Authorisation

An authorisation zone is where an authorised or instructed person is allowed to have direct contact with or to work within the exclusion zone for an insulated low-voltage line.

If an operating plant enters the authorisation zone a safety observer or another safe system of work must be used to prevent the operating plant contacting the low-voltage line.

If contact is permitted the safety observer must prevent damage to the low-voltage line.

Safe systems of work may include:

• a safe approach distance between the low-voltage electric lines and operating plant, usually one metre or greater to prevent contact or damage to the line
• limit switches to prevent the operating plant from contacting the line
• positioning and design of the operating plant to prevent contact with the line.

A safety observer must be used if work with the operating plant involves contact with an energised, insulated low-voltage line as required by regulations.

Part 4.3 of the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near Exposed Live Parts (PDF File, 789.0 KB) provides more information on the role of safety observers for the authorisation zone.

What is an authorised person?

An authorised person is:

• a person with enough technical knowledge and experience to undertake work that involves contact with or being near to the energised electrical part
• someone who has also been authorised by their employer
• approved by the person in control of the electrical part or powerline concerned.

How do I become an authorised person?

The employer or self-employed person must first get approval from the person in control of the electrical part to do work that involves being near to the electrical part.

Before authorising the worker, the employer or self-employed person would need to ensure that the worker has enough technical skill and knowledge to perform the work.

In many instances, approval would need to be sought from an electrical entity. However, if it is a private electric line, the owner would need to approve the person to work near the line. For example, if the line is on a farm, the employer or self employed person would need to seek approval from the farm owner. Once the approval is gained from the person in control, the employer or self employed person will need to authorise the worker to do the work.

Some electrical entities require people to have certain training before they will allow them to do work near their electricity networks.

Your industry organisation or local electricity entity may provide you with information and advice on training providers. The Department of Justice and Attorney-General does not approve or endorse the training content of these providers.