Use this reference table as a starting point to check which powerline clearance rules apply in each Australian state or territory. Clearance distances are not always the same across Australia and can change depending on the voltage of the line, whether the line is insulated or bare, the type of work being done, and whether workers are authorised or have written approval from the electricity network operator.

⚠️ Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant state regulator, electricity distributor, site procedure or lift plan before working near overhead powerlines. Exclusion zones are minimum safe distances only — electricity can arc across a gap, and cranes, loads, scaffolding, EWPs and mobile plant must be kept clear at all times.

Australian Electrical Exclusion Zones
State / Territory Voltage Range Exclusion Zone (Hard No-Go) Safety Observer / Spotter
Queensland Workplace Health & Safety QLD
Electrical Safety Regulation 2013
+ Code of Practice 2020
Up to 132kV 3.0m ⚠ Safety Observer Zone Within 10m either side of powerline where plant could breach exclusion zone
132kV – 330kV 6.0m ⚠ Safety Observer Zone Within 10m either side of powerline where plant could breach exclusion zone
330kV – 500kV 8.0m ⚠ Safety Observer Zone Within 10m either side of powerline where plant could breach exclusion zone
New South Wales SafeWork NSW
Code of Practice 2006
Up to 132kV 3.0m ↑ Recommended Safety observer strongly recommended. No formally defined spotter zone distance
132kV – 330kV 6.0m ↑ Recommended Safety observer strongly recommended. No formally defined spotter zone distance
Above 330kV 8.0m ↑ Recommended Safety observer strongly recommended. No formally defined spotter zone distance
Western Australia DMIRS WorkSafe WA
Electricity Regulations 1947, Reg 316A
Less than 33kV 3.0m ↑ Recommended Safety observer recommended as control measure. No formally defined spotter zone distance
33kV – 133kV 6.0m ↑ Recommended Safety observer recommended as control measure. No formally defined spotter zone distance
Above 133kV 8.0m ↑ Recommended Safety observer recommended as control measure. No formally defined spotter zone distance
Northern Territory NT WorkSafe
Electrical Safety Regulations 2024
Up to 33kV 1.5m ↑ Recommended No formally defined spotter zone distance
33kV – 132kV 3.0m ↑ Recommended No formally defined spotter zone distance
132kV – 275kV 4.0m ↑ Recommended No formally defined spotter zone distance
275kV – 330kV 6.0m ↑ Recommended No formally defined spotter zone distance
330kV – 500kV 8.0m ↑ Recommended No formally defined spotter zone distance
Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania & ACT — Regulated by Energy Safe Victoria, SafeWork SA, WorkSafe Tasmania & WorkSafe ACT. Victoria operates its own No Go Zone (NGZ) framework with formally defined spotter zones. SA, TAS & ACT follow AS2550.1:2011.
Victoria Energy Safe Victoria
No Go Zone Framework
Distribution lines Up to 66kV 3.0m ⚠ Spotter Required Between 3.0m – 6.4m from powerline (ESV registered spotter mandatory)
Transmission lines 132kV – 500kV 8.0m ⚠ Spotter Required Between 8.0m – 10.0m from powerline (ESV registered spotter mandatory)
SA · TAS · ACT SafeWork SA / WorkSafe TAS / WorkSafe ACT
AS2550.1:2011
Distribution lines Up to 133kV 6.4m ⚠ Spotter Required Reduces to 3.0m with qualified spotter (AS2550.1:2011)
Transmission lines Above 133kV 10.0m ⚠ Spotter Required Reduces to 8.0m with qualified spotter (AS2550.1:2011)
Exclusion / No-Go Zone — absolute minimum. No entry without network operator permission.
Formally defined spotter zone — registered/trained spotter legally required within this band.
Safety observer recommended by Code of Practice — no formally prescribed zone distance.