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Farming safely around electrical assets

Let's work together to maintain safe and reliable power supply for you, your family, employees and the community.

We need access to electrical assets on your property at all times

For safety reasons, we need clear access to all of our electrical assets — like power poles or transformers — at all times.
 
When we access your property, we always try to limit movement as much as possible and we make sure that gates are left open or closed as they were found. 
 
If for some reason access will be restricted or if there are any access issues, please let us know straight away. 

Frequently asked questions

Managing risks and hazards

If you operate a farming or agriculture business, the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), s 19 requires you to ensure the health and safety of workers and other persons, including contractors, while on your property. When we conduct work on your property we also must ensure that we maintain safety standards at all times.
  • How you can maintain our safety on your property
    • Let us know if there are any hazards we need to be aware of before we commence work on your property.
    • Make sure you are aware of your legal obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and other relevant legislation.
    • Stay up to date with your safety obligations by accessing WorkSafe WA and other WA State Government resources.
  • How we maintain safety while on your property

    Drones

    • When we use drones to inspect our electrical assets, we share relevant flight schedule information with affected residents.
    • Where practicable, we also share information about planned drone activity on social and print media, radio, and consultations with local businesses.
    • Our vehicles and drones are branded with Horizon Power markings.
    • We use consistent messaging about drones to make our purpose for using them clear.

    Conducting works during total fire bans or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans

    • We have well-defined processes for conducting works during total fire bans and Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans, and we have an exemption under the Bush fires Act 1954 (WA).
    • We have tight controls in place to mitigate the risk of starting a fire during these times. Our teams are regularly trained and we have key scenarios they may face mapped and prepared for.
    • We use non-flame producing tooling.

    Pole and asset base clearing

    • Vegetation management programs
    • Power & Hand tools
    • Chemical use (predominately Method 240SL)

    Biosecurity

    • Our teams complete biosecurity training and understand how to prevent risks when working on farm properties.
    • We have clearly defined cross-contamination prevention procedures that are teams follow, including regularly:
      • Checking vehicles for the spread of weeds.
      • Cleaning vehicles at wash down bays.
      • Checking footwear before leaving an affected area.

    RIsk analysis and control

    • We also conduct a job risk analysis process for other potential hazards.
    • This process supports the swift identification, control and recording of identified hazards specific to a work location.

Check for safety before you start

Powerlines and power poles

Check overhead and underground power lines

Electrical Infrastructure

Report any damage to electrical infrastructure

Electrical and other equipment

Ensure all equipment is in working order

Preparation Checklist

Got stubble to burn?

Before you burn, make sure you:
  • Check and obey local fire warnings, bans, and weather conditions.
  • Inform your local government fire control officer and neighbours before conducting a burn.
  • Ensure fires are kept well away from overhead power lines.
  • Clear at least 1.5 metres of vegetation around power pole bases and thoroughly wet timber pole bases before and after burning.
  • Instruct all workers to avoid raking wind-rows beneath or next to powerlines or poles.
  • Have mobile fire units and an emergency plan ready in case the fire gets out of control.
  • Inspect power poles before, during, and after stubble burning.

In an emergency, call 000. 

In an emergency, call 000.

Report damage to Horizon Power on 13 23 51

Report damage to Horizon Power on 13 23 51

Crop dusting can interrupt power supply

Watch out for powerlines

Every year, our customers experience power interruptions from powerlines being brought down during crop dusting activities. 

If you notice canola or other dry swathed crops blowing onto overhead powerlines call us straight away. Never try to remove crops from powerlines yourself. Always call us on 13 23 51.

Before crop dusting

If you are a pilot, or have hired someone to crop dust on your behalf, make sure you have checked for overhead powerlines before starting work. 

If powerlines are located near your work area, always call us first. We can let you know about voltage levels and the safe clearances which need to be maintained.  

During crop dusting

On the day, consider the weather conditions before flying and pay constant attention while in the air. 

Powerlines may be difficult to see so always pay constant attention while crop dusting. 


More farming and agriculture safety information

Oversize loads

Depending on the route, vehicle type and the size of the load you need to transport, you might need our approval or help to move safely.

Learn more

Private power poles

Your private power pole is your responsibility. Learn how to keep your pole safe and well-maintained.

Learn more

Trees and powerlines

Here's how to avoid tree branches touching powerlines, which can cause power interruptions, fire and other accidents. 

Learn more

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.