A NSW Government website

Electricity Industry Safety Steering Committee Guidelines

Electricity Industry Safety Steering Committee Guidelines

Electrical Industry Safety Steering Committee Alerts

A full list of ISSC Safety Alerts are available on our website.

Constructing near overhead power lines

Representatives from NSW Network Operators, SafeWork NSW and the former Department of Water and Energy came together to prepare:

  • The Guide for Network Operators to Provide Information to the Construction Industry for Working Near Overhead Power Lines.

This Guide provides practical information that:

  • protects the health and safety of persons working near overhead electricity mains.
  • addresses the installation and use of cable covers when construction work is being carried out near overhead street mains.
  • relates to cranes and scaffolding on construction sites.

Please note: The Guide does not cover the use of cable covers on Communications Networks. Principal Contractors should contact Communications Network Operators regarding their respective minimum safety requirements.

Additional information

ISSC 32 has been endorsed by the Industry Safety Steering Committee (ISSC) for use by the electricity network operators to provide guidance on the provision of information to the construction industry on working near overhead powerlines.

Protecting underground energy assets

In NSW, network operators need to be members of the Before You Dig service. This free national service holds and provides information about the location and type of underground assets, including gas pipes and electricity cables.

Using Before You Dig is mandatory before carrying out certain types of excavation work. These requirements are set out in changes to the Electricity and Gas Supply Acts and Regulations. Fines and penalties may apply if people are found in breach of these rules.

For more information, click on the links below.

Visit the Before You Dig website to find out more or to access the service.

Crossings of NSW navigable waters

The Boaters' guide to electricity cable crossings of NSW navigable waters covers the installation and maintenance of overhead and submarine cables which cross navigable waters. These cables can be hazardous to vessels resulting in damage and serious injury.

If a vessel comes in contact with submarine cables, it can also damage the electricity infrastructure which could affect supply, the environment and create legal and financial liabilities.

NSW Maritime, as delegate of the Minister for Ports and Waterways, is responsible for the safe navigation of both recreational and commercial vessels in NSW (S.24, Ports and Maritime Administration Act 1995).

The Code promotes crossing safety. It has been developed in conjunction with NSW Maritime, the former Department of Water and Energy, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy, RailCorp and TransGrid.

Network operators are required to take the Code into account when they develop their Network Management Plans.

Read the Boaters' guide to electricity cable crossings of NSW navigable waters.