AUTUmN/WiNTER 2010 ISSUE 20 (PDF) - Energy Safe Victoria

18www.energysafe.vic.gov.auPower companies joinESV to promote the“Always Look Up andLive” messagePower companies covering most ofVictoria’s regional areas, SP AusNet andPowercor, joined ESV recently promotingthe important safety message, “AlwaysLook Up and Live”.The campaigns involved television and radiocommercials, press advertisements in majorregional newspapers and the distribution ofmedia releases.The campaigns followed three recentelectrocutions involving contact betweenmachinery and overhead powerlines, includingthe very tragic deaths of a father and son whilemoving a windmill which contacted a powerlineat Rainbow in the state’s north-west.It is also the time of the year traditionally whenbulk loads of lime, fertilizer and other materialsare delivered across the state.Points made in the media releases:> > Truck drivers, farmers and others mustalways take care around overhead powerlinesbecause the consequences can be fatal;> > The message to be vigilant around overheadpowerlines is not being heard;> > With common sense and greater care,incidents of contact with powerlines canbe prevented;> > While trucks are getting bigger, powerlinesare staying at the same height;> > Powerlines move during high winds orperiods of high electricity demand; and,> > Victoria’s comprehensive ‘No Go Zone’ rulesand regulations must always be observed.In the media releases, Director of Energy Safety,Paul Fearon, said there was hardly a day thatpassed without an incident involving contactwith electrical equipment being reported toESV, particularly with overhead powerlines.“Fortunately, the vast majority of reportedincidents do not result in death or injury.However, in most cases this is due to goodluck rather than any conscious observationby people involved of the required safetyprecautions.”He said that everyone involved in the delivery ofmaterials to farms must exercise the appropriateduty of care.“Farmers and truck drivers must always ‘LookUp And Live’. But farmers have the addedresponsibility of ensuring that the drop off pointfor deliveries is located well clear of powerlines.Similarly if truck drivers have concerns theyshould refuse to make the deliveries.“If there is no alternative but to deliver materialsnear powerlines, then everybody involved hasto be fully aware of the precautions required.“Responsibility for safety must be extendedbeyond the farmyard. When taking orders,suppliers of farm materials should ascertainthe delivery point on the farm for the load,the proximity of powerlines and what safetyprecautions must be in place.”“Unfortunately, experience shows that everyone– particularly truck drivers, property ownersand farm workers – involved in the delivery oflime, fertiliser and other bulk material to farmsis at risk from electrocution when trucks touchpowerlines” Mr Fearon said.In a new initiative for 2010, a number of “LookUp And Live” billboard posters have beendisplayed at key sites in regional centresthroughout Victoria. This campaign concludedat the end of May but could run again in 2011.Please note:“Look Up And Live” brochures, stickers andposters are available from ESV. The clearmessage from the brochure is: “Be Alert,Be Aware – Overhead Powerlines AreAlways There.”One of the stickers, which can be placed onthe inside of windscreens, also details the safeworking distances which must be observedbetween trucks, machinery and power poles.A safety DVD entitled “Look Up, LookDown – And Live” is available free ofcharge from ESV on 1800 800 158, 92039700 or info@esv.vic.gov.auWorking near powerlines?A safety message fromNCASP-334YRTA safety message fromComing in contact with powerlines can end in tragedyAlways be aware of overhead powerlines nearbywhen operating machinery and heavy vehiclesFor more information contact Energy Safe Victoriaon 1800 800 158 or visit www.esv.vic.gov.auWorking near powerlines?Look Upand LiveComing in contact with powerlines can end in tragedy.Always be aware of nearby power assets when operatingmachinery and heavy vehicles.For more information contact Energy Safe Victoriaon 1800 800 158 or visit www.esv.vic.gov.auRecent “Look Up, Look Down up – And Live” advertisementsLook Up And Live –important safety tipsPowercor, SP AusNet and ESV recommendthe following safety advice to truckdrivers, machinery operators, propertyowners and other workers when in thevicinity of overhead powerlines.> > Identify all areas where powerlines crossproperties;> > Obtain a copy of the ‘No Go Zone’ rules andregulations and study them closely – availableat www.esv.vic.gov.au;> > Identify all electrical hazards before startingwork. If in any doubt contact the localelectricity distributor;> > Monitor weather conditions. Powerlinescan move in high winds or on days of highelectricity demand;> > Be aware that powerlines can be difficult tosee at all times, particularly dawn and dusk;> > Remember that electricity can jump gaps;> > Remember that no work should be carriedout within the confines of powerlines, whetherit’s a last resort or not;> > Relocate bulk delivery storage sites to a safearea away from powerlines;> > Display ‘Look Up and Live’ stickers on anymachinery or equipment that is raised overhead;> > Obtain a free copy of the ‘Look Up, LookDown – And Live’ DVD from ESV on1800 800 152 or from info@esv.vic.gov.auPowerline warningFollowing the tragic death of a father andson when a windmill they were transportingon a tractor at Rainbow touched anoverhead powerline in March, ESVpublished a full page safety alert inThe Weekly Times.