Safety around the network
Energex is committed to protecting our customers, the community and electrical workers from the dangers associated with electricity and our distribution network.
Electrical substations, powerlines and underground cables are all around us. Always check for underground cables before digging, even around your home. Take care of overhead wires when carrying, moving or operating tall metal objects and machinery, and never enter electricity substations.
Pick up a phone, never a fallen powerline
The danger of fallen powerlines is not just limited to storm season – they can happen at any time throughout the year and can be caused by things like strong winds and vehicles hitting poles or contacting overhead powerlines.
Remain aware of the dangers of fallen powerlines all year round. If you see a fallen powerline, stay well away, warn others of the danger and report it to Energex immediately by calling our emergency line on 13 19 62.
Look up and live
Contact with overhead powerlines can be deadly.
Countless electricity related deaths and accidents in Queensland could have been prevented had more care been taken around powerlines.
There are many occasions when you need to exercise caution around overhead powerlines.
More information on how to stay safe around electricity can be found on our look up and live page.
Dial before you dig
Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) is a national referral service providing information on underground asset locations.
The service is designed to protect Australia's vast pipe and cable networks from damage and disruption caused by excavation or construction.
Obtaining accurate information about your work site will minimise the risk of injury, personal liability and even death. More information can be found on the Dial before you dig page.
Substations
Substations are physical locations across the electricity network, which convert electrical power from high voltage levels to lower levels so that it can be distributed to homes and businesses.
They are secured in buildings, enclosures and security fences and are identified by Energex signage and danger signage.
Whenever you are near a substation always put safety first by obeying danger signs and keeping out of substations.
Contact Energex on 13 19 62 immediately if you notice:
- a substation door or gate is unsecured
- fence wire has been cut or trespassers are inside a substation
- kites, sporting equipment or other toys enter a substation
Never enter a substation to retrieve lost items.
Boating safety
Boat operators should ensure they are always aware of powerlines and cables crossing rivers and estuaries while on the water and at boat ramps. Always remember to:
- Look for signs which make the location of underwater cables before dropping anchor.
- Remain vigilant for overhead powerlines if your boat has a mast.
- Lower your mast at the boat ramp before heading home.
You can download our Boating and electrical safety fact sheet (PDF 162.5 kb) or call 13 12 53 to obtain a hardcopy.
Trees and powerlines
Visit our Trees and Powerlines page to see how we maintain the trees and vegetation around powerlines to deliver a safe and reliable electricity supply to your home.
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF)
Electric and magnetic fields in and around the home can be produced by anything with electric current flowing through it, including nearby powerlines, your home wiring system or electrical appliances in use in the home.
For more information, visit the electric and magnetic fields page.
Property Poles
A property pole is a pole within your property's boundary that supports the overhead powerlines to your home or other buildings on your property. For safety reasons and to help ensure reliability of electricity supply, it is important to regularly check and maintain property poles, For more information, visit the property poles page.
Contact us
Phone:
13 12 53
Disclaimer
This is not an exhaustive list of all safety matters that need to be considered. Whilst care is taken in the preparation of this material, Energex does not guarantee, to the extend permitted by law, the accuracy and completeness of information.
To the extend permitted by law, Energex will not be responsible for any loss, damage or costs incurred as a result of any errors omissions or misrepresentations in relation to the material in this document or for any possible actions ensuing from information contained above.
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