Close Approach Consent Application

Electricity is a serious hazard - overhead power lines can carry high voltages, up to 66,000 volts. The general public must remain at least four (4) metres from overhead lines. This applies to the lines, not the power pole. Some work requires people or machinery to get closer than four (4) metres from power lines. This requires a Close Approach Consent from MainPower.

How to apply for a Close Approach Consent

Step 1: Read 'Close Approach to Power Lines' to learn more about your responsibilities as a consent holder and the dangers associated with electricity. Please ensure all relevant people in your organisation are aware of these hazards and requirements.

Download the document here

Step 2: The responsible person on site must complete (and pass) MainPower's online training course and assessment. We strongly recommend anyone else involved with your close approach work also undertakes this assessment.

Once you have successfully passed the test, you will receive a unique link to apply online for a Close Approach Consent (minimum two working days’ notice). This link will be valid for two years. Please keep this in safe place for the two-year period. Contact NSR@mainpower.co.nz if you haven’t received it after completing the test.

Disclaimer:

It is your responsibility to reapply prior to the expiry of your link.
MainPower NZ Ltd will not be sending out any reminders prior to your link expiration date.

YOU MUST SCORE 85% OR BETTER TO PASS.

Please enter your first name, last name and email address into the fields below.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Confirm Email Address*

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Which of the following statements about electricity are TRUE? (select all that apply)

Electricity can cause serious harm to people and damage machinery

Higher voltages can jump a larger distance from the lines into anything conductive nearby

High voltage electricity can jump through the air into anything which gets too close to the line

Electricity is generally safe to work around if it's "low voltage"

The human body, vehicles, machinery, and tools can all conduct electricity

Please select at least one answer for this question

What are the effects of high voltage electricity on the human body? (select the three correct answers)

Severe burns, both internal and external

Loss of consciousness and muscular paralysis

Cardiac arrest or cardiac fibrillation

A tingling sensation, but you are normally alright afterwards

Please select at least one answer for this question

How close is the general public allowed to get to power lines (without special permission)?

4 metres below the lines

4 metres vertically and 2 metres horizontally

4 metres in any direction, never directly above the lines

As close as they feel they can be safely

Please select an answer for this question

Which parts of the power line does this safe distance apply to? (select the two correct answers)

The pole or support structure

The overhead wires (conductor) and other metal parts attached to them

Plastic insulated cables running down into the ground

The live parts of pole-mounted equipment like switchgear, fuses, and transformers

Please select at least one answer for this question

You must apply for a Close Approach Consent from MainPower when: (select the four correct answers)

Working closer than 4 metres to the power lines, poles and supporting structures

Operating machinery which could come within 4 metres of the power lines

Cutting trees or branches which could pass within 4 metres of power lines

Driving a car or truck down a public road beneath power lines (without a high load)

Digging near underground power cables or communication cables

Please select at least one answer for this question

Why does MainPower specify a Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) on their consent? (select the three correct answers)

To comply with industry regulations for electrical safe distances

To ensure anyone working close to our lines has appropriate knowledge of the risks

To keep you and other members of the public safe, and protect our overhead network from damage

To prevent people from approaching the lines too often

Please select at least one answer for this question

What could happen if you infringe upon the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD)?

Serious harm to yourself and those around you, power cuts, liability for any damage caused

Nothing - provided you don't actually touch the lines

Some minor sparking and buzzing

Please select an answer for this question

Who is at risk if you get too close to live power lines?

Just the person who got too close

Nobody - power lines aren't able to cause harm

The person who's too close, anyone else who is nearby at the time, and people who are medically dependant on the supply of electricity

Please select an answer for this question

What are the responsibilities of the person receiving the Close Approach Consent? (select the three correct answers)

Must plan and organise the work schedule

Must be on-site at all times while the work is being undertaken

Must be contactable by MainPower at all times while the work progresses

Must ensure all other persons on site are aware of the electrical hazards

Please select at least one answer for this question

What must you do if there is a risk of breaching the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) listed on your consent?

Carry on with the job and be extra careful while near the power lines

Stop work entirely for the day

Take steps to control the risk. This could include using a safety observer, specialised machinery, or having MainPower turn off the power

Request a further reduction in the minimum approach distance

Please select an answer for this question

If you make contact with any part of the overhead lines and associated equipment, but no damage has occurred, what action must you take?

Nothing - everything looks alright and MainPower doesn't need to know

Call MainPower later that day and tell them what happened

Email MainPower and tell them what happened

Call MainPower immediately, your safety and the safety of others could depend on it

Please select an answer for this question

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Close Approach Consent Application

How to apply for a Close Approach Consent