Safety at work
Working around our network
Recognising the dangers of electricity and staying alert, could save your life.
Always look up and live when your work takes you near overhead powerlines and avoid hitting underground power cables by checking with Dial Before You Dig or call them on 1100.
Electric shocks and tingles
Call our emergency line on 13 19 62 if someone experiences a tingle from an electricity source.
Call Triple Zero (000) if someone suffers an electric shock. The operator will report it to ENERGEX.
If a shock or tingle occurs, do not touch electrical equipment, appliances or metal fixtures.
An ENERGEX representative will attend as a priority.
Responsibilities of business owners
As a business owner you have obligations under the Electrical Safety Act (2002) and Electrical Safety Regulation (2002).
They set specific requirements about electrical equipment and installations to ensure safe use of electricity in the workplace.
The legislation outlines what you must do as a minimum, including:
- Inspecting, testing and tagging electrical equipment and extension cords on a regular basis
- Using safety switches in certain situations
- Removing defective equipment from service
- Removing safety switches from service if they are defective
- Only using power boards which incorporate a safety switch or overload protection device
- Having a licensed electrical contractor to install extra electricity outlets if necessary
- Protecting extension leads and flexible cables from damage, e.g., using a flexible cover to provide protection against crushing or other damage in pedestrian and vehicle traffic areas
Talk to your licensed electrical contractor or ENERGEX to ensure the safe use of electricity in your workplace.
Surges and spikes
Electricity surges and spikes occur when there is a sudden increase in voltage in the electricity network.
Surges and spikes can occur from any number of causes including lightning strikes, accidents or in some cases simply switching the on/off button on an appliance.
Whether at home or at work surges and spikes have the potential to damage or destroy appliances or even cause fires.
Protecting yourself
If you notice dim or flickering lights ring 13 19 62 and never touch your switchboard, meter box, appliances or metal fixtures.
Protecting your equipment and appliances
The following types of surge protectors are available:
- Portable - a portable surge protector, such as
a surge protection power board, plugs into a power point and provides protection for those appliances connected to it. -
Power point - power point surge protectors replace a conventional power point to provide specific protection for key areas in your home or business.
They must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor. - Main switchboard - a surge protector can be installed at your main switchboard by a licensed electrical contractor.
Tip: In the event of a severe storm, turn off and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment.
Private property poles
For more information on property poles and the responsibility of home or property owners, go to our Property Poles page.
More information
- Look up and live - working near powerlines (major construction) (PDF 1000.4 kb)
- Look up and live - working near powerlines (tradespeople) (PDF 342.6 kb)
- Dial before you dig - working near power cables (PDF 1.6 mb)
- A guide to working near the Energex network (PDF 1.9 mb)
- Highload escorts - 1043: Notification to Transport by Road Under Electricity Authority Lines (PDF 31.6 kb)
- Highload escorts - 2129: Application for 12 Month Approval to Transport High Loads (PDF 28.6 kb)
- Highload escorts - 2133: High Load Escorts Summary (includes copy of 1043) (PDF 122.1 kb)
For further safety information, please consult our Community Safety Plan and Health and Safety Policy or download the brochures below.
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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