as/nz wiring rules 3000:2007 (PDF) - Energy Safe Victoria

8www.energysafe.vic.gov.aunew campaignwarns of thedangers ofoverheadpowerlinesAn extensive public awareness campaign will be conducted byESV across regional Victoria during March warning of the needto “Look Up And Live” when in proximity to overhead powerlines.The campaign is being supported by electricity distributioncompanies, SP AusNet and Powercor.There was a similar campaign in 2007 to coincide with the start of themain season for deliveries of bulk supplies of fertiliser, lime and othermaterials to farms. It followed the three deaths which resulted fromvehicles touching powerlines on rural properties in 2006.Centrepiece of the campaign will be the television commercial producedby ESV in late 2006 and shown for the first time in early 2007 whichdirectly targets truck drivers and farmers. A corresponding radio versionwill be aired across regional stations.“Look Up And Live” brochures, stickers and posters are continually beingdistributed throughout the State to maintain awareness of the dangerswhen working near powerlines.The overriding message of the brochure is: “Be Alert, Be Aware –Overhead Powerlines Are Always There.” One of the stickers, which canbe placed on the inside of windscreens, details the safe working distanceswhich must be observed between trucks, machinery and power poles.A scene from ESV’s “Look Up And Live”television commercialSupplies of stickers and brochures are available from ESV bytelephoning 9203 9700 or 1800 800 158. Alternatively send anemail to info@esv.vic.gov.auDirector of Energy Safety, Ken Gardner, told energysafe that everyoneinvolved in the delivery of materials to farms must exercise the appropriateduty of care.“Farmers and truck drivers need to always ‘Look Up And Live’. Butfarmers have the added responsibility of ensuring that the drop off pointfor deliveries is located well clear of powerlines. Similarly if truck drivershave concerns they should refuse to make the deliveries.”“If as a very last resort there is no alternative but to deliver materialsnear powerlines, then everybody involved has to be fully aware of theprecautions required.“Responsibility for safety must be extended beyond the farm yard.Suppliers of farm materials should ascertain when orders are taken thelocation of the delivery point, the proximity of powerlines and what safetyprecautions are in place should there be powerlines in the vicinity.“Unfortunately, experience shows that everyone – particularly truckdrivers, property owners and farm workers - involved in the delivery oflime, fertiliser and other bulk material to farms is at risk from electrocutionbecause of trucks touching powerlines,” said Ken.