Tasmanian tradies can now work closer to the low-voltage service lines that connect homes to the street, after new guidelines replaced a one-metre clearance rule with a “no contact” requirement.
Under the changes, workers can move closer to the lines as long as they do not touch them.
A Tiger Tail can be fitted to mark the line and guard against accidental contact. The high-visibility cover slips over the line, but it is a visual warning only and does not protect against electric shock.
The change applies only to the service line running from the street to a home, not to powerlines generally, where TasNetworks’ standard 1-3-10 safe distances still apply.
The reform follows months of work between industry, TasNetworks, CBOS and WorkSafe Tasmania.
Tas City Building principal director Steven Simeoni, who sat on the working group, said the old rule often made jobs harder.
He said tradespeople had been forced to reach across scaffolding set well back from buildings, creating awkward and potentially unsafe conditions.
“It’s going to be a lot cheaper now and it’s going to be easier and safer for everyone involved,” Simeoni said.
He estimated the change could cut scaffolding and associated costs by about 50%.
Simeoni said he had left one of his own buildings in town untouched because its proximity to powerlines made the work too difficult.
He rejected suggestions the relaxed rules would put workers at risk.
“On the contrary, it’s only going to assist tradespeople from painters, roofers, builders, scaffolders,” he said.
TasNetworks acting chief executive Renee Anderson said the industry was complex and often bound by complicated rules aimed at keeping workers safe.
She said working with local partners showed those rules could be simplified without cutting corners.
“We can actually have a better outcome often, from both a work and a safety perspective,” Anderson said.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said the reforms had placed safety front of mind.
“It removes red tape at a time when housing supply and affordability has never been more important,” he said.
“This will speed up things like construction, building maintenance, painting, roof and guttering work and scaffolding.”
