The New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice and what you need to know.

The New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34:2001) sets minimum safe electrical distance requirements for overhead electric line installations and other works associated with the supply of electricity to end users. 

NZECP 34 includes the following sections relevant to the general public:

Section 2 -  Minimum safe distances for excavation and construction near overhead electric line  supports.  Note: this includes excavating, fencing and construction)
 
Section 3 - Safe distance requirements between conductors and buildings (and other structures).  Note: this includes minimum distances from buildings and structures (including scaffolding) and engineering advice requirements.
 
Section 4 - Safe distances of the conductors from the ground and water.  Note: this includes safe distances in relation to the ground, water (including pools) materials stored under electric lines and clearances over railway tracks.
 
Section 5 - Safe distances for the operation of mobile plant near conductors.  Note: this specifies minimum approach distances, requirements for working above lines, consent requirements for reduced approach distances, requirements for competent employees.
 
Section 6 - Minimum safe distances between conductors of different circuits, telecommunication lines and stay wires.  Note; this covers conductors of different circuits on the same and different supports and telecommunication lines near conductors and staywires.
 
Section 7 - Design and installation requirements for supports and staywires of overhead electric lines, and control of access.
 
Section 9 - Minimum safe approach distance limits for persons working near exposed live parts.  Note: this covers minimum safe approach distances for both competent and non- competent persons working near exposed live parts.

The requirements of NZECP 34 apply equally to all sections of the community, inlcuding domestic, commercial and rural sectors. 

In Marlborough an additional and very specific need for vigilance arises during the wine vintage each year when harvest machinery and trucks enter vineyards to harvest the grapes.  During harvest, vineyards technically become worksites and NZECP 34 includes very specific requirements for the use of mobile plant on worksites.
 
In NZECP 34 Mobile Plant is defined as “cranes, elevating work platforms, tip trucks or similar plant, irrigation booms, any equipment fitted with a jib or boom and any device capable of being raised or lowered.”
 
Section 5 of NZECP34:2001 includes the following section:
 
5.2.1 The distance between any live overhead electric line and any part of any mobile plant or load carried shall be “AT LEAST 4.0 METRES” unless the operator has received written consent from the overhead electric line owner allowing a reduced distance.
 
In the Marlborough region, Marlborough Lines can issue a “Close Approach Authority” which will specify;

• the voltage of the overhead electric line and the minimum approach distance to be observed,
• any other special conditions to be observed,
• the section of line to which the consent applies. 

In instances where Marlborough Lines is satisfied as to the competence of the company and personnel involved, and the safety systems operating, a blanket consent can be given to cover multiple sites and electric lines for a specific period, such as over vintage or for a longer period.
 
In all cases the prior approval of Marlborough Lines is required and this will involve a site visit by Marlborough Lines Staff who will then issue the authority.
 
To initiate this process you should call Marlborough Lines (03) 5777007 and staff will take details and arrange for a site visit. This can also be arranged via email to info@linesmarl.co.nz
 
It is a further requirement of NZECP 34 that any mobile plant “likely to be used at any time in the proximity of overhead electric lines” is required to have a warning notice as near as practicable to the operators/drivers position stating “WARNING KEEP CLEAR OF POWER LINES”.  These stickers are available from Marlborough Lines.
 
One further area often overlooked is the safety requirements for the use of scaffolding around building projects and construction sites.  NZECP 34 includes in Section 3, safe distances for scaffolding (building structures), and in Section 9 requirements for workers erecting or working on scaffolding.  Unless authorised consent has been obtained from Marlborough Lines, workers (including any part being held) must be a minimum of 4 metres from all overhead conductors.