Permitted and prohibited activities

Regulations

Anyone present or undertaking activities, such as operating vehicles or machinery under or around overhead electricity lines, must follow applicable safety legislation, including the Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019.

The information on our website can help you comply with these safety requirements and you can also contact us for advice by email lmg@ausnetservices.com.au or call 1300 360 795.

If you’re planning any construction, major works or use of large machinery near transmission lines, please contact us first. You may need our written permission. For more information, see Safety assessments and permits to work.

The applicable terms of any easement covering the property must also be observed.

 

Safety clearances

If you live or work near transmission towers and lines, it's important to know what activities are restricted on or near the easement for safety reasons.

Much of the transmission network in Victoria was built in the 1950s and 1960s and they were built to the design standard at the time, including minimum ground clearances. Our safety advice and operating height limits are based on these existing network constraints.

It’s important to maintain a safe distance at all times as electricity can arc from the line to vehicles, machinery or equipment even without direct contact.

 

Height limits for vehicles and equipment

Using equipment and vehicles around electricity transmission towers and lines can be dangerous if safety clearances and guidelines are not followed.

All transmission lines have safety clearances that must be observed. For more information about safety clearances, visit Energy Safe Victoria.

The maximum operating height limit for vehicles and machinery under existing transmission lines is three metres. You will need written permission from us to operate vehicles and machinery taller than three metres.

To help keep everyone safe:

• you can operate vehicles, transported loads, machinery and equipment in the transport or lowered position up to three metres without a permit from us;
• any vehicles, machinery or equipment taller than three metres in height (including booms or attachments) requires written permission from us, usually in the form of a permit to work. 

We will contact you in writing if we identify transmission lines or towers on your property require additional safety measures beyond these guidelines.

A Permit to Work is a form of written permission to conduct activities that may otherwise be restricted by Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019 administered by Energy Safe Victoria or exceed our general guidance. For more information, see Safety assessments and permits to work.

For information on the clearance requirements for proposed future transmission lines, please visit the WRL website.

Common permitted and prohibited activities within a transmission easement 

The list below describes common activities that are allowed within a transmission easement, and activities that are not allowed.

Always consider other relevant factors before starting or continuing any permitted activities, including the weather and ground conditions and always avoid contact with electricity lines, towers and other infrastructure, including any downed lines or wires. 

You must contact us before planning any form of construction or earth works within an electricity transmission easement.