Safe Work Near Powerlines (Non-Electrical Workers)

Powerlines don’t have to be touched to kill. Every year in Australia, workers are seriously injured — or worse — simply because plant, tools or people moved too close to live electrical infrastructure. Whether you’re operating machinery, spotting for others, climbing, excavating or even unloading on-site, knowing how to identify electrical hazards and maintain safe distances can be the difference between life and death.

This course is designed to give you the confidence and knowledge to work safely around powerlines as a non-electrical worker. You’ll learn how electricity behaves, how to recognise danger zones, how to use Spotters and permits correctly, and exactly what to do in an emergency — including how to survive if machinery makes contact with live wires.

Through real-world scenarios and practical training, you’ll walk away knowing how to protect yourself, your team and the public while staying compliant with WHS laws and workplace requirements.

Accredited Unit of Competency
On successful completion, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the following nationally recognised unit:

• UETDREL006 Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker

 
Prerequisites

• Nil

 
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What You’ll Learn

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify electrical infrastructure and associated voltages
• Understand electrical hazards such as electrocution, arcing, step and touch potential
• Determine and maintain Safe Approach Distances (SAD) for people, tools, plant and equipment
• Apply risk assessment processes and follow permits, SWMS and workplace procedures
• Work effectively with Safety Observers/Spotters and understand their responsibilities
• Select and correctly use PPE and safety equipment for powerline work environments
• Respond to incidents involving electricity, including emergency procedures and shutdown protocols
• Report hazards, incidents and near-misses using workplace documentation

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for non-electrical workers who carry out tasks near powerlines or services, including:

• Plant and machinery operators (excavators, cranes, EWPs, trucks)
• Construction, civil, road and rail workers
• Tree workers, landscapers, council staff and maintenance crews
• Safety Observers / Spotters working near electrical hazards
• Supervisors, site managers, contractors and apprentices who need electrical awareness

 
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How the Training Works

Training Delivery

• Delivered in person by a qualified trainer at one of Maxwell Training’s purpose-built simulators or an approved training facility
• The total course duration includes practical activities and assessments
• Learners will take part in demonstrations, group discussions, and realistic  simulated work scenarios

Practical Activities

• Identifying electrical assets and voltage types (LV and HV)
• Assessing Safe Approach Distances for people, vehicles and plant
• Completing workplace documentation such as risk assessments, PPE inspections, incident report forms and demonstrating your understanding of permits
• Working with Spotters and using agreed communication methods (hand signals, radios)
• Simulated emergency responses including contact with powerlines

Assessment

• Knowledge assessment (multiple choice and short answer)
• Completion of a Portfolio of Evidence including workplace documents such as PPE inspection checklist, risk assessments, permits, incident reporting documents
• Practical demonstration of safe work techniques near live electrical apparatus

 
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Entry Requirements

To fully participate and stay safe during practical activities, you must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements

• Proof of identity must be supplied and verified on the day of training
• Minimum age of 14 years
• Students under 18 years must provide parental consent (unless linked to an employer)
• You need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) — apply free at www.usi.gov.au

 
Language, Literacy, Numeracy & Digital (LLND)

• Read and complete knowledge questions (basic Year 10 level literacy)
• Read and interpret permits, SWMS, risk assessments, permits and electrical safety signage
• Complete written assessments, risk forms, PPE checklists and incident reports
• Communicate clearly with Safety Observers, plant operators and supervisors
• Use a digital device (tablet, smartphone, or laptop) for assessments

 
Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, observe, and maintain exclusion zones for periods of time
• Able to wear PPE such as hi-vis, hard hat, gloves and safety footwear
• Capable of working around mobile plant, uneven terrain and outdoor environments

Got Any Questions?

If you’d like to know more about this course, entry requirements, or booking options — or if you feel that you may need support in class — our team is here to help!

Call us on 1300 MAXWEL or email [email protected] and we’ll make sure you have all the information you need.