How close to power lines can you dig or operate an excavator? Understanding safe distances

When operating excavators and earthmoving machinery near power lines, maintaining safe distances is absolutely critical for preventing deadly accidents.

The most important rule to remember is the minimum approach distance (MAD) for excavation work near power lines. For standard overhead power lines, you must keep your machinery at least 4 metres away. This distance increases to 5 metres for power pole support stays, and extends to a full 12 metres when working near transmission towers.

But what about underground cables? For buried services like power cables, gas lines or telecommunications, you need to maintain at least 2 metres clearance when excavating. However, if you need to work closer than these distances, you must first obtain written permission from the utility owner.

Let me share a practical example: Imagine you’re excavating a trench for new stormwater pipes, and there’s an overhead power line crossing your work area. You’ll need to carefully plan your dig so your excavator boom can’t accidentally swing within that 4-metre safety zone around the power line. This might mean breaking the job into sections or using a smaller machine with less reach.

The consequences of getting too close can be catastrophic. Electricity can arc through the air and energise your machine, potentially causing serious injury or death to the operator and anyone nearby. That’s why it’s essential to have a spotter watching the excavator’s movements whenever working near power lines. Spotter training is available here.

Before starting any excavation work:

1. Get current underground service plans from utility owners
2. Have the services physically located and marked out
3. Use “pot holing” techniques to carefully expose and confirm service locations
4. Brief all workers on site about the locations of services and safe working distances
5. Consider having power lines de-energised if you can’t maintain safe distances

Remember – these distances are absolute minimums. Whenever possible, maintain even greater clearances for an extra margin of safety. And if you’re ever unsure about safe distances, stop work and consult with the relevant utility owner. They can provide specific guidance for working safely around their infrastructure.

The goal is for everyone to go home safely at the end of each day. Taking the time to understand and follow these clearance requirements helps ensure that happens.

View the excavator operator’s certificate here – it can help you improve your excavator skills, whether you’re a new operator or you’ve been behind the sticks for decades.