Horizon PoweR Vegetation management Manual · with Horizon Power’s electricity supply network. Horizon Power; 1. Is accountable for self-sown vegetation on land where a power line

HORIZON POWER

Document Title: Vegetation Management Issue Date: Document Number CS# 2369295 © Horizon Power Uncontrolled when Printed

HORIZON POWER VEGETATION

MANAGEMENT MANUAL

Horizon Power 3rd Edition March 2018

Prepared by Field Practices Safety and Health Corporate Services and Company Secretary

HORIZON POWER


DOCUMENT CONTROL

Document Owner (May also be the Process Owner)

Name: Mark Van Vuuren

Position: Field Practices Coordinator

Date: May 2014

Approved By * Name: Mark Van Vuuren

Position: Field Practices Coordinator

Date: May 2014

Authorisation **

Process Owner is hereby vested with authority and

responsibility to manage the process end to end.

Name: Lance Roberts

Position: Manager Safety and Health

Date: May 2014

Date Created/Last Updated May 2014

Review Frequency *** Every 3 years

Next Review Date *** May 2021

* Must be the Process Owner and is the person assigned authority and responsibility for managing the whole process, end-to-end, which may extend across more than one division and/or functions, in order to deliver agreed business results.

** This person will have the power to grant the process owner the authority and responsibility to manage the process from end to end.

*** Frequency period is dependent upon circumstances– maximum is 5 years from last issue, review, or revision whichever is the latest. If left blank, the default will be 1 year unless otherwise specified.

STAKEHOLDERS The following positions must be consulted if an update or

review is required:

NOTIFICATION LIST The following positions must be notified of any authorised

change:

Regional Business Managers Regional Asset Managers

Land, Environmentall, Native Title & Heritage Work Delivery Coordinators

Safety & Heath Horizon Power External Website

Retail and Community Managers

HORIZON POWER


Important Notice to Users

This Manual has been developed for use by Horizon Power workers engaged in Vegetation Management activities near Horizon Powers electrical assets and networks. It is issued on the condition that it will only be used whilst undertaking Vegetation Management activities near Horizon Power electrical assets and networks.

This Manual is not intended for, and should not in any way be relied upon, as a substitute for appropriate training. Vegetation Management work must only be performed by persons who are appropriately trained and authorised in accordance with standards prescribed by Horizon Power.

Copyright 2018

Copyright is owned by Horizon Power.

Horizon Power (ACN 57 955 011 697).

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, taping or information retrieval system) without the written permission of the copyright owner.

HORIZON POWER


PREFACE Fires or electrical hazards and accidents can occur if vegetation is not controlled or cleared around overhead power lines, resulting in serious risks to people and property and significant costs to the community.

This Vegetation Management Manual has been developed by the Field Practices Group to provide the minimum standard for Vegetation Management in the proximity of Horizon Powers overhead network electrical assets.

This Manual will assist Horizon Power workers involved in managing the risks associated with vegetation management. It has been written to support Horizon Power’s overall safety and health framework and the relevant national and state Legislation, Regulations, and Codes of Practice, as well as Horizon Power’s Organisational Policies, Practices and Procedures.

HORIZON POWER SECTION 1

Page 1-1


1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1-4

2 LEGAL POSITION – ACT AND REGULATIONS ................................................ 2-5

2.1 Liability ........................................................................................................................ 2-5 2.2 Horizon Power’s Legal Rights ...................................................................................... 2-5 2.3 Naturally Occurring Trees in a Property Adjacent to the Power Line in the Road Reserve 2-6 2.4 Penalties and Liabilities ............................................................................................... 2-7 2.5 Notification of Property Owners ................................................................................... 2-7

3 COMPETENCY AND AUTHORISATION ............................................................. 3-1

3.1 Training........................................................................................................................ 3-1 3.2 Competency ................................................................................................................ 3-1 3.3 Authorisation ................................................................................................................ 3-1 3.4 Refresher Training ....................................................................................................... 3-1

4 VEGETATION CLEARANCES ............................................................................ 4-2

4.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 4-2 4.1.1 Ordinary & Ground Worker Persons ............................................................................ 4-2 4.1.2 Authorised and Instructed Vegetation Management Workers ....................................... 4-2 4.1.3 Mobile Plant and Equipment ........................................................................................ 4-4 4.1.4 Uninsulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment .......................................................... 4-5 4.1.5 Uninsulated Mobile Plant using Insulated Tools and Equipment .................................. 4-6 4.1.6 Insulated Mobile Plant, Insulated Tools and Equipment ............................................... 4-7 4.1.7 Special Insulated Ground Operated Plant .................................................................... 4-8 4.1.8 Safety Observer Role ................................................................................................... 4-8 4.1.9 Horizontal and Vertical Clearance ................................................................................ 4-9 4.1.10 Vegetation Clearance above Power Lines.............................................................. 4-13 4.2 Overhanging Branches, Overgrowth .......................................................................... 4-13 4.3 Planting Near Power Lines ........................................................................................ 4-14 4.4 Plantations ................................................................................................................. 4-15 4.5 Planting Guides ......................................................................................................... 4-15 4.6 Underground Cables .................................................................................................. 4-15 4.7 URD (Underground Residential Distribution) ................................................................ 4-1 4.8 Fully Insulated Electrical Networks ............................................................................... 4-1

5 NATURAL AND CULTIVATED VEGETATION DEFINED ................................... 5-1

5.1 Natural Vegetation ....................................................................................................... 5-1 5.2 Cultivated Vegetation ................................................................................................... 5-1

6 NATURAL VERSUS CULTIVATED VEGETATION: RESPONSIBILITIES ........ 6-1

6.1 Distribution Power Lines Responsibility Model (33,000 volts and less) ........................ 6-1 6.2 Responsibility .............................................................................................................. 6-2

7 SAFETY ............................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Horizon Power’s Safety Responsibilities ...................................................................... 7-1 7.2 Land Owner / Occupier’s Safety Responsibilities ......................................................... 7-1 7.3 Vegetation Management Worker’s Safety Responsibilities .......................................... 7-2


Page 1-2


8 PATROLLING OF VEGETATION ........................................................................ 8-1

9 CLEARING METHODS AND CONTROLS .......................................................... 9-2

9.1 Clearing Policy ............................................................................................................ 9-2 9.1.1 Pruning ........................................................................................................................ 9-3 9.1.2 Clearing ....................................................................................................................... 9-3 9.1.3 Follow-up Maintenance ............................................................................................... 9-3 9.1.4 Pole Base Clearing ...................................................................................................... 9-4 9.1.5 Requirement ................................................................................................................ 9-4 9.2 FESA Fire Seasons for Rural WA ................................................................................ 9-4 9.2.1 Maintenance Frequency per Area ............................................................................... 9-5 9.3 Clearing methods ........................................................................................................ 9-6 9.4 Vegetation control using Herbicide .............................................................................. 9-6 9.5 Residual Plants Removal by Mechanical methods ...................................................... 9-6 9.6 New Power Lines ........................................................................................................ 9-7 9.7 Emergency .................................................................................................................. 9-7

10 DISPOSAL OF TREES, BRANCHES AND CUTTINGS ................................. 10-1

10.1 Recommended Disposal Methods of Trees, Branches and Cuttings ......................... 10-1 10.2 Preferred Methods ..................................................................................................... 10-1 10.3 Least Preferred Methods ........................................................................................... 10-1 10.4 Tipping ...................................................................................................................... 10-2

11 CORRESPONDENCE, COMMUNICATION AND NOTIFICATION ................ 11-2

11.1 Trees that are the Occupiers Responsibility .............................................................. 11-2

12 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS ....................................................................... 12-3

12.1 Environmental Checklist Prior to Starting Work ......................................................... 12-3 12.2 Roadside Vegetation in Rural Areas .......................................................................... 12-3 12.3 Special Environmental Areas ..................................................................................... 12-4 12.4 Environmentally Sensitive Area ................................................................................. 12-4 12.5 Heritage Sites ............................................................................................................ 12-5 12.6 Register of Significant Trees...................................................................................... 12-6 12.7 Water Catchment Areas ............................................................................................ 12-6 12.8 Threatened Species .................................................................................................. 12-6 12.9 Pollution Control ........................................................................................................ 12-6 12.10 Fire Precautions .................................................................................................... 12-7

13 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORK NEAR POWER LINES .................... 13-1

13.1 Untrained Personnel .................................................................................................. 13-1 13.2 Trained Personnel ..................................................................................................... 13-1

14 PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF AN INCIDENT ....................................... 14-1

14.1 General ..................................................................................................................... 14-1 14.2 Reporting of Incidents................................................................................................ 14-1 14.3 Interference with the Accident Site ............................................................................ 14-1

15 ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS ..................................................................... 15-2


Page 1-3


16 REFERENCES ................................................................................................16-1

List of Figures

Figure 4.1 – Typical URD Universal and Mini Pillars Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 4.2 ABC Trailer and Drum 4-2

List of Tables

Table 3.1 Minimum Clearances from Power Lines 4-13

Table 3.2 Minimum Distances between Tree and Conductor 4-14

Table 6.1 – Responsibility Model 6-1

Table 8.1 Vegetation Patrolling Period 8-1

Table 17.1 – Incident Contact details 14-1


Page 1-4


1 INTRODUCTION

Vegetation is a valuable part of the Western Australian environment; it provides shelter, shade, food, and homes for wildlife, prevents erosion, provides a barrier against strong winds, stabilises the water table and enhance the landscape. For these reasons and others, vegetation should be retained wherever possible.

Vegetation and electricity are part of our everyday life, and this manual outlines the policies and procedures for the both to coexist safely without disruption to the electricity supply system.

This manual does not detail all the necessary requirements to carry out vegetation management activities and should be used in conjunction with other work instructions, procedures and operational manuals to provide a structured safe system of work.

Where pruning is to be carried out, current arboriculture standards will be used and damage to surrounding vegetation minimised to protect the environment from falling branches.

The Field Practices group will monitor the use and impact of this manual on an ongoing basis. The manual will be reviewed (every 3 years) and its content may be amended, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, as deemed necessary.


Page 2-5


2 LEGAL POSITION – ACT AND REGULATIONS

2.1 Liability

Although Horizon Power has responsibility for inspecting power lines for their operational safety, land owners and occupiers have certain legal responsibilities to keep vegetation on their land clear of power lines.

The land occupiers are in the best position to observe the clearance of vegetation from power lines (Horizon Power or private) as it grows and moves in windy conditions and have the vegetation cleared from the power line prior to it becoming a safety hazard.

2.2 Horizon Power’s Legal Rights

Under Section 54 of the Energy Operators (Powers) Act 1979, it is the land occupier’s duty to fell, lop or remove as much vegetation as is necessary to prevent it from interfering with Horizon Power’s electricity supply network.

Horizon Power;

1. Is accountable for self-sown vegetation on land where a power line exists (Responsibility Model is shown in Section 6).

2. Must give the occupier 60 days’ notice (refer to Section 11 for full details) before entering private land to manage vegetation unless the situation demands immediate attention to safeguard life and property and where the occupier has a responsibility to keep their vegetation clear of power lines.

3. Undertake a second inspection after 45 Days’ notice has expired and if the occupier has not adequately cleared vegetation from a power line on their property, issue an Urgent Notice with a further 15 days to clear the vegetation.

4. Enforce the right to enter the property, if necessary to carry out necessary vegetation clearance work if the required power line vegetation clearances are not achieved within the above timeframe.

5. If the vegetation is Naturally Occurring then, if circumstances permit, sufficient vegetation clearances should be achieved to allow for a three-year return cycle for vegetation management or the tree removed.

If the vegetation is cultivated, Horizon Power can recover the reasonable cost of clearing the vegetation from power lines from the occupier. All vegetation pruning/removals should allow for vegetation regrowth and wind movement within the return cycle for that location.


Page 2-6


2.3 Naturally Occurring Trees in a Property Adjacent to the Power Line in the Road Reserve

It is the primary responsibility of an occupier to keep all their vegetation at a safe distance from the power lines.

In some circumstances it is very difficult to distinguish vegetation that is self-sown and uncultivated (naturally occurring) from vegetation that is cultivated and what vegetation the occupier of the land adjacent to a power line in a road verge may wish to retain, manage and cultivate, a 30- Day notice must be given for all types of vegetation.

If the occupier elects to retain and manage their naturally occurring vegetation the vegetation is then classed as cultivated.

Should the occupier state that a tree or vegetation are naturally occurring and not wish to undertake any work on them, it should be explained to them that;

The responsibility for vegetation management and liability remains with the occupier until such time Horizon Power can perform the work, and written information may be given to the occupier stating the above if the tree will not be cleared for some time.

The responsibility of vegetation management remains with the occupier, even after Horizon Power has effected the work. For example, the tree may quickly regrow and, the primary duty in law does not alter just because Horizon Power previously pruned the vegetation.

When Horizon Power undertakes any work, the responsibility to undertake the work in a safe and professional manner rests with Horizon Power; e.g. a tree will not be left in an unbalanced or unsafe condition and should pruning create such a situation, consideration must be given to tree reduction or removal in the interests of public safety.


Page 2-7


2.4 Penalties and Liabilities

The Act does not include any penalty if the land owner/occupier does not maintain their vegetation clear of power lines as prescribed by Horizon Power (Energy Operations (Power) Act 1979). Where appropriate, Horizon Power will recover the reasonable cost of maintaining vegetation power line clearance from the land owner/occupier.

If the occupier fails to maintain the minimum vegetation clearances required they may be liable for the loss of life, personal injury, property loss or damages that result from events such as:

Bushfires,

Consequential damage such as voltage spikes causing damage to household electrical equipment like fridges, TV, Video/DVD, stereos and computers,

Electric shock and electrocution, and

Horizon Power equipment damage such as poles, wires and transformers.

2.5 Notification of Property Owners

Where practicable Horizon Power will notify land owners/occupiers befor undertaking the management of naturally occurring vegetation within the vicinity of pwer line corridors on private properties.

However if land owners/occupiers deny Horizon Power permission to enter properties, Horizon Power may use its legislative powers and right of access to carry out vegetation management.

Where vegetation management is the responsibility of the land owener/ocupior, the latterwill be given due notification and the opportunity to consult with Horizon Power on how and when the work will ocuure.


Page 3-1


3 COMPETENCY AND AUTHORISATION

3.1 Training

All employees and contractors involved in vegetation control must complete and meet the outcomes of Horizon Power approved training courses in vegetation management. These courses are designed for people whose work comprises the inspection and pruning of vegetation near overhead power lines.

Training must be competency based, aligned to the Electricity Supply Industry National Training Package standards and documented for individuals.

All persons who undertake Vegetation Management Work training must be monitored during the training program to assess their understanding of the work processes and to assess their ability to perform the work task responsibly with maturity, concentration and the ability to work within a team.

The training for vegetation management workers must be provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

3.2 Competency

Horizon Power and Contractors must ensure all persons have current competency to carry out vegetation management work near live overhead lines.

Competencies for some aspects of vegetation management work, such as rescue and emergency procedures, must be assessed annually.

Horizon Power and Contractors must ensure that records are kept of training undertaken by their respective employees.

3.3 Authorisation

Authorisation is the process of registering a Contractor vegetation management worker in writing with Horizon Power to undertake vegetation management work near Horizon Powers live overhead lines

It is the responsibility of the employer to obtain authorisation for their employees prior to commencing vegetation management work.

The authorisation must be revoked for failure to comply with the requirements of this Manual and Horizon Powers Field Instruction 10.6 Vegetation Management Work.

Proof of authorisation must be kept at the worksite at all times.

3.4 Refresher Training

Refresher training must be conducted if the workers vegetation management work safety rules, concepts or techniques are found to be deficient during competency assessments. Refresher training may be done on the work site in conjunction with field assessments or audits.


Page 4-2


4 VEGETATION CLEARANCES

4.1 General

4.1.1 Ordinary & Ground Worker Persons

Ordinary persons are able to undertake tree cutting away from live overhead power lines providing they do not encroach the Safe Approach Distance (SAD) as outlined in the (Table 1 below).

Ordinary and ground workers persons are not permitted to:

Operate mobile plant above overhead power lines

Cut any vegetation which is vertically above overhead power lines

Phase to Phase Voltage (ac)

Person, Tools & Equipment (mm)

Mobile Plant (mm)

Cannot Cut Vegetation Closer

Than (mm)

LV Insulated 3000 3000 500

LV Bare 3000 3000 1000

1000 – 33,000 3000 3000 3000

66,000 – 132,000 6000 6000 3000

Above 132,000 6000 6000 6000

Table 1: SAD Vegetation Clearances for Ordinary and Ground Worker Persons Note: Ground workers are considered as Ordinary Persons

4.1.2 Authorised and Instructed Vegetation Management Workers

Vegetation Management Workers who perform vegetation management work from within the tree or from the ground near live overhead power lines, must be trained, authorised and instructed and must maintain the SAD in table 2 below.

Tree climbers who perform vegetation management must not climb where any part of the tree, or part that may move during their work activity could come within the SAD (in column D in table 2) and shown in Figure 1 below.

Tree climbers must be attached at all times using a climbing rope which must be inspected for damage before use. The tree climber must also position themselves in such a way that they cannot fall or swing and contact live overhead conductors or apparatus while performing work activity.

A Safety Observer must be used to warn the tree climber of any possible SAD encroachment, warn of any other hazards and to enable a rescue if required, see Safety Observer Role in 3.1.8


Page 4-3


Phase to Phase

Voltage (ac)

Vegetation Management

Worker / Climber (mm)

A

Insulated Tool (mm)

B

Uninsulated Tool (mm)

C

Vegetation Below and

Beside Overhead

Power Line (mm)

D

Vegetation Overhanging

Overhead Power Line

E

Insulated LV 200 Physical Clearance

200 No Clearance

No Clearance

Bare LV 1000 200 1000

Not Permitted

6,600 1200 700 1200 700

11,000 1200 700 1200 700

22,000 1200 700 1200 700

33,000 1200 700 1200 700

66,000 1400 1000 1400 1000

132,000 1800 1200 1800 1200

Over 132,000 Volts Contact Network Operator

Table 2: SAD and Vegetation Clearances for Vegetation Management Workers


Page 4-4


Figure 1: SAD for Vegetation Workers (refer to Table 2)

4.1.3 Mobile Plant and Equipment

Authorised and Instructed Vegetation Management Workers who are working near live overhead power lines using mobile plant and equipment must maintain the SAD as listed in Tables 3, 4 and 5 below.

Uninsulated EWP’s must not go any higher than the SAD below the highest live conductor unless they are working at distances greater than Table 1. All SAD’s for tools and equipment is intended to prevent damage to conductors and insulators.

A safety Observer must be used at all times when working near live overhead conductors and apparatus, see Safety Observer Role in 3.2.8 .

All EWP’s and Cranes must be earthed when working near live conductors and apparatus and comply with Horizon Power Field Instruction 2.7 Safety Requirements when Working from an EWP and Field Instruction 2.13 Vehicle and Plant Earthing Requirements.


Page 4-5


4.1.4 Uninsulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment

Table 3: SAD and Vegetation Clearances for Vegetation Management Workers using Uninsulated Mobile Plant and Uninsulated Tools and Equipment

Phase to Phase

Voltage (ac)

Uninsulated Mobile Plant

(mm) A


Worker (mm)

B

Uninsulated Tool (mm)

C


Beside Power Line

(mm) D

Vegetation Overhanging the Overhead Power Line

(mm) E

Insulated LV 200 200 200 No Clearance

No Clearance

Bare LV 1000 1000 1000 Physical Clearance

Not Permitted 6,600 1200 1200 1200 700

11,000 1200 1200 1200 700

22,000 1200 1200 1200 700

33,000 1200 1200 1200 700

66,000 1400 1400 1400 1000

132,000 1800 1800 1800 1200


Figure 2: SAD for Uninsulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment (refer to Table 3)


Page 4-6


4.1.5 Uninsulated Mobile Plant using Insulated Tools and Equipment

Table 4: SAD and Vegetation Clearances for Vegetation Management Workers Using Uninsulated Mobile Plant with Insulated Tools and Equipment

Phase to Phase

Voltage (ac)

Uninsulated Mobile Plant

(mm) A


Worker (mm)

B

Insulated Tool (mm)

C


Beside Power Line

(mm) D


(mm) E

Insulated LV 200 200 No Clearance

No Clearance

No Clearance

Bare LV 1000 1000 Physical Clearance

No Clearance

Not Permitted 6,600 1200 1200 300 300

11,000 1200 1200 300 300

22,000 1200 1200 350 350

33,000 1200 1200 400 400

66,000 1400 1400 600 600

132,000 1800 1800 800 800


Figure 3: SAD for Uninsulated Mobile Plant with Insulated Tools and Equipment (refer to Table 4)


Page 4-7


4.1.6 Insulated Mobile Plant, Insulated Tools and Equipment

Table 5: SAD and Vegetation Clearances for Vegetation Management Workers Using Insulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment

Phase to Phase

Voltage (ac)

Insulated Mobile Plant

(mm) A


Worker (mm)

B and GAD

Insulated Tool (mm)

C


Beside Power Line

(mm) D


(mm) E

Insulated LV Physical Clearance

200 No Clearance

No Clearance

No Clearance

Bare LV Physical Clearance

700 No Clearance

No Clearance

Physical Clearance

6,600 700 1000 300 100 700

11,000 700 1000 300 100 700

22,000 700 1000 350 150 700

33,000 700 1000 400 200 700

66,000 1000 1200 600 400 1000

132,000 1200 1400 800 800 1200


SAD for Insulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment (refer to Table 5)


Page 4-8


4.1.7 Special Insulated Ground Operated Plant

Specialised insulated plant is permitted to operate from the ground only if the operator is trained, authorised and competent. The operator must be totally enclosed within the plant itself or can remotely operate the plant and must maintain the SAD at all times as per (Table 5 Column C). In either situation, a Safety Observer is required and all workers must maintain the minimum ground approach distance (GAD) from the plant as per (Table 5 Column B) and also outside of the danger zone and drop zone.

4.1.8 Safety Observer Role

The appointed Safety Observer/s must be competent and trained and must place themselves in a position such as to be able to monitor the work at all times and warn of any encroachment of the SAD’s or other work hazards. The Safety Observer must:

Ensure all persons, tools, plant, equipment remain outside the SAD and GAD unless performing a rescue using approved procedures

Ensure all hazards and control methods are documented and being managed

Must be in position to observe work at all times, and change position if required

Only observe one work activity at a time

More than one safety observer will be required for multiple crews

Must immediately inform workers of unsafe or dangerous situations

Have constant and effective means of communications at all times

Not perform any other task while observing workers

Have the authority to suspend all work if dangerous, changing position or having to leave the work site

Must be trained, authorised and physically capable to undertake a rescue if required


Page 4-9


4.1.9 Horizontal and Vertical Clearance

The minimum clearance required between vegetation and power lines must comply with the vertical and horizontal distances as shown in Error! Reference source not found.-2-3 and 4, These are the minimum requirements at all times, for cyclonic and non-cyclonic areas

Vegetation Management work is carried out in the Management Zone Error! Reference source not found.-2-3 and 4 to maintain these minimum clearances until the next cycle of vegetation management is due in the area.

The Management Zone is a designated area where vegetation may be cut to meet all re-growth, vegetation management cycle, environmental and special agreement requirements.

Subject to an agreement with the affected land owner / occupier, additional vegetation may be cleared within the Management Zone. If this additional work is to maintain power line safety, Horizon Power may waive its right to recover its costs.

If any vegetation is observed within the Clearance Zone (see Fig 3.1) it may be cleared in accordance with Horizon Power’s emergency powers and the occupier responsible for Horizon Power’s costs.

Note: In cyclone prone areas all vegetation clearance zones must be doubled, in the clearance diagrams below C&D illustrate power lines up to 33kV. The diagrams also

applies to higher transmission voltages, the principles remain the same.


Page 4-10


Vegetation Clearances for the Construction of Overhead Power lines

Figure 1: Clearance Zone A

Figure 2: Clearance Zones B


Page 4-11


Figure 3: Clearance Zones C

Figure 4: Clearance Zones D


Page 4-12


Power Line Type Horizontal Clearance

(m)

Vertical Clearance below (m)

Trees Permitted

Above Power Line

Management Zone (m)

Insulated service cables 0.3 0.3 Yes 0.3

LVABC (Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable)

0.3 0.3 Yes 10

Street Light Pilot Cable 2 0.6 No1 10

Bare Urban low voltage conductors (and service cables) with less than a 70m span

2 0.6 No1 10

Bare Non-Urban low voltage conductor with less than a 70m span

2 2 No1 10

Bare low voltage conductors of a 70 m span and over and all spans in High Fire Risk Areas

2.5 2 No1 10

HVABC or CCT (Insulated high voltage conductors

1 1 Yes 10

Bare Urban high voltage conductors up to and including 33 kV with less than a 70m span

2 2 No1 10

Bare Non-Urban high voltage conductors up to and including 33kV with less than 70m span

2 2 No1 10

Bare high voltage conductors up to and including 33 kV, from 70 to 100m and all spans less than 100m in High Fire Risk Areas

2.5 2 No1 10

Bare high voltage conductors 100 -200m (33kV and less)

4.0 2.5 No1 10

Bare high voltage conductors 200m and above (33kV and less)

5.0 2.5 No1 10

CAUTION

The symbol (1) next to the NO signifies that trees may be permitted above the power lines, this would depend on species and condition. The owner occupier will still be held

responsible for any damage caused and should seek independent advice from a qualified expert arboriculturist on the risk and likelihood of the tree causing damage.


Page 4-13


Power Lines up to and including 33 kV

Bay Length Horizontal

Clearance (m)

Vertical Clearance below (m)

Trees Permitted

Above Power Line

Management Zone (m)

less than 100m 3.0 3.0 No 10

100 m-200m 4.0 4.0 No 10

200 m-350m 10.0 5.0 No 15

350 m-450m 13.0 5.5 No 15

450 m- 650m 25.0 6.0 No 25

650 m-800m 37.0 6.0 No 40

greater than 800 m 47.0 6.0 No 50

Table 4.1 Minimum Clearances from Power Lines

4.1.10 Vegetation Clearance above Power Lines

No vegetation is allowed to grow over Transmission lines and vegetation that grows higher than 3 metres under a Transmission line is generally removed in all but urban areas.

4.2 Overhanging Branches, Overgrowth

Vegetation must never be allowed to overhang Transmission lines. For safety reasons, Horizon Power prefers to maintain the area above power lines clear of vegetation. However, this is not always practical or it may upset the aesthetics of the surrounding area, or the tree may be deemed as Significant. In some cases, vegetation hanging into the clearance zone above a power at height may present a low risk and may be very difficult to access to safely prune the vegetation.

Trees regarded as Significant may be allowed to overhang the power lines provided they are sound. Expert advice may need to be sought.

Boab tree’s hold cultural & iconic significance, and biologically experience longevity and very slow growth. Pruning will require consultation from the applicable land owner (i.e. Local Shire or Department of Environment and Conservation). Pruning activities should be carried out in such a way as to achieve an aesthetically pleasing shape.

Trees may be able to overhang LV and HV up to 33kV distribution lines, refer to section 4.3, provided they are not prone to limb shedding; tall forest vegetation has a tendency to shed lower branches as they grow in height, but once established at full height and spread they will generally achieve a high degree of stability. The River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and the Rose Gum (Flooded Gum) (Eucalyptus grandis) are notable exceptions to this and may shed large branches without warning at any time of their life span.


Page 4-14


Where land owner / occupier does not wish to manage their vegetation that overhang power lines, Horizon Power will request an independent, qualified tree expert or arboriculturist supply a statement declaring whether the tree is in a healthy and sound condition and the likelihood it has to shed limbs that will cause damage to power lines, at the land owner / occupiers expense.

Power Line Type Comment

LVABC

All vegetation likely to cause damage must be maintained at least 300 mm clear of LVABC; light leafy twigs may grow to touch LVABC before being pruned. Near vegetation support points, large inflexible branches and solid trunks may have negligible power line clearances. Note: light leafy twigs means up to pencil thickness

HVABC

All vegetation must be maintained 600 mm clear of HVABC, light leafy twigs may grow to touch HVABC before being pruned. Near vegetation support points, large inflexible branches and solid trunks may have clearances no less than 100 mm.

Bare Low Voltage Lines

Vegetation must be maintained at least 600 mm away from the power line allow for wind sway of both the tree and the power line. It is recommended flexible branches be pruned back further so they will not touch the conductors in stronger winds.

Bare High Voltage Lines up to and including 33 kV

Vegetation must be maintained at least 1 m away from the power line allowing for wind sway of both the tree and the power line. It is recommended flexible branches be pruned back further so they will not touch the conductors in stronger winds.

Table 4.2 Minimum Distances between Tree and Conductor

4.3 Planting Near Power Lines

Land owner / occupiers planting any vegetation near distribution power lines up to and including 33kV, are to plant any vegetation that grows to a maximum mature height of over five metres at a distance from the power line at least equal to the plant’s mature height.

Therefore, a 15 metre-high tree should not be planted within 15 metres from a power line. There may be extenuating circumstances and some of these are explained below.

There are no legal restrictions but the occupier will be responsible for maintaining the power line Clearance Zones.

Vegetation growing higher than three metres maximum mature height must not planted under a transmission line greater than 33kV without Horizon Power’s prior written permission.


Page 4-15


4.4 Plantations

Plantation managers such as the Forests Products Commission (FPC) have agreed to maintain specific vegetation power line clearances when establishing plantations near existing power lines.

These agreed vegetation clearances are not necessarily the mature height distances referred to above. These plantation managers understand and accept the liability associate with and the possibility of prosecution in the event that any negligence on their part that causes damage to power lines or electrical equipment, bushfires or death or personal injury or property loss of damage.

4.5 Planting Guides

Horizon Power is strongly committed to responsible care for the environment. Tall vegetation and power lines do not mix. However, many small vegetation and shrubs grow successfully near power lines.

4.6 Underground Cables

While no formal law exists prohibiting planting certain species over underground cables it is recommended that no plant growing higher than three metres be planted within three metres of an underground cable. This is most important for cables of 66kV and more (and any undergrounding in clay areas) as large tree roots can fork over a cable and, by width expansion, damage the protective insulating layers. The damage could allow water to enter and a severe electrical hazard may result along with hugely expensive repairs coupled with the removal of any large vegetation within the vicinity of the cables.


Page 4-1


4.7 URD (Underground Residential Distribution)

In certain circumstances underground power lines are preferable. Although initially expensive, ongoing maintenance costs are lower. Horizon Power’s current policy is that all new subdivisions have the URD system for normal urban-size lots unless ground conditions make this uneconomical.

Mini Pillar Universal Pillar

Figure 4.1 – Typical URD Universal and Mini Pillars

4.8 Fully Insulated Electrical Networks

Stringing fully insulated overhead networks such as High Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable (HVABC), Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable (LVABC) and Covered Conductor Thick (CCT) reduces the required clearance and the need for regular pruning. Pruning is still required but can be carried out less frequently and less severely, thereby reducing costs. Trees may be bottom pruned so that they eventually rise above and over the power line.


Page 4-2


This may result in no further pruning being required as large growing vegetation will generally not replace lower branches.

Aerial Bundled Cable (HVABC or LVABC) (ABC) should be installed in clay or rocky ground areas or where the cost of underground power cannot be justified due to large lot sizes or terrain. These insulated systems also reduce the chance of starting fires.

Rebuilding bare conductors with insulated systems in heavily treed areas can, sometimes be more economical than continual pruning, particularly for LVABC.

It is Horizon Power’s policy to install ABC for all new low voltage lines where URD power is not being installed.

Figure 4.2 ABC Trailer and Drum


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5 NATURAL AND CULTIVATED VEGETATION DEFINED

5.1 Natural Vegetation

Natural vegetation is defined as vegetation that:

occurs naturally in the area or is an endemic, native to the area

is not planted, cultivated, tended, watered or fertilised by any means other than naturally occurring means

and for the purposes of this definition fencing off an area of vegetation to prevent stock accessing the vegetation does not of itself mean the area of vegetation is tended or cultivated.

A local native tree may be planted or cultivated. An example would be a jarrah in a road verge that is bottom pruned for sight lines and vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Conversely, an introduced species may be Naturally Occurring if it has been self-sown and no one has tended it. An example would be a self-sown Pines, Wattles, Lemon Scented Gums or Blue Gums.

5.2 Cultivated Vegetation

Cultivated vegetation is defined as any vegetation that is not naturally occurring vegetation.

Cultivated vegetation can also be local native vegetation (Red Gum, Wattle) that have obviously been tended, watered, planted, pruned or fertilised by means other than would occur in the tree’s natural state.

Any vegetation that fit any of the following categories are cultivated. As cultivated vegetation Horizon Power is not primarily responsible for their management.

Irrigated or reticulated

Planted

Evenly spaced and all about the same age

Occurring in straight rows

In plantations

Fertilized

Pruned by someone other than Horizon Power

If it is not easily determined whether the vegetation is cultivated and the land owner / occupier is not prepared to take responsibility for any vegetation, then the vegetation may be treated as natural vegetation and if managed by Horizon Power, may necessitate removal rather than pruning.

Note: Landcare groups may plant vegetation to reduce salinity, this will eventually resemble natural vegetation but must not be cleared until the land owner has been

given the option to clear them away from the power line in straight rows.


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6 NATURAL VERSUS CULTIVATED VEGETATION: RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Distribution Power Lines Responsibility Model (33,000 volts and less)

Location and Type of Power line

Responsibility for Natural Vegetation

Responsibility for Cultivated Vegetation

Supply Authority line on road reserve.

a) in road reserve : - Supply Authority

a) in road reserve :- Local Authority

(includes verge area of Main Road reserves under control of local authority)

b) on adjacent land:- Occupier1

b) on adjacent land :- Occupier

CES lines (current schemes) Supply Authority Supply Authority- but option given to occupier to maintain

SES lines (built 1992 onwards) Supply Authority Occupier

Service Cables over public land Supply Authority Occupier / Local Authority for road reserve

Service Cables over private land Occupier1 Occupier

Private Line (beyond meter)

Occupier Occupier

Supply Authority line on private property

Supply Authority Occupier

Supply Authority line in national parks, state forest, nature reserves, conservation parks or other Class A, B or C reserves

Supply Authority, or by Special Agreement

Managing Authority, or Managing body if leased or vested to non-government organisation

Supply Authority line in a Main Road Reserve

Supply Authority Main Roads WA or as agreed with the Supply Authority

Other Crown Land not previously specified

Supply Authority Lessor or organisation with vested interest, otherwise Managing Authority

“Special Areas” by specific agreement

As agreed Relevant authority or as agreed with Supply Authority

Table 6.1 – Responsibility Model

Note: Notification to be given, but if the occupier fails to manage within specified time and Horizon Power then manage the tree, Horizon Power may not recover any cost incurred, unless the tree is a non-local native tree and has been cultivated at the same time.


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Occupier means any person, body or authority other than a supply authority who owns, rents or is responsible for managing:

land crossed by overhead power lines, e.g. property owners, tenants, local authorities, Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)

land adjacent to power lines

power lines passing on or across land owned by others, e.g. mines, small private distribution networks

6.2 Responsibility

Private Land on which vegetation is growing, the occupier is responsible for keeping all vegetation, cultivated and naturally occurring, clear of power lines in the road reserve

Rental Property the occupier is responsible unless their lease agreement includes a clause making the property owner solely responsible. If Horizon Power has to perform vegetation management work, the tenant may be billed as the occupier

Road Reserves, the local council / shire is responsible for cultivated vegetation, including natural vegetation, they wish to preserve to the same standards as cultivated vegetation

Rural Area Cultivated Vegetation, the occupier of the land is responsible for cultivated vegetation including local councils and Main Roads where road reserves have planted or cultivated vegetation. The only exception to this is CES lines but the land owner / occupier may still be given the opportunity to maintain them

Rural Area Natural Vegetation, Horizon Power is responsible for clearing natural Vegetation on road reserves and on any land where the power line exists, unless the area is covered by a special agreement


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7 SAFETY

Safety is Horizon Powers number one core value. Horizon Powers Safety and Health Management System and Network Instruction Manual details the guidelines for Horizon Power’s safety requirements and objectives.

One of the biggest threats to safety near power lines is vegetation. The dangers include:

Falling branches or vegetation coming into contact with live power lines and possibly bringing them down to the ground

Ignition of bushfires with subsequent damage to property, individuals and the environment

Children climbing vegetation near power lines

Electric shocks from vegetation touching live power lines; and

Damage to property and people

Vegetation near power lines must be managed or serious consequences may result.

7.1 Horizon Power’s Safety Responsibilities

Horizon Power must ensure that vegetation is kept clear of power lines to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply is delivered. This is not to say that Horizon Power must carry out the work, but it is Horizon Power’s responsibility to ensure the work is carried out.

7.2 Land Owner / Occupier’s Safety Responsibilities

The land owner / occupier should monitor the clearance between power lines and vegetation to ensure the Clearance Zone is free of vegetation at all times.

Horizon Power should be contacted for advice if the Clearance Zone is compromised. Where the land owner / occupier is responsible for the management of the vegetation, Horizon Power should be contacted to advise the contact details of an authorised contractor who can carry out the work.

Trimming or removal of vegetation near power lines is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by untrained persons. If unauthorised person’s carry out any vegetation pruning or removal works near power lines, then their equipment, all persons and the vegetation should remain at least 3 metres away from power lines, even from insulated low voltage power lines.

Adequate risk control measures must be employed when working outside the 3 metre limit. If vegetation is closer than 3 metres to power lines then only authorised vegetation management workers may carry out work on this vegetation.

A list of authorised vegetation management contractors can be obtained by contacting Horizon Power.


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7.3 Vegetation Management Worker’s Safety Responsibilities

Vegetation management workers must be appropriately trained and authorised by Horizon Power to carry out vegetation control work where the tree, the workers or the equipment is to come within 3 metres of any power line.

While carrying out vegetation management work, vegetation management workers must not endanger themselves or members of the public. All appropriate Legislation, Codes of Practice and Horizon Power’s Instructions and must be followed.

Prior to commencing vegetation management work near overhead power lines, a documented Hazard identification and risk management process must be established prior to work commencing to address hazards associated with the work practices, the work environment, the use of materials, plant, tools and equipment.

Such a process must:

Identify the hazard

Assess the risk

Determine control measures

Monitor and review the effectiveness of the control measures


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8 PATROLLING OF VEGETATION

In order to manage vegetation within the vicinity of power lines, it is necessary for Horizon Power to regularly patrol power lines to monitor the clearance zones.

The frequency of inspections is as follows:

Area / Power Line Patrolling Period

Urban areas 6 monthly

Extreme and High Fire Risk Areas 6 monthly

Three phase Rural and Low to Moderate Fire Risk Areas 6 monthly

Single phase Rural and Low to Moderate Fire Risk Areas 12 monthly

Transmission Lines 6 monthly

Table 8.1 Vegetation Patrolling Period

Horizon Power utilise their internal systems to identify High to Extreme Fire Risk areas.

Power lines above 33kV are patrolled up to twice a year.

Inspection for vegetation control requirements is a component of this transmission line patrol.

Vegetation control activities are scheduled following transmission line patrols.

Where transmission line outages are required to enable vegetation control activities, the control activities will, where possible, be coordinated with transmission line outages scheduled for other reasons.

CAUTION

In areas where there is rapid re-growth of vegetation due to high humidity and / or rainfall, the inspection intervals may need to be more frequent according to local

requirements


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9 CLEARING METHODS AND CONTROLS

9.1 Clearing Policy

Use chainsaws to clear branches and vegetation in rural town sites, rural roadside reserves and urban areas. All remaining vegetation must be left as undisturbed as possible.

In rural areas other than road reserves land clearing equipment such as bulldozers, rakes, mechanical rollers, slashers, hammer mill clearers, chain flails and grabs may be used for clearing, ‘knocking down’ or plucking out vegetation. In all such instances the soil disturbance is to be minimised, bulldozer blades should be equipped with scrub rakes set at 5-10 cm above the ground surface, to leave topsoil and root stock intact. Every effort should be made to avoid damage to understorey vegetation. Complete clearing is usually only required for the construction of a corridor access track or firebreak.

Do not disturb low growing plants, the understorey, if possible. These plants will assist by competing out seedlings of taller tree species. They are also becoming rarer and they provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife as well as preventing erosion.

Follow-up clearing may be done with an inspection crew using an approved, non-residual herbicide on new vegetation growing in the cleared area; chainsaws may also be used to remove branches at the side of vegetation that threaten the power line. Great care must be taken to avoid overspray onto non-target species by using low pressure, large droplet size and spraying in very low wind conditions.

Leave as much natural vegetation as practically possible.

In some situations controlled burning may be used as a means of vegetation control in power line corridors. Controlled burning may be applied in heavily vegetated areas managed by agencies such as Forets Products Commission (FPC), where areas on either side of the power line corridor are to be burned, and where there is sufficient confidence that the controlled burn activity would not jeopardise the security of the surrounding area, the power line or power line structures and equipment, particularly those above 33kV.

Be aware of specific areas where declared rare flora is located or otherwise designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Always leave the site tidy, do not leave rubbish behind

All tree pruning must be performed using Natural Target Pruning techniques, except where the tree is being removed completely

AS4373 - Pruning of Amenity Trees, recommendations on clearing methods


Page 9-3


9.1.1 Pruning

Pruning should only be carried out by personnel trained in Natural Target Pruning Techniques. All personnel pruning near power lines must have successfully completed a registered training programme conducted by an Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as ,Tree Pruning Near Power Lines, or an equivalent course approved by Horizon Power.

To undertake vegetation management activities near high voltage distribution power lines, 33,000 volts or less, they must be trained by an Horizon Power approved RTO in Vegetation Management Work Near High Voltage Power Lines.

All vegetation management work undertaken for Horizon Power must comply Horizon Powers Field Instruction 10.6 Vegetation Management Work. All vegetation management work undertaken on behalf of the general public must comply with the Office of Energy code of practice for Personnel Electrical Safety for Vegetation Control Work Near Live Power Lines.

9.1.2 Clearing

Effort should be made to minimise damage to understorey vegetation. Complete clearing of ground under a planned or existing power line is not permitted in other than exceptional circumstances, such as the clearing is required as a fire break or access track, in which case erosion control is essential.

All clearing for the installation of new services requires approval by the relevant authorities, e.g. Local Government, Main Roads, FPC, DoE or EPA for declared rare flora etc. and in accordance with Field Instruction 10.1 Native Vegetation Clearing.

When vegetation clearing or generally working in known Dieback-risk areas is performed, all hygiene procedures must be complied with in accordance with Field Instruction 9.2 Environmentally Sensitive Areas.

9.1.3 Follow-up Maintenance

Maintenance should be scheduled to occur prior to the applicable deadline, follow up regrowth checks should be scheduled nearer the deadline.

Many products do not recommend application within rain hours.

Spraying in windy circumstances results in herbicide drift which may damage nearby plants.

Schedules should account for weather conditions to avoid adverse outcomes from herbicide application.

Note: Dependant on the area, clearing of more than one hectare of vegetation for this purpose requires a Notice of Intent (NOI) to clear, to be submitted to the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation 90 days before clearing is proposed to commence. This is mainly because clearing increases salinity, which is of major concern particularly in

rural areas.


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9.1.4 Pole Base Clearing

Poles comprise the bulk of Horizon Power infrastructure and any combustible material at the base of pole poses a significant physical and financial risk to both Horizon Power and the public if it were catch alight.

Discharges from pole top hardware are able to start fires, thus the removal of combustible material reduces the potential risk. It is therefore important to set out and maintain minimum requirements for vegetation clearing around poles.

Land owners / occupiers choosing to undertake their own vegetation management are required to sign the Pole Base Clearing Agreement, as in the case of organic farms or farms operating with minimum manufactured chemical input.

9.1.5 Requirement

This work applies to all poles, especially those carrying High Voltage Drop out Fuses (DOF), Pole Top Switches (PTS) and HV Isolators (HV DISO).

Pole base clearing is mandatory in fire danger areas if the estimated impact of a fire is likely to cause more than $10,000 damage or result in injury or loss of life. The Poles in the fire danger areas should be identified and recorded in Horizon Power data base for arranging priority maintenance works. But the Pole Base clearing maintenance is required for all the poles with pole top equipment regardless of their location in Horizon Power network.

9.2 FESA Fire Seasons for Rural WA

Pole base clearing maintenance works in the respective areas must be carried out before the recommended date as per Table 9.1.

Table 9.1 HP Servicing areas and deadline dates for pole base clearings

Area Fire Season Recommended Pole Base Clearing Deadline

South / Goldfields / Midlands

Summer November 30

Midwest / Gascoyne Spring August 30

Pilbara Spring & Summer

August 30

Kimberley Winter and Spring

May 30

Poles located within properties where the land owner have chosen to take responsibility of the pole base clearing maintenance works are still required to meet the above deadline dates. Asset Managers should have these poles inspected to ensure the land owners meet the recommended clearing dates of Table 9.1.


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9.2.1 Maintenance Frequency per Area

The maintenance frequency of Pole base clearing varies according to the location of the Pole.

If the pole is located within High Fire Risk areas, the frequency of clearing should be 6 months and other areas can be maintained on 12 months frequency cycle.

The list of identified High Risk areas within Horizon Power network are tabulated below and all these locations requires 6 monthly pole base clearing maintenance works.

Table 9.2: List of High Risk Fire Danger areas

Area DFIS Polygon ID Frequency

Broome Broome Rd FIRH

All

6 Monthly

Carnarvon Carnarvon South River FIRH

Carnarvon Carnarvon Lake McLeod FIRH

Carnarvon Carnarvon Babbage Island FIRH

Carnarvon Carnarvon Boundary Rd

Esperance Esperance M255 FIRH



Esperance Esperance WF87 FIRH

Esperance Esperance Wind Farm FIRH

Derby Derby Broome FIRH

Derby Derby Wodehouse East FIRH

Exmouth Exmouth Learmonth FIRH

Karratha N/A

Kununurra Kununurra Dam FIRH

Kununurra Kununurra Lakeside FIRH

Kununurra Kununurra Packsaddle FIRH

Kununurra Kununurra KRS FIRH

Kununurra Kununurra Wyndham FIRH

Port Hedland N/A

Wyndham Wyndham Bastion FIRH


Page 9-6


9.3 Clearing methods

Regular maintenance around the poles such as regular trimming, herbicide application and clearing will reduce the risk of fire damages.

Adequate risk control measures must be employed when working close to the live power poles as it is an extremely hazardous work area, refer to the Field Instruction 10.5 Pole Base Clearing and Field Instruction 10.1 Native Vegetation Clearing.

9.4 Vegetation control using Herbicide

The only herbicides and surfactants approved for pole base clearing work are:

Glyphosate Herbicide, commercial name: Roundup Bioactive®, this is a water soluble herbicide for non-selective control of many annual and perennial weeds for areas near waterways.

Pulse is a surfactant, manufacturer: Monsanto, that is to be used in all formulations of Glyphosate to make herbicide solution mixture to be more penetrating in to weeds. Pulse surfactant acts as a wetting agent.

RedyeTM Liquid Marking Dye or similar to be used with all herbicide applications if specified by the Horizon Power Environmental team to located the Herbicide sprayed areas.

Glyphosate works best when plants are actively growing, and scheduling should take account of this, spring application is usually recommended.

9.5 Residual Plants Removal by Mechanical methods

After application of Herbicides on the vegetation near pole base by the deadline dates as per Table 9.1, the areas need to be re-visited in a months’ time to make sure the plants are dead.

The dead plants and dry leaves need to be removed including its roots by mechanical means to stop any re-vegetation and remove a possible fire hazard.

The follow-up site visit is also required for the poles located within properties where the land owner have chosen to take responsibility of the pole base clearing maintenance works themselves to make sure the owner has performed the pole base clearing works as per the agreement date.


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9.6 New Power Lines

When designing and erecting power lines there must be additional margins applied for growth and regrowth beyond the clearance zones as well as some consideration of the soundness of the vegetation within 10 metres of the power lines.

Inherent in this is a margin for error for erecting the power line due to the potential for encountering ground conditions, such as hard rock, that may see alteration in the placement of the poles.

Initial vegetation clearing associated with new power lines should be distinguished from follow-up clearing or vegetation control that is part of the normal maintenance cycle. For initial clearing, depending on the impact, particularly on native vegetation, there may be a number of environmental considerations to be considered.

Vegetation control activities undertaken for new power lines, may also be subject to specific clearing conditions.

Such conditions may include clearing restrictions for vegetation less than a certain height, limitations on clearing or clearing techniques in sensitive areas such as those having rare and endangered flora, and soil and/or plant hygiene requirements for vegetation control activities.

Field Instruction 10.1 Native Vegetation Clearing provides the minimum requirements to be followed where clearing of native vegetation is required

If these clearances cannot be achieved the power line is not to be built in this location and alternative routes or construction methods must be explored.

9.7 Emergency

Trees and other vegetation may need to be controlled or removed under emergency conditions to maintain safety and to maintain or restore the electricity supply. Where possible, vegetation in this category must be assessed individually to determine the appropriate action. Significant trees (Heritage listed) should still involve the relevant approval prior to action if safety or power restoration work is not at risk.

When assessing vegetation under emergency conditions, environmental factors that increase the likelihood of failure of the tree must be considered. Examples of these conditions would be storm events, wind, bushfires, saturated soils, diseased or weakened branches, and restricted area of root and crown development.

Trees that are trimmed under emergency conditions may not receive the correct pruning techniques so remedial pruning may be required at some time in the future.

The land owner/occupier should be notified as soon as practical when Horizon Power removes vegetation under emergency conditions.


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10 DISPOSAL OF TREES, BRANCHES AND CUTTINGS

Where the land owner / occupier, local authority or managing authority is responsible for pruning and clearing (e.g. in a town, in a plantation, cultivated vegetation on a farm or road verge) then it is their responsibility to dispose of the cuttings.

Where Horizon Power is responsible for pruning and clearing, it is Horizon Power’s responsibility to remove and dispose of cuttings. Horizon Power Districts may wish to set up an agreement with the local authorities to remove and dispose of cuttings on their behalf.

Horizon Power will generally not remove vegetation or branches that are blown down or where a tree falls over from natural causes.

10.1 Recommended Disposal Methods of Trees, Branches and Cuttings

It is recommended that Horizon Power consult with the land manager, occupier, owner or local authority to determine their preferred methods of disposal.

10.2 Preferred Methods

The following list in priority order contains some suitable methods for the disposal of vegetation, branches and cuttings. The final choice will depend upon local conditions.

1. Use as timber

2. Chipping / mulching

3. Layering, soil erosion control, slows water / air speed

4. Scattering, take regard of potential fire hazard

5. Use as green waste, available as seed resource prior to removal or as re-vegetation brush or triter

Scattering and layering also provides important habitat for wildlife in that it provides shelter and food as well as producing fungi and insects for food for reptiles, birds and mammals.

10.3 Least Preferred Methods

Heaping, stacking, windrows and burning, however this may be the only practical solution in some areas.

Note: The disposal method chosen must consider local conditions, all environmental implications, including the spread of plant disease such as Dieback and the effects of

any smoke pollution from burning, increased fire risk, fire restrictions or effects on landfill sites. Security of transmission line corridors is paramount and the risk of wildfire

in transmission line corridors must be minimised.


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10.4 Tipping

Arrangements can be made with local shires for taking cuttings to local waste disposal facility.

11 CORRESPONDENCE, COMMUNICATION AND NOTIFICATION

Horizon Power is legally authorised to enter private property without notice and trim vegetation if necessary.

As a general courtesy and good public relations it is recommended a notice be sent to the land occupier informing them of Horizon Power’s intention to cut or clear vegetation to give the land occupier time to consider doing the work themselves.

Horizon Power will not always be able to give notification as the occupier or owner is not always contactable. Contact with the land owner / occupier should be made at the initial inspection stage but, as matter of courtesy, contact must be attempted on the day that work is to be undertaken by the Horizon Power personnel or contractors undertaking the work.

11.1 Trees that are the Occupiers Responsibility

When land owners / occupiers or local government authorities do not manage their vegetation as required, Horizon Power may perform the vegetation management work, according to current standards, and recover its costs from the land owner / occupier.

The Act currently requires Horizon Power to give at least three days’ notice to a land owner / occupier and thereafter enough time to make representations as to the manner in which the work should be effected.

To be practical and in the interests of the safety of the general public, Horizon Power provides 30 days ‘Vegetation Clearing Notice” to the occupier for vegetation management work near power lines up to and including 33kV. If the occupier is renting the premise, and not permitted to prune vegetation under their rental agreement, it is their responsibility to ensure that the notice is forwarded to the landlord / property manager.

If the vegetation is not pruned to the required clearance within the 30 days, a second notice is issued. This notice gives the occupier a further fourteen (14) days to complete the pruning work, after which, if not completed, Horizon Power will undertake pruning of the vegetation at the occupiers expense.

Note: Notify, and where practicable give the occupier a chance to respond.

Note: These timeframes can be reduced in emergencies, see Section 2 Legal Position on page 2-5.


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12 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Horizon Power has a number of policies, procedures and instructions relating to aspects of environmental management. These Environmental policies, procedures and instructions are an integral part of Vegetation Management and must be adhered to at all times. Any enquiries related to these procedures must be directed to the Environmental section of the Horizon Power Governance and Compliance Branch.

Following are some of the more specific issues that will need to be considered when planning work and dealing with government, customers and community groups to assist Horizon Power to achieve environmental best practice.

12.1 Environmental Checklist Prior to Starting Work

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA’s) such as Conservation Reserves, Wetlands, Declared Rare Flora, Priority Flora and Threatened Ecological Communities are of prime importance. The presence of these ESA’s near work areas means ESA instructions/procedures must be complied with. If further advice is required as to how work should be conducted, contact Horizon Powers Environmental team.

Horizon Power’s geographical intranet systems and asset registers must also be checked for the location of ESA’s prior to the commencing work.

12.2 Roadside Vegetation in Rural Areas

Native roadside vegetation is an important and diminishing conservation resource. In many parts of WA it is the only area where the original vegetation of the region is still represented and quite often contains valuable or rare and endangered species of plants and animals or associations called Threatened Ecological Communities.

Roadside vegetation can also provide a shelterbelt for adjacent farmlands as well as assist in erosion control. It may also provide a link between patches of remnant vegetation, thereby greatly increasing its conservation value. Unnecessary or thoughtless clearing in this area can reduce the habitat of wildlife, cause erosion, encourage weed invasion, destroy native plants, threaten endangered plant species and increase soil salinity. Wildflowers in road reserves are also a very important part of our tourism industry.

Where power lines are to be constructed in roadside vegetation every effort must be made to ensure that there is minimal disturbance to any native vegetation within the ground cover to shrubby layer. This should be confined to pole locations wherever possible and pole should be sited, as far as possible, to minimise disturbance to this layer of vegetation.

A compromise may be worked out where they assist in the operation to reduce damage to the area. The plants, particularly understorey, should be afforded protection in the maintenance programme.

Make sure the location of Declared Rare Flora (DRF) is known before work is started. The destruction of such flora can result in prosecution under the Wildlife and Conservation Act.


Page 12-4


The location of the DRF should be listed in the works package, exist on Horizon Power’s computer system and be signposted in the field with green ESA signs on poles.

Ensure all necessary permits (e.g. Native Vegetation Clearing permit) have been obtained.

Removal of old debris is not generally appropriate. In particular, dead vegetation, whether standing or fallen, provide significant habitat for nature. However, dead vegetation that may fall on the power line should be made safe by reducing them to a safe height or felling them. Where appropriate, this waste material should be left on the ground to enhance animal habitat.

12.3 Special Environmental Areas

The special section of roadside may be set aside for special care because it may contain rare plants, special scientific or aesthetic vegetation, or may be a special Aboriginal or European cultural site. The area is generally demarcated by being ESAs, refer to section 13.4, with signs on poles. If there is no demarcation signage, any information, from any source, identifying a special environmental area must be verified before proceeding with the vegetation clearing work. The clearing work may need to be modified to accommodate the special requirements of the area.

The majority of vegetation listed as rare, vulnerable and endangered exists mainly in the ground covers to small shrubs to large shrubs size categories. There are also the occasional rare vegetation and/or rare associations of vegetation and/or shrubs.

Care must be taken to discover the environmental aspects and limitations placed on vegetation clearing for specific work and within specific areas. Rare plants may be listed as Declared Rare Flora (DRF) or priority listed. Taking DRF, which can mean damaging only a small portion of the plant, can incur a fine of up to $10,000.

The local DEC office or Support Services Section can assist in discovering these environmental aspects and to avoid problems and work within sensible requirements.

If there is a need to discover any of these aspects, so they may be managed properly, Support Services is to be contacted for advice.

12.4 Environmentally Sensitive Area

The ESA programme manages specific environmental issues near Horizon Power assets that require special consideration and / or precautions to be taken during work processes. There are approximately 100 ESA sites spread throughout Regional Western Australia. The following environmental issues are managed using the ESA programme;

Rare Flora including priority flora*

Threatened Ecological Communities*

Noxious Weeds*


Page 12-5


Organic Farms

Wetlands and Watercourse*

Dieback areas*

Conservation Reserves*

(* indicates issues specifically protected by environmental legislation)

Dieback is a fungus-like organism that kills native vegetation and can be spread by moving soil or vegetation on vehicle tyres or other machinery. Where it exists, correct procedures must be in place to prevent it's spread.

To minimise the risk of spreading diseases (such as Dieback) or weeds in areas of native vegetation, (especially nature reserves and national parks) there are specific procedures that should be followed, Field Instruction 9.2 Environmentally Sensitive Area

12.5 Heritage Sites

Horizon Power seeks to preserve natural and cultural heritage features including aboriginal sites, historic structures and memorial gardens, parks, tree plantings and landscapes in addition to those that are heritage listed. Horizon Power recognises that it is illegal to remove, disturb or destroy any archaeological site or material.

Any work must cease where there are finds of aboriginal artefacts or other archaeological artefacts. The discovery of such artefacts must be reported to Horizon Power in accordance with Field Instruction 9.13 Identifying Objects of Aboriginal Origin.

Council vegetation could be protected under Tree Protection Orders, Significant Tree Registers, and heritage schedules as either items or in conservation areas, in “Special Character Areas”, in bushland or scenic protection zones on LEP’s. The vegetation concerned could also form a key part of areas controlled by Development Control Plans (DCPs).

Significant, memorial and heritage vegetation may require an annual trim to minimise potential dangers or damage caused by a major pruning.

Consent is required from the relevant body to prune or remove protected vegetation or to excavate in areas where archaeological relics are known or likely to be disturbed or damaged.

Note: Refer to Field Instruction 9.2 Environmentally Sensitive Areas


Page 12-6


12.6 Register of Significant Trees

The National Trust of Australia and local councils have established Registers of Significant Trees with the aim to protect significant trees. This is seen as an important component of protecting our natural heritage.

Many individual and groups of trees are highly valued by the community and may include remnants of the original vegetation of the area. These trees hold significant value for a number of reasons, including visual/aesthetic, botanic / scientific, ecological, historical / commemorative, cultural and social.

The tree(s) or vegetation may be native to WA or an introduced species. If a tree(s) or vegetation is suspected of being registered as a Significant Tree, check with the local council or the National Trust before commencing any vegetation control work.

Horizon Power is committed to the preservation of registered vegetation by not damaging them wherever possible. Alternatives to pruning will be considered and consultation with effected parties will be sought whenever necessary.

12.7 Water Catchment Areas

Water Catchment Areas are signposted by the Water Corporation.

Horizon Power and / or the Contractor must liaise with the Water Corporation if the power line services require clearing or destruction of nearby vegetation, shrubs, plants or grasses in a designated Water Catchment Area.

12.8 Threatened Species

Horizon Power is required to undertake its work so that protected species listed as threatened or endangered by Threatened Species Conservation Legislation including species protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are not impacted.

12.9 Pollution Control

Disposal of any material by Horizon Power’s vegetation management workers must be in accordance with legislative requirements.

Watercourses and water bodies must not be polluted by rubbish, felled or cut vegetation, toilet waste, silt, fuel spillage, herbicide, herbicide containers, etc. Refuelling operations or decanting of herbicides should be conducted at least 30 metres away from watercourses.

Spillage of herbicides or fuels should be avoided, but where a spillage or leakage has occurred, Field Instruction 9.6 Minor Major Oil, Chemical and Fuel Spills or Leaks, must be complied with to ensure adequate control measures are implemented and the appropriate notifications carried out.


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12.10 Fire Precautions

All vehicles travelling in bush fire risk areas must comply with Field Instruction 2.4 Fire Precautions for Field Work / Substation Work.

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13 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORK NEAR POWER LINES

13.1 Untrained Personnel

For untrained personnel, the following Regulation 3.64 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 must be complied with.

(1) in this regulation danger zone means anywhere that:

(a) Is within 0.5 metres of a live insulated overhead power line or aerial bundled conductor line of a voltage of not more than 1,000 volts;

(b) is within 1.0 metre of a live uninsulated overhead power line of a voltage of not more than 1,000 volts;

(c) is within 3.0 metres of a live overhead power line, whether insulated or not, of a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts but not more than 33,000 volts; or

(d) is within 6.0 metres of a live overhead power line, whether insulated or not, of a voltage exceeding 33,000 volts.

(2) Subject to sub regulation (3), without limiting clause 2.5.7 of AS/NZS 3012, a person who, at a workplace, is an employer, the main contractor, a self-employed person or a person having control of the workplace must ensure that an employee or any plant or material used or controlled by an employee does not enter the danger zone of an overhead power line.

Penalty: $25,000

(3) A person does not commit an offence under sub regulation (2) if, proof of which is on the person —

(a) The overhead power line has been adequately insulated and effectively cordoned off to protect the safety of persons or otherwise made safe, as the case requires

(b) The employee is authorised to carry out electrical work under the Electricity Act 1945.

13.2 Trained Personnel

Horizon Power has developed and documented approved work procedures to ensure the safety of vegetation management workers and the general public, when vegetation management work is undertaken near live overhead lines.

All vegetation management work undertaken near Horizon Power overhead power lines must conform to the requirements of Horizon Powers Field Instruction 10.6 Vegetation Management Work.


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14 PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF AN INCIDENT

14.1 General

The Contractor must immediately report all accidents, injuries or property damage to Horizon Power's Representative together with the Contractor's plans for remedial action.

14.2 Reporting of Incidents

All accidents which cause loss of life, bodily injury, property damage or electric shock, must be reported to Horizon Power as defined in Horizon Powers Hazard / Incident Reporting, Notification and Investigation Procedure, (Cintellate)

A copy of this procedure will be provided to the Contractor when the contract is awarded.

All incidents that occur Monday to Friday during normal business hours (see list below) must be immediately reported to Horizon Power's Representative.

Depot Office Hours Telephone #

Broome 0800 - 1600 (08) 9192 9900

Carnarvon 0700 - 1500 (08) 9941 6299

Esperance 0800 - 1600 (08) 9072 3400

Karratha 0800 - 1630 (08) 9159 7250

Kununurra 0700 - 1530 (08) 9166 4700

Port Hedland 0700 - 1530 (08) 9173 8281

Table 14.1 – Incident Contact details

Outside normal business hours the Contractor must inform Horizon Power's Operations Control Centre (HPCC) by telephone on 13 23 51. The HPCC will notify Horizon Power's Representative.

14.3 Interference with the Accident Site

Unless further danger to life or property is threatened, the part of the work under the Contract or equipment, which is associated with the accident, must not be disturbed without permission of the appropriate statutory authority or Horizon Power's Representative.

Note: The Contractor is responsible for notifying the immediate family of the injured employee.


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15 ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

Abbreviation / Acronym

Meaning

ABC Aerial Bundled Conductor

RTO Registered Training Organisation

CCT Covered Conductor Thick (same as IUC Insulated Unscreened Conductor)

CES Contributory Extension Scheme (See also SES)

DCLM Department of Conservation and Land Management

DEC Department of Environment and Conservation

DFES Department of Fire and Emergency Services

DoE Department of Environment

DRF Declared Rare Flora (see also PF and TEC)

EPA Environment Protection Authority

ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area

FPC Forest Products Commission

GIS Graphic Interface System (Map frame – a mobile tool used in the field)

HP Horizon Power Corporation

HVABC High Voltage ABC (generally 22kV)

LVABC Low Voltage ABC

MAVIS Mobile Automated Vegetation Inspection System

MRWA Main Roads Western Australia

NBU Network Business Unit

NOCC Networks Operations Control Centre

PF Priority Flora (classes PF1-PF4 with PF1 being the rarest)


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Abbreviation / Acronym

Meaning

PVCC Power line and Vegetation Coordination Committee

SES Supply Extension Scheme

SWIS South West Interconnected System

TAFE Technical and Further Education

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

URD Underground Residential Distribution

VCA Vegetation Control Agreement

Throughout this Manual the word “must ” is to be interpreted as mandatory; and “should” as advisory or discretionary.


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16 REFERENCES

Occupational Safety & Heath Act 1984

Occupational Safety & Health Regulations 1996

Horizon Powers Safety & Health Management System

Land, Environment, Native Title and Heritage

Environmental Management System

SHMS OSH-3.6-1-02 Job Risk Analysis (JRA) Procedure

SHMS OSH-3.6-1-26 Personal Protective Equipment

Code of Practice – Personnel Electrical Safety for Vegetation Control Work Near Live

Power Lines (July 2012 Energy Safety WA)

Field Instruction 2.6 Worksite Clothing / Personal Protective Equipment Requirements

Field Instruction 2.23 Job Hazard and Risk Management (JRA)

Field Instruction 2.4 Fire Precautions for Field Work / Substation Work

Field Instruction 9.2 Environmentally Sensitive Area

Field Instruction 9.6 Minor Major Oil, Chemical and Fuel Spill or Leak

Field Instruction 9.13 Identifying Objects of Aboriginal Origin

Field Instruction 10.1 Native Vegetation Clearing

Field Instruction 10.5 Pole Base Clearing

Field Instruction 10.6 Vegetation Management Work

www.chemalert.com SDS for chemicals used

Horizon Powers Environmental Policy – Working towards environmental excellence whilst supporting the principles of sustainability

http://www.chemalert.com/

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Horizon PoweR Vegetation management Manual · with Horizon Power’s electricity supply network. Horizon Power; 1. Is accountable for self-sown vegetation on land where a power line