Temporary power on a construction site involves more than one set of requirements. AS/NZS 3000 addresses electrical installations; AS/NZS 3012 addresses construction and demolition sites. Network requirements and Queensland electrical safety duties also apply to the work.
This is an explanation of the different responsibilities, not an installation design or a certificate that a particular site complies. The responsible licensed electrical contractor must determine the requirements for the actual equipment and work.
Does hiring a tested pole make the entire site compliant?
No. Our temporary poles are built and tested by licensed electricians before delivery. The equipment connected on site, the way leads are used, changing work areas and ongoing checks still need management by the people responsible for the site.
Keep the pole and its supports clear and report damage. Do not alter the pole, meter box, electrical connections or stays yourself. The stayed-pole installation guide explains the space our equipment needs.
Hire-company testing and site testing are different
WorkSafe Queensland describes six-monthly inspection and testing requirements for hire equipment and explains that the business using it may have additional duties. A hire test label does not establish one universal testing schedule for everything on a construction site. See WorkSafe's hiring electrical equipment guidance.
Fixed and portable safety switches, connected tools and site activities need the applicable checks. Ask a competent person or licensed electrical contractor to set out which equipment is checked, by whom and when. Keep the records available. WorkSafe's testing and tagging guidance is a starting point for that discussion.
Are the stay dimensions an electrical exclusion zone?
No. The 2 m stay-anchor radius and 3 m working-clearance guide describe our standard stayed-pole layout. They do not authorise work a particular distance from a powerline.
Where work may enter a powerline exclusion zone, obtain the required assessment and advice before starting. Energex's Safety Advice process explains how to obtain written advice. Raise scaffold, cranes and other nearby work during site planning.
Does every temporary pole need stays?
Our currently available overhead temporary poles use three stays. Stayless designs use a different engineered support arrangement; it is inaccurate to say every possible temporary pole must have three stays. Our own stayless option is coming soon and cannot yet be hired. Its final dimensions will be published when confirmed.
Who handles the connection?
We install the quoted configuration, arrange the Connect Application and lodge the EWR at the required stages. Our electricians carry out the required connection work and their visits are charged separately. The network connection and retailer metering are distinct from delivering the pole.
For practical preparation, use the temporary-power site checklist. For the available configurations and current prices, see temporary power pole hire.
About the author
Doug, Owner & Director
Doug and Deb purchased Poles and Holes in 2002 as its third owners. Doug is the owner and director of the Capalaba business, which was established in 1960 and supplies temporary power poles, portable toilets and site security cameras.
