets A person must not— (a) place or allow to remain any timber or other inflammable material closer than 3000 millimetres in any direction from a wall or fence of any substation or switch yard; (b) place or allow to remain any timber or other inflammable material vertically below an aerial line of a network operator; (c) place or allow to remain any timber or other inflammable material, so that, at any time, the timber or other inflammable material is closer than the relevant horizontal distance specified in Table 39 from any point of the vertical projection below an aerial line of a network operator; (d) place or allow to remain any other material so that, at any time, the material is closer than the relevant horizontal distance marked 'h' specified in Table 39 from any point of the vertical projection below an aerial line of a network operator unless the material is no closer vertically below the line than the vertical distance marked 'v'. Penalty: 20 penalty units. r. 39 -- 46 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 44 r. 39 -- 47 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 45 40. Minimum distances between vehicles, plant, machinery and vessels and overhead network assets (1) A person must not operate a vehicle, fixed or mobile plant or machinery, or a water borne vessel so that any part of the vehicle, plant, machinery or vessel or any associated attachment comes closer, at any time, to an overhead network asset than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 40. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) This regulation does not apply to a person operating a vehicle to transport a load. TABLE 40—Minimum distances from any part of a vehicle, plant, machinery or water borne vessel to overhead network assets Nominal voltage ('U') Alternating current overhead network assets U < 1500V d.c. traction conductor U < 66kV U > 66kV Minimum distance in all directions 2000mm 2000mm 6000mm 41. Minimum distances between transported loads and overhead network assets A person must not operate a vehicle to transport any load so that, at any time, the load is closer to overhead network assets than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 41 unless the relevant network operator is given, at least 7 business days before the load is transported, written notice of— (a) the nature of the vehicle and the load; and (b) the height and width of the load; and (c) the date and the time of the proposed transportation; and r. 40 -- 48 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 46 (d) the starting point and finishing point of the proposed transportation; and (e) the proposed route; and (f) the name and business address of the person who is to operate the vehicle; and (g) any other details that the network operator may, in the circumstances, require. Penalty: 20 penalty units. r. 41 -- 49 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 47 r. 41 -- 50 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 48 42. Minimum distances between conductors of aerial lines and network assets (1) A person must not erect or maintain a conductor of an aerial line specified in Table 42.1 so that, at any time, the conductor is closer to a conductor of an aerial line of a network operator specified in the Table than the relevant minimum distance specified in the Table. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not erect or maintain a private electric line so that, at any time— (a) the line is below an aerial line of a network operator that is attached to the same pole line; or (b) the line crosses an aerial line of a network operator, except where the 2 lines are attached to a common pole or support. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (3) A person must not erect or maintain an electrolysis drainage cable so that, at any time, it crosses a d.c. street traction conductor except where the conductor and the cable are attached to a common pole or support. Penalty: 20 penalty units. r. 42 -- 51 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 49 TABLE 42.1—Minimum distances between conductors of aerial lines Type and nominal voltage ('U') of conductor Minimum distance Upper circuit Lower circuit Between the points where the conductors are attached to a common pole or support Between the conductor spans Circuits on same pole line or circuits crossing not on same pole line Low voltage alternating current aerial line Private electric line 900mm Not permitted Low voltage alternating current aerial line Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 900mm 600mm Low voltage alternating current aerial line Low voltage alternating current aerial line 380mm 600mm Low voltage alternating current aerial line d.c. street traction conductor U≤600V 600mm 600mm d.c. street traction conductor U≤600V Electrolysis drainage cable 380mm 600mm (circuit crossing not permitted) d.c. street traction conductor U≤600V Other cable system 1000mm 1000mm Alternating current aerial line U > 1kV U < 11kV Private electric line 1800mm Not permitted Type and nominal voltage ('U') of conductor Minimum distance r. 42 -- 52 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 50 Upper circuit Lower circuit Between the points where the conductors are attached to a common pole or support Between the conductor spans Circuits on same pole line or circuits crossing not on same pole line Alternating current aerial line U > 1kV U < 11kV Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 1800mm 1000mm Alternating current aerial line U > 1kV U < 33kV Alternating current aerial line < 33kV 1200mm 1200mm Alternating current aerial line U > 11kV U < 33kV Private electric line 1800mm Not permitted Alternating current aerial line U > 11kV U < 33kV Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 1800mm 1200mm Alternating current aerial line U > 33kV U < 66kV Private electric line 2400mm Not permitted Alternating current aerial line U > 33kV U < 66kV Other cable system or electrolysis drainage cable 2400mm 1800mm Type and nominal voltage ('U') of conductor Minimum distance Between the Between the conductor spans r. 42 -- 53 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 51 Upper circuit Lower circuit points where the conductors are attached to a common pole or support Circuits on same pole line or circuits crossing not on same pole line Alternating current aerial line U > 33kV U < 66kV Alternating current aerial line < 66kV 1800mm 1800mm (4) A person must not erect or maintain a circuit or other cable system on a pole line so that, at any time, the circuit or other cable system is closer to a circuit or other cable system on another pole line or other network asset not attached to the pole line than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 42.2. Penalty: 20 penalty units. r. 42 -- 54 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 52 r. 42 -- 55 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 53 43. Minimum distances between persons and conductors of aerial lines of network operators (1) A person must not, at any time, allow any part of his or her body or anything that he or she is holding, or that is attached to his or her body, to come closer to a conductor of an aerial line of a network operator than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 43. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) The minimum distances set out in rows 1 and 2 of Table 43 do not apply to an electrician licensed under the Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 1999. (3) This regulation does not apply to an authorised person within the meaning of regulation 45(2). TABLE 43—Minimum distances from persons to conductors of aerial lines of network operators Type of alternating current aerial line Nominal voltage ('U') Minimum distance 1. Insulated low voltage conductors 100mm 2. Uninsulated low voltage conductors 1500mm 3. High voltage conductors U < 66kV 2000mm 4. High voltage conductors U > 66kV 4000mm 44. Placing of materials A person must not place any material, or allow any material to remain, in a manner that will impede access to any door, gate or entrance of any substation or switchyard or interfere with the free flow of air through any openings or fittings used for ventilation in the walls of any substation or switchyard. Penalty: 20 penalty units. 45. Tree clearing r. 43 r. 45 -- 56 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 54 (1) A person, other than an authorised person, must not prune or clear the whole or any part of a tree if any part of the tree will fall closer to a network asset than the relevant minimum distance specified in Table 45. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) In this regulation "authorised person" means a person who holds a current certificate certifying satisfactory completion of a training course, approved by the Office, relating to tree clearing by non-electrical personnel. TABLE 45—Minimum distances from falling trees or parts of trees to network assets Network assets Nominal voltage ('U') U < 66kV alternating current or U <1500V d.c. traction conductor U > 66kV alternating current U > 1500V direct current Minimum distance in all directions 2000mm 6000mm 46. Damage and interference (1) A person must not attach aerial lines or other cable systems to a network asset. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not damage, deface or interfere with— (a) a network asset; or (b) a seal or lock protecting or affixed to a network asset; or (c) a sign erected by a network operator relating to a network asset— -- 57 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 55 so as to, or be likely to, cause risk to persons or damage to property. Penalty: 20 penalty units. _______________ r. 46 -- 58 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 56 PART 5—TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS 47. Exemption for existing aerial lines (1) It is not necessary for an aerial service line over a driveway that was in operation before the date this regulation came into operation to comply with regulation 13 if— (a) immediately before the date this regulation came into operation the service line complied with all the relevant requirements of the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1997; and (b) the service line continues to comply with those requirements as if the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1997 had not been revoked; and (c) the service line is not, at any time, closer to the ground than 3900 millimetres. (2) It is not necessary for any other aerial line of a network operator that was in operation before the date this regulation came into operation to comply with these Regulations before 31 December 2002 if— (a) immediately before the date this regulation came into operation the aerial line complied with all the relevant requirements of the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1997; and (b) the aerial line continues to comply with those requirements as if the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1997 had not been revoked. (3) Sub-regulation (1) ceases to apply to an aerial service line if any part of the line is replaced. r. 47 -- 59 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 57 48. Exemption for existing d.c. aerial conductors under bridges and roads Despite anything to the contrary in these Regulations, d.c. aerial traction conductors that were in place under a road or bridge immediately before this regulation came into operation may continue to maintain the clearance distances from the ground that were maintained before this regulation came into operation. 49. Exemption for existing underground lines It is not necessary for an underground line that was in operation before the date this regulation came into operation to comply with regulation 26. __________________ r. 48 -- 60 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 58 SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 ELECTRICAL INCIDENT CONFIRMATION FORM for confirmation of serious electrical incidents reported under regulation 7 or 8 of the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 PERSON ATTENDING THE INCIDENT Name Company/Authority Phone or mobile phone Date of incident Address of incident Time of incident Suburb Postcode am/pm DETAILS OF INJURED OR DECEASED PERSON (if applicable) Name Age Sex Phone or mobile phone Residential address Suburb Postcode DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT ! Death ! Injury ! Significant property damage or Serious Risk to Public Safety WORK or ACTIVITY BEING UNDERTAKEN AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT (if applicable) Sch. 1 -- 61 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 59 CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN TO MAKE THE SITE SAFE _______________ Sch. 1 -- 62 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 60 SCHEDULE 2 ELECTRICAL INCIDENT REPORT FORM (1) PERSON ATTENDING THE INCIDENT Name Company/Authority Date of incident Time of incident am/pm Date reported to Company/Authority Date attended by Company/Authority (2) LOCATION DETAILS OF INCIDENT Incident address Suburb/Town Postcode Type of premises (tick one box only) ! Residential ! Industrial ! Commercial ! Construction ! Other, Specify Specific location (bathroom, garage) Name of owner of premises (3) PERSONAL DETAILS OF INJURED OR DECEASED PERSON (if applicable) Surname Given name Age Sex Phone or mobile phone Residential address Suburb/Town Postcode (4) INCIDENT CATEGORY ! Death ! Injury ! Minor ! Significant property damage or Serious risk to public safety Sch. 2 -- 63 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 61 (5) INJURIES and TREATMENT DETAILS ! Electric shock ! Electrical burns ! Flash burns ! No shock or injury ! Resulting from fall ! Other—Specify Severity of injury/shock ! Slight ! Strong ! Severe Part of body ! Head ! Eyes ! Neck ! Trunk ! Arms ! Hands ! Legs ! Feet ! Other—Specify Treatment ! Medical treatment ! Resuscitation ! Hospitalisation (6) ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION Was fixed wiring of a premises associated with the incident? ! Yes ! No, Go to 7 Give details (damaged insulation, faulty switches, uncovered junction box, exposed wire, manufacturer, type, etc.) Was a safety switch (RCD) installed on the circuit associated with the incident? ! Yes ! No, Go to 7 Manufacturer Model No. Did the RCD operate? ! Yes ! No ! Don't know Would you expect the RCD to have operated? ! Yes ! No ! Don't know (7) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (a) Was the incident associated with low voltage reticulation or service line? ! Yes ! No, Go to 7(b) Was it !Overhead !Underground Reticulation Conductor ! Al ! Cu Service Conductor ! Al ! Cu Service Type ! N/S ! TW !ABC ! Open ! Other—Specify Was overhead line damaged by tree? ! Yes ! No Sch. 2 -- 64 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 62 Incident occurred during the course of pruning ! Yes ! No Describe the fault (eg. Pole End Fault: split bolt clamp, pole J box, vehicle damage, etc.) (b) Was the accident associated with other network assets? ! Yes ! No, Go to 8 (HV equipment, substations etc.) Give details (8) EQUIPMENT or APPLIANCES INVOLVED WITH THE INCIDENT (a) Was equipment or appliance associated with the incident? ! Yes ! No, Go to 8(b) Was equipment or appliance? ! Portable ! Stationary ! Fixed Type of equipment/appliance? (iron, hair dryer, HV switch, etc.) Manufacturer Brand Model No. Approval No. Approximate Age Condition of equipment ! Good ! Fair !Poor (b) Was extension cord associated with the incident? ! Yes ! No, Go to 9 Correctly wired? ! Yes ! No Condition ! Good ! Fair ! Poor (9) VOLTAGE INVOLVED Supply voltage involved in the incident ! Phase/Phaser ! Phase/Earth Voltage between points of contact (10) DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT Briefly describe what the victim was doing at the time of the incident, how injury was received and the cause of the incident (Use additional sheet and sketch if necessary for relevant detail) (11) ACTION TAKEN AND BY WHOM (12) OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Sch. 2 -- 65 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 63 Briefly describe clothes worn by victim (long/short sleeve shirt, trousers/shorts, overall, dress, skirt, etc.) Type of shoes Condition of shoes Weather condition (Rainy, hot, dusty, humid, foggy, fine, cold, etc.) Lighting (or Visibility) conditions ! Good ! Poor ! Bad Type of floor ! Conductive ! Non conductive ! Dry ! Wet (13) WORK RELATED INCIDENT Did the incident occur in the course of work? ! Yes ! No, Go to 14 Occupation Victim was ! Distribution Company Worker ! Other Electrical Worker ! Non-Electrical Worker ! Other—Specify What work was the victim required to perform? Employer's name Phone or mobile phone Employer's address Suburb/Town Postcode (14) WITNESS DETAILS—(if applicable) Name of the first witness Phone or mobile phone Residential address Suburb/Town Postcode Name of the second witness Phone or mobile phone Residential address Suburb/Town Postcode (15) POLICE/ MEDICAL OFFICER DETAILS—(If applicable) Name of attending officer Phone or mobile phone Sch. 2 -- 66 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 64 Rank and identification number Station Name of attending doctor Phone or mobile phone Clinic or hospital address Suburb/Town Postcode (16) CONTACT PERSON FOR THE REPORT Name Phone or mobile phone (17) PERSON SUBMITTING DETAILS Name Phone or mobile phone Title Company Signature Date _______________ Sch. 2 -- 67 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 65 SCHEDULE 3 CLASSIFICATION OF ROADS Part A For the purposes of Table 13.1 freeways, primary roads and highways are defined as all those roads that are shown— (a) in Edition 26, 1999 of the street directory, Greater Melbourne, published by Melway Publishing Pty. Ltd., as— (i) freeways and primary roads on maps 3 to 468; (ii) Over-Dimensional Routes on maps 485 to 487; and (iii) the collector roads and local traffic streets known as— Anderson Road, Footscray Appleton Dock Road, Footscray Cummins Street, Footscray Coode Road, Footscray Cowper Street, West Melbourne Dahlenburg Street, Footscray Dock Links Road, Footscray Dudley Street, between Footscray Road and Victoria Dock, West Melbourne Gibbons Street, Footscray Kermode Street, Footscray MacKenzie Road, Footscray North Wharf Road, Melbourne Oliphant Street, Footscray Phillips Road, Footscray Pitt Street, Docklands Sudholz Street, Docklands Swanson Dock Road, Footscray; and (b) in the third edition of the State Directory, published by VicRoads, as freeways, state highways, main roads, tourists' roads and forest roads on maps 1 to 360. Sch. 3 -- 68 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 66 Part B For the purposes of Table 13.1, secondary roads and collector roads are defined as all those roads that are shown in Edition 26, 1999 of the street directory, Greater Melbourne, published by Melway Publishing Pty. Ltd., as secondary roads and collector roads on maps 3 to 468 except those— (a) collector roads named in paragraph (a)(iii) of Part A of this Schedule; (b) Over-Dimensional Routes on maps 485 to 487. ═══════════════ Sch. 3 -- 69 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 67 NOTES 1 Reg. 4: S.R. No. 5/1997. —— Table of Applied, Adopted or Incorporated Matter Required by Subordinate Legislation Regulations 1994 Note that the following table of applied, adopted or incorporated matter is included in accordance with the requirements of regulation 6 of the Subordinate Legislation Regulations 1994. Statutory Rule Provision Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document Regulations 5(1) and 23(11) 1. AS/NZS 3000 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Electrical Installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring rules)" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole Regulations 20(3)(a) and (b) 2. AS 3600 Australian Standard, "Concrete structures" published by Standards Australia Section 6.1.1.1 Regulations 20(3)(a) and (b) 3. AS 1012 Australian Standard, "Methods of testing concrete" published by Standards Australia The whole Notes -- 70 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 68 NOTES—continued Statutory Rule Provision Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document Regulations 20(4)(a), 21(3) and 23(6)(d)(ii) 4. AS/NZS 2053 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Conduits and fittings for electrical installations" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole Regulations 20(4)(b) and 21(2)(b) 5. AS 1074 Australian Standard, "Steel tubes and tubulars for ordinary service" published by Standards Australia The whole Regulation 21(2)(a) 6. AS/NZS 4680 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Hot-dip galvanized (zinc) coatings on fabricated ferrous articles" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole Regulation 21(2)(a) 7. AS/NZS 4792 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Hot-dip galvanized (zinc) coatings on ferrous hollow sections, applied by a continuous or a specialized process" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole -- 71 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 69 NOTES—continued Statutory Rule Provision Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document Regulation 21(3)(a) 8. AS 2067 Australian Standard, "Switchgear assemblies and ancillary equipment for alternating voltages above 1 kV" published by Standards Australia Appendix G Regulations 22(1) and 22(2)(c)(ii) Building Code of Australia 1996 published by CCH Australia for the Australian Building Code Board Section C Regulation 22(2)(c)(i) Building Code of Australia published by CCH Australia for the Australian Building Code Board Section C Regulation 23(2) Guidelines for Design and Maintenance of Overhead Distribution and Transmission Lines, HB--C(b)1 issued jointly by the Electricity Supply Association of Australia and Standards Australia 1999 Clause 10 Regulations 23(6)(d)(i)(A) and 23(6)(d)(i)(B) 9. AS/NZS 3116 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Approval and test specification—Electric cables—Elastomer insulated—For working voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole -- 72 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 70 NOTES—continued Statutory Rule Provision Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document Regulations 23(6)(d)(i)(A) and 23(6)(d)(i)(B) 10. AS 3147 Australian Standard, "Approval and test specification—Electric cables—Thermoplastic insulated—For working voltages up to and including 0·6/1 kV" published by Standards Australia The whole Regulations 23(6)(d)(i)(A) and 23(6)(d)(i)(B) 11. AS/NZS 3198 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Approval and test specification—Electric cables—XLPE insulated— For working voltages up to and including 0·6/1 kV" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole Regulation 23(6)(d)(i)(C) 12. AS/NZS 3155 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Approval and test specification—Electric cables—Neutral screened— For working voltages up to and including 0·6/1kV" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole -- 73 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 71 NOTES—continued Statutory Rule Provision Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document Regulation 26(1) 13. AS 3891.1 Australian Standard, "Air navigation—Cables and their supporting structures Mapping and marking— Permanent marking of overhead cables and their supporting structures" published by Standards Australia The whole Regulation 26(1) 14. AS 3891.2 Australian Standard, "Air navigation—Cables and their supporting structures Mapping and marking— Marking of overhead cables for low-level flying" published by Standards Australia The whole Regulation 26(2)(b) 15. AS/NZS 2648.1 Australian/New Zealand Standard, "Underground marking tape—Non- detectable tape" published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand The whole Regulation 28(4)(a) and (b) and Regulation 28(5) Code of Practice on Electrical Safety For Work On Or Near High Voltage Electrical Apparatus published by the Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector The whole -- 74 of 75 -- S.R. No. 141/1999 Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 72 NOTES—continued Statutory Rule Provision Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document Regulation 28(6)(a) and (b) and Regulation 28(7) Train Infrastructure Electrical Safety Rules (High Voltage Rules) IPG OR–01 1997 published by the Public Transport Corporation of Victoria Tram Electrical Safety and Operating Rules published by the Public Transport Corporation of Victoria The whole The whole Regulation 29 16. AS 2926 Australian Standard, "Standard voltages— Alternating (50 Hz) and direct" published by Standards Australia The whole Schedule 3 Part A Edition 26, 1999 of the street directory, Greater Melbourne, published by Melway Publishing Pty. Ltd. Third edition of the State Directory published by VicRoads Maps 3–468 Maps 485–487 Maps 1–360 Schedule 3 Part B Edition 26, 1999 of the street directory, Greater Melbourne, published by Melway Publishing Pty. Ltd. Maps 3–468 Maps 485–487 -- 75 of 75 --