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.
| 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) | |