We want to help make sure tradies and contractors working on or near our electricity network – and our employees, customers and the wider community – are safe around electricity.
On this page:
- Important info to help you stay safe when working near the electricity network
- Useful links to relevant safety information on our website
- 'Safe is a 4 metre word' video
- Resource kit for trades/businesses in Otago
Four metres is the minimum safe distance when working near power lines, pole-mounted equipment and underground cables.
Electricity can ‘jump’ so you or your gear don’t even need to touch the line to risk a harmful electric shock, or worse. Getting too close to our equipment is dangerous and can also cause power cuts and project delays. It’s a safety thing, and it’s also the law.
If you need to work closer than 4 metres, apply for a close approach consent. As your local lines company, we’re here to help. Let’s keep you and your crew safe.
Be switched on to safety
- Stay at least 4 metres from power lines and other electrical assets
- Apply for a close approach consent
Useful links
Watch this video to find out why 'safe is a 4 metre word' for tradies
Tradie resource kit
We want businesses around Otago to share the resources we've created to help keep everyone safe around our network. Download our resources below, or if you'd like a printed set of posters sent out to you, please email us at [email protected]