Steel power poles on private property

Key safety information for landowners

After a recent incident with livestock on private property, we'd like to highlight key safety information to keep yourself, your family, workers and livestock safe.

Property owner responsibilities

Landowners own the electricity poles and conductors located on their property.
Landowners are responsible for maintaining these assets and safe clearances.
Steel poles present particular risks as they can conduct electricity when compromised.

Critical Risk Factors

Inadequate clearance zones around any electrical infrastructure.
Poorly maintained or aged infrastructure that requires lifecycle maintenance or upgrade.
Tree branches, bark, or other vegetation lodged between conductors and cross arms or steel poles.
Livestock or people coming into direct contact with energised poles or the surrounding earth.

Immediate action required

All rural landowners with steel power poles on their property should:

Inspect their poles for any vegetation in contact with conductors or wrapped around poles, or poor condition equipment that could cause an electrical hazard.
Maintain appropriate clearances by trimming trees and removing vegetation near power lines (including up to the fall zone distance of nearby trees).
Consider protective non-conductive fencing around steel poles at safe distances to prevent livestock and human contact.
Contact qualified professionals for any vegetation removal near live electrical equipment.
Report any concerns immediately to EA Networks or their electrical contractor for expert advice.

Safety Recommendations

Do not approach or attempt to resolve electrical hazards yourself - always assume all power lines are live and dangerous and contact EA Networks for help.
Manage the surrounding vegetation to reduce the risk of debris.
Never attempt to remove vegetation from power lines yourself - always contact professional line clearance crews.
Request a safety disconnection from EA Networks to de-energise a line if you plan to undertake any work near it.
Install non-conductive fencing at least 3 - 4 meters from steel poles where livestock and / or people may come into contact. Include appropriate warning signage.
Regularly inspect your property for fallen branches or accumulated debris near electrical equipment.
Regularly inspect your electricity lines for signs of deteriorating equipment that could result in an electrical hazard, like; insulators, cross arms, poles, or conductor.
Educate family members and workers about electrical hazards on your property.