Safe distances for work near overhead lines

What does section 2 apply to?

Section 2 applies to any excavation or other earthworks within set distances of power poles or towers. This could be:

• Digging
• Cut and fill
• Grading
• Trenching
• Directional drilling

The distances of Section 2 apply regardless of land ownership (i.e. do apply on private property even if the pole is not physically on your property). 

Key distances for section 2

Excavation or other earthworks are restricted within:

• 5 meters of power poles
• 12 meters of towers

If your works need to take place within these distances, you will need to consider the following:

• Will my earthworks be deeper than 750 mm within 5 meters of a power pole?
• Will my earthworks be deeper than 300 mm within 2.2 meters of a power pole?
• Will my earthworks be deeper than 3 meters within 12 meters of a tower?
• Will my earthworks be deeper than 300mm within 6 meters of a tower?
  

Depending on the extent of your works, you may require additional approvals before a CAC can be issued.

Other important considerations

If your earthworks will involve the use of mobile plant (e.g. a digger), you may have a close approach consent requirement under NZECP 34 Section 5. Click here to check this requirement.

Depositing material under power lines is restricted under NZECP 34 Section 4. Do not deposit any materials under any power lines. Excavated materials deposited under the powerlines decrease the ground clearances and creates a safety risk.

Ensure all earthworks are completed in line with the WorkSafe Guidelines for Excavation Safety (https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/excavation/).

Visit www.beforeudig.co.nz to request plans at least two working days before you begin any earthworks. You will receive the free plans, via email, that indicate the approximate location of underground cables, pipes and fibre.

Requesting a close approach consent appointment

Before you request an appointment

Any Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) should have appropriate safety documentation for any works being carried out. It is expected that this safety documentation contains risks and controls relating to excavation works near power poles and towers. You should prepare these documents before arranging an appointment

Be prepared to provide information on the plan for the works, including start time and duration, and the size, depth and proximity of your works to the pole or tower.

How to request an appointment

What to expect at the appointment

You will need to ensure you have clear documentation for your planned works. The Vector Representative who attends the appointment will review the documentation before potentially issuing a close approach consent. If the documentation is not available on site, the Vector Representative may decline to issue a consent.

Close approach consents will be issued to the site supervisor or work team supervisor. It is expected that the site supervisor or work team supervisor ensures that the details of the issued consent are fully communicated, fully understood and accepted by everyone who works on the site to which the consent applies, including subcontractors and digger operators.