UTL/Electricity/TBT-UTL-013

Overhead Line Construction

Utilities & Network Infrastructure › Electricity › Overhead Line Construction

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Overhead line construction involves erecting poles or towers and stringing conductors for electricity or telecoms.
Working at height on poles and towers is the primary hazard — falls from wood poles are frequently fatal.
Conductors can be energised from backfeed, induction, or incorrect switching even during construction.
Pole erection using crane or derrick creates lifting hazards, especially near existing live lines.
Conductor stringing operations require tensioning equipment that stores significant energy in the wire.
Working near existing energised lines creates a risk of flashover even without direct contact.
Environmental conditions including wind, ice loading, and lightning affect overhead line safety.
Pole climbing using spikes or harness requires specific competence and regular fitness assessment.
Stay wires and anchors are under tension and can fail if corroded or disturbed during construction.
All overhead line work must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and ENA standards.

Electrocution	Contact with energised conductors or flashover from nearby live lines causes instant fatal electrocution.
Falls from height	Falls from poles and towers are a leading cause of death among overhead line workers.
Stored energy	Conductor tensioning equipment and stay wires store large amounts of energy that can release violently.

Don't

Confirm isolation and permits are in place before approaching any overhead line
Use a full body harness with fall arrest when climbing poles or working on towers
Maintain safe clearance distances from existing energised conductors at all times
Inspect pole climbing equipment including harness, spikes, and lanyards before use
Brief the team on the switching schedule and which conductors are dead or live
Use insulated tools and approved working methods near potential energy sources
Monitor weather conditions and cease work during lightning or high winds
Check stay wire and anchor condition before tensioning or adjusting conductors
Ensure ground crew maintain exclusion zones during pole erection and stringing
Report any conductor contact, flashover, or near miss immediately

DON'T assume any conductor is dead until it has been proven dead and earthed
DON'T climb poles without a harness, fall arrest, and confirmed pole condition
DON'T work on overhead lines during thunderstorms or when lightning is nearby
DON'T stand in the line of tensioning equipment or stretched conductors during stringing
DON'T approach existing energised lines closer than the safe clearance distance
DON'T erect poles or towers near live lines without a detailed proximity plan
DON'T use damaged climbing spikes, harnesses, or lanyards — reject and replace them
DON'T cut or release stay wires under tension without controlled de-tensioning
DON'T allow cranes or plant to operate near live overhead lines without a crossing agreement
DON'T climb rotten, damaged, or leaning poles — report them for replacement

See also: Overhead Power Lines | HV Cable Installation Safety

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