Induction from other sources
Preventing electric shock is a major part of discharging electrical safety obligations. Induced voltages from sources external to your work are a possibility when working near high voltage powerlines or radio frequency transmitters. This source of power is called induction and can create risks of electric shocks and arcing.
The amount of induced voltage varies due to a number of factors and can range from millivolts to hundreds of volts.
Voltages can be induced on nearby structures such as de-energized powerlines, buildings, railroads, pipelines, communication lines, conductive scaffolds/work platforms, and metal fencing.
Electricity entities (including their contractors) and employers or self-employed people engaged to work near existing energised high voltage power lines must ensure they have implemented a safe system of work. This safe system of work must include control measures to manage risks in relation to voltage induction. If these risks cannot be managed then the work must not proceed.
As part of a safe system of work, risk treatment options could include but are not limited to:
- contacting the electricity entity for safety advice if your work is near high voltage powerlines
- using non-conductive work platforms
- bonding of metal structures and/or conductive work platforms
- application of working earths to de-energised conductors.
Refer to the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Electrical Work for more details.