No Go Zones
When working in the vicinity of overhead powerlines or underground electricity cables, it’s crucial to plan ahead to ensure you maintain a safe distance by avoiding the No Go Zones.
What is a No Go Zone?
A No Go Zone is a designated area where entry is prohibited due to potential hazards or safety concerns. They are there to protect people from severe injury or death when working around powerlines.
The No Go Zone rules describe the minimum distance requirements to maintain when working near electricity poles and wires or underground cables.
No Go Zones for powerlines and underground cables
No Go Zones for powerlines and underground cables
Who needs to get a No-Go Zone assessment?
Anyone starting work near overhead or underground powerlines needs to be aware of and comply with No Go Zone rules and may potentially require an assessment and permit before work can begin, this includes businesses, contractors and individuals.
If a permit to work is granted, you will be responsible for ensuring a copy of this permit is always on site in either digital or hard copy form. You'll also be responsible for ensuring that all members of your crew are briefed on the conditions of the permit to work. It is important to note that during the course of your works, should conditions change you must notify United Energy.
In Victoria, No Go Zone rules are enforced by Energy Safe Victoria, and working within these zones without an assessment could lead to serious risks and penalties.
Why do you need a No- Go Zone assessment?
A Powerline Safety Assessment is essential to ensure the safety of workers, equipment, and the public when operating near overhead or underground powerlines. Here’s why it’s necessary:
- Prevent electrical hazards – avoid accidental contact with live powerlines, reducing the risk of electrocution, fires, or equipment damage.
- Construction & heavy equipment safety – required when using cranes, scaffolding, or other tall machinery near powerlines.
- Agriculture – helps farmers safely operate tall machinery in fields or wooded areas.
- Transport & logistics – ensures clearance for tall vehicles, boats, and freight passing under powerlines.
- Regulatory Compliance – meets local safety regulations to prevent fines or project delays.
- Risk mitigation & planning – helps identify hazards before work begins, ensuring safer project execution.
Before starting work on-site use the Look up and Live and Before you Dig apps to check for overhead and underground powerlines.
How do I apply for a No Go Zone assessment?
Plan ahead for safety and confirm if you need a No Go Zone assessment to avoid project delays and last-minute hold ups.
Step 1: submit application
Submit your No Go Zone application via myEnergy. Make sure your preferred date for inspection is minimum of 7 business days from the date your application is submitted. Please note that this is a preferred date date only and not confirmed until we contact you.
Once your application is received, we'll review it call you to schedule a site visit within 7 business days.
Step 2: site visit
The site visit will be conducted within 10 business days of the above mentioned phone call.
Step 3: receive No Go Zone Assessment
You'll receive the No Go Zone Assessment within 2 business days of our site visit.
Please note
If the assessment identifies that you require an isolation, shutdown, installation of visual warning devices or construction, this will take 4-6 weeks.
These timeframes are subject to application volumes and site locations.
Apply for a No Go Zone Assessment
You'll be directed to the myEnergy portal where you can log in / register to apply for an assessment.
Vegetation No Go Zone
The Vegetation No Go Zone defines the minimum distance to maintain when working near electricity poles. Any tree trimming needed within the Vegetation No Go Zone, including on private property, can only be completed by CitiPower and Powercor or trained professionals authorised by them. It is illegal and dangerous for any other person to complete works within the No Go Zone. Only authorised people can work in the No Go Zone. This includes when trimming vegetation near powerlines.
Documents and resources
No Go Zones factsheet
Minimum safety requirements that are dependent on the distance between overhead powerlines and the work being performed.
No Go Zones for overhead electrical power lines brochure
If the worksite is near overhead electrical power lines, before any work commences, you must follow the relevant No Go Zone safety procedures
No Go Zone scaffolds power lines brochure
If the worksite is near overhead electrical power lines, before erecting scaffolding, you must follow the relevant No Go Zone safety procedures.
No go zones for underground utility services
If the worksite contains underground services, before any work commences, you must follow the relevant No Go Zone safety procedures
Using earthmoving equipment near overhead electrical assets
The handbook provides guidance on managing the risks associated with working near overhead electrical cables.
Using powered mobile plant near overhead assets
This document sets out the No Go Zone rules and provides guidance on applying those rules when operating powered mobile plant near overhead electrical assets.
Powerlines and vegetation management brochure
What you need to know about powerline clearance; who is responsible; why it's important; the rules and Regulations that govern it; and processes in place to ensure safety can be balanced with amenity.