HORIZON POWER VEGETATION MANAGEMENT MANUAL

Transcription

1 HORIZON POWER HORIZON POWER VEGETATION MANAGEMENT MANUAL Horizon Power 3 rd Edition March 2018 Prepared by Field Practices Safety and Health Corporate Services and Company Secretary

2 HORIZON POWER DOCUMENT CONTROL Document Owner (May also be the Process Owner) Approved By * Authorisation ** Process Owner is hereby vested with authority and responsibility to manage the process end to end. Name: Mark Van Vuuren Position: Field Practices Coordinator Date: May 2014 Name: Mark Van Vuuren Position: Field Practices Coordinator Date: May 2014 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-toend, 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

3 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 ). 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.

4

5 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.

6

7 HORIZON POWER SECTION 1 Page INTRODUCTION LEGAL POSITION ACT AND REGULATIONS Liability Horizon Power s Legal Rights Naturally Occurring Trees in a Property Adjacent to the Power Line in the Road Reserve Penalties and Liabilities Notification of Property Owners COMPETENCY AND AUTHORISATION Training Competency Authorisation Refresher Training VEGETATION CLEARANCES General Ordinary & Ground Worker Persons Authorised and Instructed Vegetation Management Workers Mobile Plant and Equipment Uninsulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment Uninsulated Mobile Plant using Insulated Tools and Equipment Insulated Mobile Plant, Insulated Tools and Equipment Special Insulated Ground Operated Plant Safety Observer Role Horizontal and Vertical Clearance Vegetation Clearance above Power Lines Overhanging Branches, Overgrowth Planting Near Power Lines Plantations Planting Guides Underground Cables URD (Underground Residential Distribution) Fully Insulated Electrical Networks NATURAL AND CULTIVATED VEGETATION DEFINED Natural Vegetation Cultivated Vegetation NATURAL VERSUS CULTIVATED VEGETATION: RESPONSIBILITIES Distribution Power Lines Responsibility Model (33,000 volts and less) Responsibility SAFETY Horizon Power s Safety Responsibilities Land Owner / Occupier s Safety Responsibilities Vegetation Management Worker s Safety Responsibilities

8 HORIZON POWER SECTION 1 Page PATROLLING OF VEGETATION CLEARING METHODS AND CONTROLS Clearing Policy Pruning Clearing Follow-up Maintenance Pole Base Clearing Requirement FESA Fire Seasons for Rural WA Maintenance Frequency per Area Clearing methods Vegetation control using Herbicide Residual Plants Removal by Mechanical methods New Power Lines Emergency DISPOSAL OF TREES, BRANCHES AND CUTTINGS Recommended Disposal Methods of Trees, Branches and Cuttings Preferred Methods Least Preferred Methods Tipping CORRESPONDENCE, COMMUNICATION AND NOTIFICATION Trees that are the Occupiers Responsibility ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS Environmental Checklist Prior to Starting Work Roadside Vegetation in Rural Areas Special Environmental Areas Environmentally Sensitive Area Heritage Sites Register of Significant Trees Water Catchment Areas Threatened Species Pollution Control Fire Precautions VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORK NEAR POWER LINES Untrained Personnel Trained Personnel PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF AN INCIDENT General Reporting of Incidents Interference with the Accident Site ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

9 HORIZON POWER SECTION 1 Page REFERENCES 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

10 HORIZON POWER SECTION 1 Page 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.

11 HORIZON POWER SECTION 2 Page 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.

12 HORIZON POWER SECTION 2 Page 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.

13 HORIZON POWER SECTION 2 Page 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.

14

15 HORIZON POWER SECTION 3 Page 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.

16 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page VEGETATION CLEARANCES 4.1 General 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 LV Bare , , , Above 132, Table 1: SAD Vegetation Clearances for Ordinary and Ground Worker Persons Note: Ground workers are considered as Ordinary Persons 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

17 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 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 , , , Not Permitted 33, , , Over 132,000 Volts Contact Network Operator Table 2: SAD and Vegetation Clearances for Vegetation Management Workers

18 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page Mobile Plant and Equipment Figure 1: SAD for Vegetation Workers (refer to Table 2) 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 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.

19 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 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 Vegetation Management Worker (mm) B Uninsulated Tool (mm) C Vegetation Below and Beside Power Line (mm) D Vegetation Overhanging the Overhead Power Line (mm) E Insulated LV No Clearance Bare LV Physical Clearance 6, No Clearance Not Permitted 11, , , , , Over 132,000 Volts Contact Network Operator Figure 2: SAD for Uninsulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment (refer to Table 3)

20 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 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 Vegetation Management Worker (mm) B Insulated Tool (mm) C Vegetation Below and Beside Power Line (mm) D Vegetation Overhanging the Overhead Power Line (mm) E Insulated LV No Clearance No Clearance No Clearance Bare LV Physical Clearance No Clearance 6, Not Permitted 11, , , , , Over 132,000 Volts Contact Network Operator Figure 3: SAD for Uninsulated Mobile Plant with Insulated Tools and Equipment (refer to Table 4)

21 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 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 Vegetation Management Worker (mm) B and GAD Insulated Tool (mm) C Vegetation Below and Beside Power Line (mm) D Vegetation Overhanging the Overhead Power Line (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, , , , , , Over 132,000 Volts Contact Network Operator SAD for Insulated Mobile Plant, Tools and Equipment (refer to Table 5)

22 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 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 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

23 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 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 regrowth, 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.

24 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 4-10 Vegetation Clearances for the Construction of Overhead Power lines Figure 1: Clearance Zone A Figure 2: Clearance Zones B

25 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 4-11 Figure 3: Clearance Zones C Figure 4: Clearance Zones D

26 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 4-12 Power Line Type Horizontal Clearance (m) Vertical Clearance below (m) Trees Permitted Above Power Line Management Zone (m) Insulated service cables Yes 0.3 LVABC (Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable) Yes 10 Street Light Pilot Cable No 1 10 Bare Urban low voltage conductors (and service cables) with less than a 70m span Bare Non-Urban low voltage conductor with less than a 70m span Bare low voltage conductors of a 70 m span and over and all spans in High Fire Risk Areas HVABC or CCT (Insulated high voltage conductors Bare Urban high voltage conductors up to and including 33 kv with less than a 70m span Bare Non-Urban high voltage conductors up to and including 33kV with less than 70m span 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 Bare high voltage conductors m (33kV and less) Bare high voltage conductors 200m and above (33kV and less) No No No Yes No No No No No 1 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.

27 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 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 No m-200m No m-350m No m-450m No m- 650m No m-800m No 40 greater than 800 m No 50 Table 4.1 Minimum Clearances from Power Lines 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.

28 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 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 LVABC HVABC Bare Low Voltage Lines Bare High Voltage Lines up to and including 33 kv Comment 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 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. 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. 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.

29 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 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.

30

31 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 Page 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.

32 HORIZON POWER SECTION 4 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

33 HORIZON POWER SECTION 5 Page 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.

34

35 HORIZON POWER SECTION 6 Page 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. (includes verge area of Main Road reserves under control of local authority) a) in road reserve : - Supply Authority b) on adjacent land:- Occupier 1 a) in road reserve :- Local Authority 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 Occupier 1 Occupier Private Line (beyond meter) Supply Authority line on private property Supply Authority line in national parks, state forest, nature reserves, conservation parks or other Class A, B or C reserves Supply Authority line in a Main Road Reserve Other Crown Land not previously specified Special Areas by specific agreement Occupier Supply Authority Supply Authority, or by Special Agreement Supply Authority Supply Authority As agreed Occupier Occupier Managing Authority, or Managing body if leased or vested to non-government organisation Main Roads WA or as agreed with the Supply Authority Lessor or organisation with vested interest, otherwise Managing Authority 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.

36 HORIZON POWER SECTION 6 Page 6-2 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

37 HORIZON POWER SECTION 7 Page 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.

38 HORIZON POWER SECTION 7 Page 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

39 HORIZON POWER SECTION 8 Page 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 Extreme and High Fire Risk Areas Three phase Rural and Low to Moderate Fire Risk Areas Single phase Rural and Low to Moderate Fire Risk Areas Transmission Lines 6 monthly 6 monthly 6 monthly 12 monthly 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

40 HORIZON POWER SECTION 9 Page 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, nonresidual 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 AS Pruning of Amenity Trees, recommendations on clearing methods

41 HORIZON POWER SECTION 9 Page 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 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. 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 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.

42 HORIZON POWER SECTION 9 Page 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 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 / Summer November 30 Midlands Midwest / Gascoyne Spring August 30 Pilbara Spring & August 30 Kimberley Summer 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.