Standards Australia releases new electricity network safety standard

Standards Australia has announced the publication of a new Australian Standard for electricity network safety management systems.

“The new standard provides a national framework for the harmonisation of energy safety systems, which is an important step forward for workplace and community safety,” said Colin Blair, Chief Executive Officer, Standards Australia.

“For example, the effective management of vegetation in the vicinity of power-lines is a key component of the standard, as it reduces the risk of disruption to energy supply and the likelihood of catastrophic bushfire,” Blair said.

The standard follows a January 2012 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on Energy Supply Industry Safety, when Commonwealth, state and territory first ministers agreed to progress the national harmonisation of energy technical and safety regulation across Australia.

“This standard will result in a safer, more reliable and more cost-efficient energy network,” Blair said.

The standard - AS 5577-2013 Electricity network safety management systems - was developed by Technical Committee EN-004 comprising: Australian Pipeline Industry Association; Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union; Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism; Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council; ElectroComms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council; Energy Networks Association; Grid Australia; and National Electrical and Communications Association.