Where low voltage electrical wires or The following installation conditions apply: equipment pass through a scaffold they should gaps between fitted sheets of plywood do be: not exceed 3 mm de-energised for the duration of the work, no exposed cut or drilled in the sheets or of plywood fully enclosed to meet the Electricity the scaffolder uses non-conductive means Supply Authority’s requirements (see to attach the plywood to the scaffold and Figures 2 ensures the arrangement can withstand and 3) using a non-conductive material the wind load, and e.g. moisture resistant flooring grade particleboard, dry timber, dry plywood signs should be attached to the safe side or similar material or plastic piping of the hoarding warning of the electrical approved by the Electricity Supply hazard and that the hoarding must not be Authority. removed. Figure 2 Enclosure on internal side of the scaffold Ensure a competent person visually inspects the hoarding and the enclosure daily to ensure they are in a satisfactory condition and remain Figure 3 Fully enclosed energised low voltage impenetrable. electric lines passing through a scaffold Figure 4 Scaffolding with hoarding Erected scaffolding using a hoarding and enclosure for reduced safety clearances Safe work method statements (SWMS) A hoarding is containment sheeting fixed to the A SWMS is required for energised electrical external face of a scaffold to form a physical work and high risk construction work carried barrier between workers and overhead electric out on or near energised electrical installations lines and associated electrical equipment. or services. A written SWMS should be on a risk assessment. The SWMS and risk Figure 4 shows the horizontal safety distances assessment should be available to workers on (A) and vertical mechanical clearances (B) site for the duration of the work. from electrical conductors required by Electricity Supply Authorities. Information and examples of what can go wrong when approach distances are not You should check the clearance distances maintained are in . before erecting any scaffolding near overhead electric lines. An electrical engineer can For further information see the website provide the safety clearance distances used to (www.swa.gov.au). design the scaffolding and control the risks. Clearance distances must be maintained.
Where low voltage electrical wires or equipment pass through a scaffold they should be: de-energised for the duration of the work, or fully enclosed to meet the Electricity Supply Authority’s requirements (see Figures 2 and 3) using a non-conductive material e.g. moisture resistant flooring grade particleboard, dry timber, dry plywood or similar material or plastic piping approved by the Electricity Supply Authority. Figure 2 Enclosure on internal side of the scaffold Figure 3 Fully enclosed energised low voltage electric lines passing through a scaffold Erected scaffolding using a hoarding and enclosure for reduced safety clearances A hoarding is containment sheeting fixed to the external face of a scaffold to form a physical barrier between workers and overhead electric lines and associated electrical equipment. Figure 4 shows the horizontal safety distances (A) and vertical mechanical clearances (B) from electrical conductors required by Electricity Supply Authorities. You should check the clearance distances before erecting any scaffolding near overhead electric lines. An electrical engineer can provide the safety clearance distances used to design the scaffolding and control the risks. Clearance distances must be maintained. The following installation conditions apply: gaps between fitted sheets of plywood do not exceed 3 mm no exposed cut or drilled in the sheets of plywood the scaffolder uses non-conductive means to attach the plywood to the scaffold and ensures the arrangement can withstand the wind load, and signs should be attached to the safe side of the hoarding warning of the electrical hazard and that the hoarding must not be removed. Ensure a competent person visually inspects the hoarding and the enclosure daily to ensure they are in a satisfactory condition and remain impenetrable. Figure 4 Scaffolding with hoarding Safe work method statements (SWMS) A SWMS is required for energised electrical work and high risk construction work carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services. A written SWMS should be on a risk assessment. The SWMS and risk assessment should be available to workers on site for the duration of the work. Information and examples of what can go wrong when approach distances are not maintained are in . For further information see the website (www.swa.gov.au).
scaffolding-near-ohel-information-sheet.docx