Issc3: Guide For The Management of Vegetation in The Vicinity of Electricity Assets

ISSC3
Guide for the Management of Vegetation in

the Vicinity of Electricity Assets
A set of requirements for the management of the

risks associated with the impact of vegetation on
Electricity Assets for the benefit of public safety,
community amenity and electricity supply reliability.
November 2016
Title: ISSC3 Guide for the Management of Vegetation in the Vicinity of Electricity Assets
Issue Date: November 2016 Page 1 of 35
1 Name ................................................................................................................................. 4
2 Commencement ............................................................................................................. 4
3 Revision History .................................................................................................................. 4
4 Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 5
5 Purpose of Guide.............................................................................................................. 8
6 Scope and Application of Guide .................................................................................. 8
6.1 Scope ......................................................................................................................... 8

6.2 Exclusions.................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 Application ................................................................................................................ 9
7 Legislative and Regulatory Framework ....................................................................... 11
7.1 Safely Working Near Power Lines.......................................................................... 11

7.2 Vegetation Management Obligations and Rights ............................................ 11
7.3 Notification and Consent Requirements ............................................................. 12
7.4 Limitations of Exemptions ....................................................................................... 13
7.5 Interim Protection Orders ....................................................................................... 14
8 Contributions and Disclaimer ....................................................................................... 15
8.1 Contributors ............................................................................................................. 15

8.2 Disclaimer ................................................................................................................. 15
Schedule 1 .............................................................................................................................. 16
Vegetation Management: Clearance and Hazard Management Requirements ..... 16
S1 - 1 Specific Clearance Requirements.................................................................... 17

S1 - 1.1 General ............................................................................................................. 17
S1 - 1.2 Overhead Line Conductors ........................................................................... 17
S1 - 1.3 Poles .................................................................................................................. 20
S1 - 1.4 Towers................................................................................................................ 20
S1 - 1.5 Kiosk Substations and Switching Cubicles.................................................... 21
S1 - 1.6 Major Substations............................................................................................ 21
S1 - 1.7 Street Lighting Luminaires ............................................................................... 22
S1 - 1.8 Waterway Crossing Warning Signs ................................................................ 23
S1 - 2 Vegetation Hazard Management Cycles ....................................................... 24
S1 - 3 Vegetation Hazard Remediation...................................................................... 24
S1 - 3.1 General ............................................................................................................. 24
S1 - 3.2 Minimum Clearing Requirements .................................................................. 25
S1 - 3.3 Bushfire Danger Period Preparedness .......................................................... 25
S1 - 3.4 Fall-in Vegetation Hazards ............................................................................. 26
S1 - 3.5 Hazard Remediation Prioritisation ................................................................. 26
S1 - 3.6 Special Circumstances and Exceptions ....................................................... 26
S1 - 3.6.1 Protected areas, vulnerable lands and environmental heritage ...... 26
S1 - 3.6.2 Bush Fire Prone Areas ................................................................................ 27
S1 - 3.7 Vegetation above Conductors and “Clear to the Sky” risk reduction
strategy. ........................................................................................................................... 27
Schedule 2 .............................................................................................................................. 29
Vegetation Clearance Principles for Power Lines ............................................................ 29
S2 - 1 Minimum Vegetation Clearances for Power Lines ......................................... 30

S2 - 1.1 General ............................................................................................................. 30
S2 - 1.2 Minimum Vegetation Clearances – Principles ............................................ 30
S2 - 1.3 Electrical Clearance ....................................................................................... 30
S2 - 1.4 Conductor Sag ................................................................................................ 31
S2 - 1.5 Conductor Blowout ......................................................................................... 31
S2 - 1.6 Insulator Swing ................................................................................................. 33
S2 - 1.7 Conductor Type & Tension ............................................................................. 33
S2 - 1.8 Conductor Temperature ................................................................................ 33
S2 - 1.9 Conductor Clearance Envelope – at a point ............................................. 34
S2 - 1.10 Conductor Clearance Envelope – along the line .................................. 34
1 Name
This Guide is called the “Guide for the Management of Vegetation in the Vicinity of
Electricity Supply Infrastructure”, and has been written for the purposes of assisting
Network Operators achieve the safety requirements specified in the NSW Electricity
Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW) and Australian
Standard (AS) 5577 “Electricity Network Safety Management Systems” 2013.
2 Commencement
This Guide comes into effect as an interim Guide following its publication in
November 2016. It supersedes the previous ISSC3 Guideline for the Management of
Vegetation in the Vicinity of Power Lines (2005). At the time of publication the
Committee is aware of developments in other States, and pending finalisation of a
NSW Coronial Inquiry, that may necessitate further amendment to this Guide. When
these matters are clarified the Guide will be reassessed and updated as necessary
prior to its issue as a final Guide.
3 Revision History
This Guide was first published by the Department of Minerals and Energy as the
“Guidelines for Tree Planting and Maintaining Safety Clearances near Power Lines”
in 1983.
The Electricity Council of New South Wales updated the Second Edition 1990 in
February 1992: “Guide to Tree Planting and Maintaining Safety Clearances near
Power Lines - EC 3”.
The Electricity Association of NSW (EA of NSW) published a revised guide ISSC3 on
behalf of The Industry Safety Steering Committee (ISSC) in October 1996.
In July 2002, the Minister for Energy reconstituted the ISSC following the ‘winding up’
of the EA of NSW, and the newly formed ISSC, under the secretariat and
chairmanship of the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability a revised
version of the document was released in 2005.
In February 2015, the ISSC reconvened a Working Group to review the content of the
Guide with respect to industry changes throughout Australia and the progressive
introduction of new vegetation management techniques. This updated document
“Guide for the Management of Vegetation near Electricity Supply Infrastructure”
was released in November 2016.
4 Definitions
ALARP As Low as Reasonably Practicable: the level of risk that is tolerable

and cannot be reduced further without the expenditure of cost,
time and/or effort that is disproportionate to the benefit gained or
where the solution is impractical to implement.
Bushfire The statutory Bushfire Danger Period as defined by the RFS which is
Danger Period nominally between October 1st to March 31st each year, but may
vary from year to year and in specific locations due to local
conditions.
Bushfire Prone An area of land that can support a bush fire or is likely to be
Area subject to bush fire attack, as designated on a Bush Fire Prone
land map. A Bushfire Prone Area may also be defined by the
Network Operator utilising data, advice and mapping information
provided by the RFS or other available relevant sources.
Bushfire Risk An assessment of the fire risk in the context of the operation of
Assessment Electricity Assets as determined by the Network Operator utilising
data, advice and information provided by relevant sources.
Bushfire risk assessments may be used to define the various levels
of risk within a Bushfire Prone Area to determine treatments and
priorities.
Clearing The clearing requirement is the sum of the Minimum Vegetation
Requirement Clearance and the regrowth allowance. It is the expected
outcome immediately after the vegetation Hazard Management
Cycle has been carried out.
Electricity For the purposes of the Guide, the above ground electrical assets
Assets of an Electricity Supply Distribution Network (including supporting
and related infrastructure such as warning signs) which can be
interfered with or affected by vegetation to the extent of creating
a hazard.
This may include assets under private or public ownership, and
includes customer-owned connection assets.
Electricity The Electricity Assets that are used to convey and control the
Supply supply of electricity to or from the premises of customers (i.e.
Distribution consumers or generators).
Network In NSW this typically includes electricity supply assets that operate
up to and including a voltage level of 132kV.
Fall-in Visually defective vegetation (which is vegetation that is dead,
Vegetation dying and appears structurally unsound as identified from the
Hazard perspective of the Network Asset as far as it is reasonably
practicable to do so), that is outside the minimum Clearing
Requirement distances from Electricity Assets and which may
require pruning, cutting, or removal to obviate the risk of it falling,
dropping, and contacting the assets.
Grow-in Vegetation within the stated Minimum Vegetation Clearances for

Vegetation any asset described within this Guide.
Hazard
Hazard In the opinion of the Network Operator, after consideration of the
Management regrowth allowance due to predicted environmental factors, the
Cycle time required between return visits to areas to cut vegetation that
enables maintenance of the Minimum Vegetation Clearance
without trimming vegetation beyond that which is acceptable to
the community. The objective of the Hazard Management Cycle
is to avoid any encroachment into the Minimum Vegetation
Clearance between cuttings as far as is reasonably practicable.
ISSC Industry Safety Steering Committee
Minimum The minimum clearance area surrounding an asset which as far as
Vegetation reasonably practicable is kept free of all vegetation in
Clearance accordance with the requirements of this Guide.
Network For the purposes of this guide the entity that has responsibility for
Operator the safe and reliable operation of an Electricity Distribution Supply
Network in NSW, or its authorised representative.
The Network Operator may or may not be the owner of the
Electricity Assets, but will have legal responsibility for their safe
operation in accordance with the Electricity Supply (Safety and
Network Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW) and other relevant
legislation.
Non Bushfire All areas not classified as a Bushfire Prone Area.
Prone Area
Regrowth The additional clearance allowance required that is added to the
Allowance Minimum Vegetation Clearance, as determined by the Network
Operator, to prevent vegetation regrowth incursions into the
Minimum Vegetation Clearance between Hazard Management
Cycles.
RFS Rural Fires Service of NSW
Transmission The electricity supply assets that typically operate at voltage
System levels at or above 132kV, and whose operation is undertaken by a
licenced Transmission Network Service Provider in NSW.
5 Purpose of Guide
The purpose of this Guide is to provide a minimum standard for the management of
vegetation in the vicinity of electricity supply infrastructure in NSW. The content of
this Guide has been developed to assist in the fulfilling of a Network Operator’s
obligations pertaining to:
• The safety of the public, and persons near or working on the network
including the maintenance of electrical safety clearances;
• The protection of property and Electricity Assets;
• Protection of the environment, including protection from ignition of fires; and
• Continuity of electricity supply.
This Guide is intended to provide a minimum requirement for the establishment and
maintenance of vegetation clearances from electricity supply infrastructure in order
to achieve and maintain currently accepted levels of safety, risk and reliability
performance of electricity supply networks.
Variation from the specific clearance requirements in this Guide may be at the
discretion of the Network Operator on the basis that an alternative risk management
outcome has been determined to be consistent with the risk outcomes of this Guide.
6 Scope and Application of Guide
6.1 Scope
This Guide applies specifically to all Electricity Assets in NSW that are associated with
an Electricity Supply Distribution Network, whether they are publicly or privately
owned and/or operated.
It outlines the vegetation management requirements to be applied in the vicinity of
Electricity Assets in the absence of a comprehensive site-specific risk assessment.
It is applicable to the following Electricity Assets:
• Overhead power lines;
• Poles, towers and other power line support structures;
• Kiosk Substations / Switching Stations;
• Electricity supply substations and associated infrastructure and related
fenced areas;
• Network Operator communication cables attached to power line support
structures;
• Street Lighting Luminaires (for the purposes of protection of the asset); and
• Waterway warning signs advising of overhead power line crossings.
6.2 Exclusions
This Guide does not specifically apply to transmission electricity supply assets (as may
be operated by a TNSP), although they may be instructive for the management of
some aspects of transmission electricity supply assets.
This Guide does not apply to the following circumstances, assets, or vegetation
management requirements.
• Electricity network asset corridor clearing beyond the minimum Clearing
Requirement for the purposes of efficient long term corridor management;
and
• Any third party communication cables not owned by a licenced network
operator but are installed on power line support structures where the use of
the structure by a third party is based on a formal joint-use agreement.
6.3 Application
The requirements of this Guide are applicable to the maintenance of existing
electricity supply infrastructure that has been constructed and is available for
service. It is not applicable to the management of vegetation during the design and
construction phase of new assets, which is provided for by the associated planning
and construction approvals for those assets.
This Guide:
• Outlines the clearance requirements for vegetation management adjacent to
Electricity Assets belonging to a Network Operator;
• Provides a standard set of vegetation clearances to be maintained for
vegetation in the vicinity of Electricity Assets; and
• Maintains the risk of vegetation contact and human contact with live electricity
supply assets at levels consistent with current public safety requirements,
regulatory safety obligations, and community expectations.
The requirements of this Guide have been determined to provide the minimum risk
outcomes required in the management of hazards arising from vegetation in the
vicinity of Electricity Assets in the absence of site-specific vegetation hazard related
risk assessments. They are based on empirically–determined hazard remediation
requirements that also provide for ensuring the amenity of vegetation is maintained
consistent with community expectations.
The onus remains at all times on a Network Operator to assess and understand the
risks from the proximity of vegetation to their electricity supply assets relevant to their
particular operational and environmental circumstances and to take any necessary
action to address these risks consistent with regulatory obligations and community
expectations.
This Guide is to be read and applied in conjunction with any other codes, guides,
standards and legislation relevant to NSW Vegetation Clearance Requirements.
Schedule 1 - Vegetation Management: Clearance and Hazard Management

Requirements provides specific vegetation clearances that reflect current
vegetation management practice in NSW commensurate with the present
understanding of public safety, risk management, operational efficiency, vegetation
amenity expectations, and statutory obligations.
Alternate vegetation clearance requirements to those outlined in this Schedule may
be applied to achieve an improved risk position, better safety outcomes, enhanced
network reliability outcomes, improved community amenity, or operational
efficiency.
Should a Network Operator choose to apply clearances different from those
provided in Schedule 1, it should only do so on the basis of a comparative risk
assessment against the risk outcomes generated by the Schedule 1 clearances and
having determined that any such variation does not introduce a lesser public safety
and risk outcome than that achieved by adhering to the requirements of
Schedule 1.
Further, it is recognised that the clearances provided in Schedule 1 may not cover
every situation. Where this is the case, the onus is on the Network Operator to
determine a vegetation clearance risk treatment approach that yields equivalent or
improved risk and safety outcomes generated by the clearances provided in
Schedule 1. To assist in this, Schedule 2 has been provided.
Schedule 2 - Vegetation Clearance Principles contains the principles on which the

vegetation clearance standards have been determined, based on relevant
Australian Standards, industry experience, scientific and empirical evidence.
The Network Operator is to ensure that the principles in this schedule are applied in
conjunction with other requirements such as those contained in relevant codes,
regulations, or standards when developing clearance requirements not provided in
Schedule 1.
7 Legislative and Regulatory Framework
7.1 Safely Working Near Power Lines

The trimming, cutting or removal of vegetation near Electricity Assets as required
under this Guide must be done in a manner that protects the health and safety of
persons performing inspection, trimming and removal activities. All works undertaken
for the trimming and removal of vegetation within the approach distances defined
in the WorkCover Code of Practice1 shall be conducted by accredited persons in
accordance with the relevant “Electrical Safety Rules” of the Network Operator,
relevant company safe work method policies and procedures, and the following
instruments:
• WorkCover Code of Practice “Work Near Overhead Power Lines 2006” noting
the specific exclusion in Chapter 5 for Network Operators based on the
instruments further below;
• ENA 023-2009 “Guideline for Safe Vegetation Management near Overhead
Lines”;
• AS 4373 (2007) “Pruning of Amenity Trees”; and
• Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW).
7.2 Vegetation Management Obligations and Rights
Network Operators must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the design,
construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of its network are
safe2. Safety management is a key requirement in all vegetation management
activities.
The Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW)
refers to AS 5577 “Electricity Network Safety Management Systems” to define the
fundamental principles to be considered in the development of a Network Safety
Management System.
AS 5577 states that “the Network Operator cannot delegate its accountability for
the safety and integrity of the electricity network” including for vegetation
management to any other individual or party.
The three main instruments that outline a Network Operators obligations associated
with managing the risk of vegetation contact or proximity to electrical assets are:
1 WorkCover Code of Practice “Work Near Overhead Power Lines 2006”

2 Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW)
• Electricity Supply Regulation (Safety and Network Management) 2014 (NSW)
• Work Health Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
• Code of Practice - Electricity Transmission and Distribution Asset Management
These three instruments require the Network Operator to have systems in place to
manage the safety, reliability and fire risks associated with their networks, as well as
the health and safety of its workers and the general public due to the operation of
the network, to levels which are ALARP.
While management of safety risk is the key objective of The Electricity Supply
Regulation (Safety and Network Management) 2014 (NSW), Part 5 of the regulation
provides requirements regulating the removal and trimming of trees by Network
Operators so as to minimise damage to or destruction of trees growing under or near
Network Assets. In particular section 36 states:
• a Network Operator must not remove any tree, or trim any tree in a way that
substantially damages the tree unless it is necessary for protection of the
Network Assets or the safety of persons or property under or near the Network
Assets; and
• the Network Operator has considered alternative methods and is of the
opinion none of those methods are feasible (including being economically
feasible) in the circumstances; and
• the Network Operator is acting in accordance with a tree management plan.
The requirements for tree management plans and associated consultation with
councils and the public are detailed in the above regulation, Section 37 and Section
38 respectively.
In addition to the general requirements for preservation of trees, further notification
requirements and limitations are detailed below including those relevant to heritage
listed items, critical habitats, wilderness areas, coastal wetlands, littoral rainforests
and national parks.
7.3 Notification and Consent Requirements
The notification and consent requirements for Network Operators to implement their
relevant Safety Management Systems in relation to vegetation management are
stated in the following four instruments:
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (NSW) (ISEPP)
• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)
• Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1997 (NSW)
• Electricity Supply Act 1995 (NSW)
These provide Network Operators with a range of exclusive powers to manage their
obligations outlined in this guide.
The ISEPP and National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)(NP&W Act) both define a
number of activities as “exempt developments” and “routine agricultural
management activities” respectively. This therefore excludes vegetation
management for the management of risk under this guideline by Network Operators
from a range of requirements that would normally be imposed.
These exemptions are however bound by a number of limitations (as outlined in
Clause 7.4 Limitations of Exemptions) to ensure the impact to the environment and
community are minimised to the extent reasonably necessary to manage the risks
from vegetation hazards.
Vegetation management work defined as an “exempt development” or “routine
agricultural management activity” is not required to obtain consent from any parties
and/or landowners.
Under clause 43(1)(k) of the ISEPP any vegetation management complying with a
tree management plan prepared in accordance with clause 37 of the Electricity
Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW) that is within the
limits of the legislations may be carried out without consent on any land (excluding
the limitations defined in clause 7.4).
The Electricity Supply Act 1995 (NSW) provides further clarification as to the
responsibility, cost allocation and powers of entry associated with the management
of vegetation in the proximity to Network Operators electrical assets. Clauses in the
Electricity Supply Act 1995 (NSW) relevant to these topics include:
• Division 2 “Power and Duties of Network Operators and Retailers”, Section 48
“Interference with Electricity Works by Trees”
• Division 2A “Special Powers for bushfire prevention”
• Division 3 “Powers of Entry”
7.4 Limitations of Exemptions
As per the ISEPP clause 41(2)(b) the exemption defined in clause 7.3 are only
applicable to existing or established assets.
Additionally, as per the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) the
exemptions defined in clause 7.3 are also not applicable if the land on which the
vegetation management is proposed to be undertaken is classified as:
• a critical habitat of endangered species, populations and ecological
communities (as defined in Part 3 of the Threatened Species Conservation
Act); or
• is, or is part of, a wilderness area (as defined in the Wilderness Act 1987 (NSW)
or the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW).
Further to these limitations, any vegetation management proposed within the
following regions shall be limited to the minimum possible extent reasonably
necessary to carry out the required vegetation management work and shall involve
no more than the minimum impact on such land or heritage areas, such as
• Land covered by State Environmental Planning Policy No 14 – Coastal
Wetlands (NSW);
• Land covered by State Environmental Planning Policy No 26 – Littoral
Rainforests (NSW);
• Land covered by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW); and
• A State or local heritage item or a heritage conservation area.
The exemptions within National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)(NP&W Act) for
“routine agricultural management activities” is not applicable to land referred to in
Part 3 (Urban Areas) of Schedule 1 of the Native Vegetation Act 2003.
7.5 Interim Protection Orders
In addition to the above requirements any work associated with land subject to an
interim protection order (as defined in Division 2 of the National Parks and Wildlife
Act) shall adhere to the orders requirements / limitations.
8 Contributions and Disclaimer
8.1 Contributors
In the development of this Guide, the following parties are represented on the
committee:
• NSW Electricity Distributors
o Essential Energy
o Endeavour Energy
o Ausgrid
• NSW Government Agencies
o Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development, NSW
(Department of Industry)
Whilst due care has been exercised in the compilation of this Guideline, much of the
content has been sourced externally to the ISSC and the Department of Industry.
The Department of Industry cannot accept responsibility for the content.
8.2 Disclaimer
This Guide has been prepared on the basis that the user will be appropriately
trained, qualified, authorised and competent.
This Guide does not purport to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes and
regulations, such as work health and safety laws. Users shall satisfy themselves as to
the requirements of all relevant laws.
Schedule 1
Vegetation Management:
Clearance and Hazard
Management Requirements
S1 - 1 Specific Clearance Requirements
S1 - 1.1 General
The vegetation hazard reduction clearances provided in this Schedule have been
empirically derived based on the experience of the electricity distribution supply
industry in NSW.
They represent the current industry understanding of the vegetation hazard
reduction requirements in order to manage the risk to a level that is consistent with
overall community expectations regarding public safety, environmental amenity
and operational efficiency.
They represent a deterministic standard of vegetation hazard management
requirements in order to meet these expectations.
Additional clearances may be required to meet specific operational, maintenance
and performance requirements of Network Assets, or to mitigate specific risk
conditions as determined by the Network Operator.
S1 - 1.2 Overhead Line Conductors

The Minimum Vegetation Clearances are given in Table 1 below.
In the event that the clearances provided in Table 1 do not provide guidance in
relation to the voltage rating, construction or span length for a given span within the
network, the Network Operator will determine acceptable minimum clearances or
any other actions required in order to achieve the objectives of this Guide and
attain a level of risk consistent with that provided for by the clearances specified.
Where different clearances are specified for above and below the conductor
compared to horizontal to the conductor, a rectangular clearance window shall be
maintained bounded by these clearances, unless the Network Operator has
determined a different profile that yields the same minimum risk outcomes.
Any vegetation found within these clearances shall be treated as being subject to a
Grow-in Vegetation Hazard and remediated in accordance with the requirements
of this Guide.
In addition to the minimum vegetation clearances defined in Table 1, all overhead
lines shall also be assessed for the requirements stated in Section S1 - 3.7: Vegetation
above Conductors and “Clear to the Sky” risk reduction strategy.
Further, the clearances given in Table 1 shall be increased by 0.5m for situations
where there are overhead bare conductor power lines in Bushfire Prone Areas.
Table 1 Minimum Vegetation Clearances (in metres) for span lengths 0 to 300m
An additional 0.5m clearance is to be added to all bare conductor clearances for bush
fire prone areas
Span Length (X metres)
Conductor Clearance Portion of
Voltage 50 < X ≤ 100 < X 200 < X
Type Profile Span X ≤ 50
100 ≤ 200 ≤ 300
All First &
1.5 3.5
Bare directions Last 1/6th
1.0 1.0
Conductor from any
conductor Middle 2/3rd 2.5 4.0
All First &

Covered directions Last 1/6th
LV 0.5 0.5
Conductors3 from any
conductor Middle 2/3rd
All First &

0.5
Insulated directions Last 1/6th
0.5 0.5 1.0
Conductors² from any
conductor Middle 2/3rd 1.0
Bare All First &

1.5 2.0 4.0
Conductors directions Last 1/6th
1.5
(not including from any
steel) conductor Middle 2/3rd 2.5 3.5 5.0
All First &

HV Aerial 0.5
11 - directions Last 1/6th
22kV Bundled 0.5 0.5 1.0
from any
Cables Middle 2/3rd 1.0
conductor
All First &
Covered
directions Last 1/6th
Conductor 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
from any
Thick (CCT)1 Middle 2/3rd
conductor
All First &
1.5 2.0
11 - Steel directions Last 1/6th
1.5 1.5
33kV Conductor from any
conductor Middle 2/3rd 2.5 4.0
Bare All First &

2.0 3.0 4.5
33 - Conductors directions Last 1/6th
2.0
66kV (not including from any
Bare All First &
3.0 3.5 5.5
Conductors directions Last 1/6th
132kV 3.0
(not including from any
Notes:
1) CCT clearances have been increased to 1.0m to ensure electrical safety clearances are
maintained.
2) Includes nominated communication cables owned by Network Operators (e.g. optic fibre,
pilot wire etc.) but excludes third party communications cables.
3) For LV Covered Conductor spans in excess of 100m, the requirements for Bare Conductors
shall apply
Table 2 Minimum Vegetation Clearances (in metres) for span lengths 300m to 600m
An additional 0.5m clearance is to be added to all bare conductor clearances for bush
fire prone areas.
Span Length (X metres)

Conductor Clearance Portion of
Voltage 300 < X ≤ 400 < X ≤ 500 < X ≤
Type Profile Span
400 500 600
First &
Horizontal 4.0 5.5 8.0
Aluminium Last 1/6th
from any
Conductor
conductor Middle 2/3rd 7.0 9.5 12.5
11 - 22kV Steel
Reinforced
Above &
(ACSR)
Below any Entire Span 5.0 5.0 5.0
conductor
First &
from any
Conductor
33 - 66kV Steel
Reinforced
Above &
(ACSR)
conductor
First &
from any
Conductor
132kV Steel
Reinforced
Above &
(ACSR)
conductor
First &
Last 1/6th
from any
Steel conductor Middle 2/3rd 6.0 8.5 11.0
11-33kV
Conductor
Above &
conductor
Note:
The clearances in Table 2 have been based on the experience gained through the application of
the clearances outlined in Table 1 and expanded for application to spans greater than 300m.
S1 - 1.3 Poles
In addition to The Minimum Vegetation Clearance requirements that apply in the
proximity of the conductors, a minimum clearance of 2 m is to be achieved in all
directions around a pole irrespective of the material from which the pole is made.
Figure 1. Vegetation clearance requirements around poles
S1 - 1.4 Towers
In addition to the Minimum Vegetation Clearance requirements that apply in the
proximity of the conductors, a minimum clearance of 3 m is to be achieved in all
directions around the structure of a tower or a 12m radius from the centre of the
tower, whichever is greater.
Figure 2. Vegetation clearance requirements around towers
S1 - 1.5 Kiosk Substations and Switching Cubicles
Kiosk substations and switching cubicles shall have no vegetation within the
easement or specified buffer zones other than maintained lawns or grasses, or
where the Network Operator has determined that the vegetation, due to its type,
is not considered a hazard and does not impede access to the assets.
There shall be no vegetation overhanging the assets within 2 m of the top of the
cubicle.
For kiosk substations and switching cubicles without a formal easement (e.g. those
installed in the road verge) the vegetation shall be cleared to a minimum of 1 m
horizontally and 2 m above the cubicle.
Figure 3. Vegetation clearance requirements around Kiosks and Cubicles
S1 - 1.6 Major Substations

Major substations and ground distribution substations and related installations that
have exposed outdoor electrical equipment shall have a minimum 3 m
vegetation clearance surrounding the external fence.
Additionally, major substations with live exposed outdoor electrical equipment
(e.g. air insulated busbars) shall have the 3 m clearance extended clear to the sky
in accordance with the principles outlined in Section S1 - 3.7 . Major substations
with no live exposed outdoor equipment shall have adjacent vegetation cleared
to a height that prevents unauthorised access to within the fenced area and is
not necessarily required to have this vegetation cleared to the sky.
All assets with live exposed outdoor electrical equipment shall also be inspected
for Fall-in Vegetation Hazards, and any hazards identified remediated in
accordance with the requirements of this Guide.
Major substations in Bush Fire Prone areas shall have a total 10 m asset protection
zone established surrounding the boundary fence, where only maintained lawn or
grasses are permitted.
Figure 4. Vegetation clearance requirements around Major Substations
S1 - 1.7 Street Lighting Luminaires

For the purpose of protection of the asset, Street light luminaires shall have a
minimum of 2 m of vegetation clearance in all directions, except above the
luminaire where a minimum of 1 m is required.
1m 1m
2m 2m 2m 2m
2m 2m
Figure 5. Vegetation clearance requirements around Street Lights
S1 - 1.8 Waterway Crossing Warning Signs
In accordance with the Crossings of NSW Navigable Waters: Electricity Industry
Code, Waterway crossing signs are to be visible to operators of watercraft to
make them aware of the potential hazard at least 100m from the crossing. This is
to enable the operators sufficient time and distance to manoeuvre the watercraft
away from the crossing if necessary. This distance may need to be greater
depending on the prevailing local conditions (e.g. topography, winds and
currents).
To facilitate this, the Minimum Safe Clearance for waterway crossing signs is to be
such that the entire face of the sign is visible to operators of watercraft:
• from any point on the waterway at least 100m from the sign.
• from water level to 5 metres above the surface of the water.
Any vegetation that is encroaching or, due to regrowth, will encroach or is likely to
obscure the view of the sign prior to the next Hazard Management Cycle shall be
cleared. Care is to be exercised that vegetation removal will not lead to erosion
which jeopardises the stability of the sign.
Figure 6. Vegetation clearance requirements for Waterway Crossing Warning Signs
Particular attention should be given to ensuring that the trimming of vegetation

associated with waterway crossing signs complies with any specific requirements
of environmental protection legislation such as the Environmental Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), Threatened Species Conservation Act
1995 (NSW) and the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW). For example, an
exemption permit may be required under Section 205A of the Fisheries
Management Act 1994 (NSW), to allow mangrove clearing works for maintaining
the visibility of waterway crossing warning signs, maintenance of access tracks,
etc.
Where the environmental impacts outweigh the assessed reduction in risk to
navigation from visibility of waterway crossing warning signs, it may be
appropriate to consider a reduction in the amount of vegetation clearing,
particularly in situations where signage is an optional risk treatment in accordance
with the Crossings of NSW Navigable Waters: Electricity Industry Code or this
Guide.
S1 - 2 Vegetation Hazard Management Cycles

A Network Operator shall develop and implement a system for the routine
inspection, identification, and remediation of vegetation hazards.
Cyclic processes are to be established in accordance with vegetation growth
cycles and other factors pertinent to the assets and the environment in which
they are domiciled.
Hazard Management Cycles shall be of a sufficient period to ensure that
vegetation hazards are identified and remediated with sufficient time between
cycles to allow for re-growth and any other changes in environmental factors that
may influence public safety and public risk.
S1 - 3 Vegetation Hazard Remediation
S1 - 3.1 General
The Network Operator shall develop and implement a plan for the regular
identification and remediation of Vegetation Grow-In and Fall-In hazards. The
remediation of hazards shall be in accordance with the minimum Clearing
Requirements. Priority attention is to be given to remediating hazards in Bushfire
Prone Areas in accordance with the requirements of this guide.
An objective of a Network Operator’s vegetation hazard management plan is to
avoid any encroachment into the Minimum Vegetation Clearance between
Hazard Management Cycles as far as is reasonably practicable. At the time of
trimming, additional cutting of the vegetation beyond the Minimum Vegetation
Clearance may be required to prevent incursions due to regrowth between
cycles.
Due to the number of environmental factors that impact the growth rate of
vegetation and the wide variations in selecting efficient Hazard Management
Cycles for vegetation management programs, it is not practical to provide
clearances that incorporate vegetation regrowth without being overly
prescriptive, and therefore potentially conservative.
Regrowth allowances are therefore to be determined by the Network Operator in
accordance with the principles outlined in this Guide and to meet the particular
needs of their assets and the environment in which they are domiciled.
The Network Operator shall determine regrowth allowances based on its
vegetation Hazard Management Cycles and the significance of the vegetation
affected. The regrowth allowance shall at a minimum take into consideration the
following aspects:
• Type of vegetation;
• Surrounding environmental conditions;
• Local experience, and
• The Hazard Management Cycle period.
The Network Operator is required to review the effectiveness of its processes for
determining regrowth allowances to ensure that the overall objectives of this
Guide in achieving public safety and public risk outcomes are maintained in
between vegetation Hazard Management Cycles.
S1 - 3.2 Minimum Clearing Requirements

The minimum Clearing Requirements are the sum of the Minimum Vegetation
Clearance and the Regrowth Allowance. At the time of completion of the
Hazard Management Cycle remediation activities the minimum Clearing
Requirement shall be achieved.
It is acknowledged that vegetation does not grow at a linear rate due to
environmental influences. At times, therefore, there may be vegetation that grows
to a position inside the minimum vegetation clearance despite meeting the
minimum Clearance Requirement at the time of cutting. Notwithstanding this,
the clear objective of the Hazard Management Cycle is to avoid any
encroachment into the Minimum Vegetation Clearance between cutting cycles
as far as is reasonably practicable.
S1 - 3.3 Bushfire Danger Period Preparedness

In accordance with the requirements of The Electricity Supply (Safety and Network
Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW), a Network Operator shall develop and
implement a plan that specifically addresses the increased risk from vegetation
hazards during the Bushfire Danger period.
Bushfire Risk Assessments shall be undertaken as part of the implementation of this
plan and/or as part of the Network Operators general hazard identification
processes. The objective of such assessments is to identify and remediate
vegetation hazards that pose a particular risk of bushfire initiation.
The remediation of such hazards is to be undertaken in a time frame appropriate
to the risk in relation to the commencement of the Bushfire Danger Period, and in
order to contain the risk to ALARP.
S1 - 3.4 Fall-in Vegetation Hazards
Fall-In Vegetation Hazards shall be identified as part of the vegetation
management process and the general asset management and inspection
processes implemented by the Network Operator.
A Network Operator shall assess the risk of Fall-in Vegetation Hazards that are
readily visible from the perspective of the Network Asset as far as it is reasonably
practicable to do so.
In assessing the potential risk of a Fall-in Vegetation Hazard consideration is to be
given to the length of the vegetation beyond the potential breaking point
compared to the distance from the network asset.
S1 - 3.5 Hazard Remediation Prioritisation

Where Grow-In hazards are identified, the vegetation encroachments need to be
addressed based on the risk posed by the encroachment, and in a way that
allows time to plan and carry out the work safely and having due regard for the
urgency required, Hazard Management Cycles, and other hazard rectification
priorities.
The remediation of Fall-In Vegetation Hazards may require significant planning
and implementation effort, particularly if large scale or significant vegetation has
been assessed as presenting a hazard as outlined in Section S1 - 3.4 above. Where
such hazards are identified, the remediation prioritisation shall be assigned on the
basis of the perceived risk that the hazard may introduce, consistent with other
requirements of this Guide in regard to undertaking remediation works in
accordance with community expectations and environmental amenity.
In any event, the priority assigned to the remediation of any hazard will be in
accordance with the risk introduced, and not whether the hazard is from outside
or within the Minimum Vegetation Clearance.
S1 - 3.6 Special Circumstances and Exceptions
S1 - 3.6.1 Protected areas, vulnerable lands and environmental heritage

In situations where the Network Operator believes that the Minimum Vegetation
Clearances are not achievable (e.g. will impact upon the health or amenity of
trees within protected areas or vulnerable lands and/or significant/heritage listed
trees), consideration may be given to reduce the minimum vegetation clearance
for the impacting vegetation provided that the overall objective of the Guide is
maintained and risk is maintained at a level consistent with the objectives of this
Guide.
This may require more frequent Hazard Management Cycles to be applied to this
particular set of circumstances. The Network Operator shall ensure that it has
appropriate management processes in place to record, and provide ongoing
management of the special circumstance requirements.
In these cases the Network Operator will apply its respective company’s process
for assessing exceptions or consider the acceptability of an exception on a
risk- based, case-by-case basis.
S1 - 3.6.2 Bush Fire Prone Areas

The consideration of exceptions in bushfire prone areas, which if approved will be
in place over the Bushfire Danger Period, must be undertaken with adequate time
for the appropriate assessment and response prior to the deemed bushfire period
commencement date.
Consideration by the Network Operator shall occur in a timely manner with
respect to the Bushfire Danger Period and shall consider the potential risk posed
by the exception. The Network Operator may nominate a higher frequency
Hazard Management Cycle or other solution to manage this risk.
S1 - 3.7 Vegetation above Conductors and “Clear to the Sky” risk reduction
strategy.
“Clear to the Sky” vegetation hazard reduction measures involve the practice of
removing all vegetation above the Electricity Assets to the width of the minimum
Clearing Requirement. This is shown in Figure 7 below.
Figure 7. “Clear to the Sky” Hazard Reduction
In general, the following circumstances shall require the application of “Clear-to-
the Sky” hazard remediation:
• For distribution assets in Bushfire Prone Areas where a Bushfire Risk

Assessment has identified that a high risk exists, ‘Clear to the Sky’
vegetation hazard reduction is to be maintained unless it is impracticable
to do so. Vegetation that directly overhangs power line conductors within
the width of the minimum Clearing Requirement is to be cleared in
accordance with the requirements of this Guide. Vegetation that does not
directly overhang conductors but is within the horizontal boundaries of the
Minimum Vegetation Clearance should be removed where practicable
and where consistent with the community and environmental amenity
requirements of this Guide.
• For Subtransmission line assets (operating at voltages from between 33kV

up to an including 132kV) – “Clear to the Sky” vegetation management
should be maintained if substantiated by risk assessment unless prevented
by local environmental considerations other factors outlined in Section S1 -
3.6 Special Circumstances and Exceptions. In the case of Subtransmission
line assets, security of supply, as well as bushfire risk, will be an important
consideration in the risk assessment.
The undertaking of “Clear to the Sky” hazard remediation should only be

considered on the basis of a risk assessment with due regard to environmental
and community amenity, and the significance of the vegetation affected.
Schedule 2
Vegetation Clearance Principles
for Power Lines
S2 - 1 Minimum Vegetation Clearances for Power Lines
S2 - 1.1 General
Development of vegetation clearance requirements (either not in line with those
stated in Schedule 1 or beyond its scope) shall at a minimum take into consideration
the principles and considerations outlined in this Guide.
The assumptions and calculations used in the development of such clearances shall
be recorded by the Network Operator and not establish a lesser public safety and
risk outcome than that achieved by adhering to the requirements of Schedule 1.
The overarching principles of any clearances developed under the principles
described in Schedule 2 are based on the requirements of the Network Operators to
minimise the risks associated with vegetation near electrical assets to a level of
ALARP.
S2 - 1.2 Minimum Vegetation Clearances – Principles

At a minimum, new vegetation clearance envelopes should take in to account the
following considerations to ensure the needs of all stakeholders are considered:
• technical (e.g. conductor movement, insulator swing)
• practical (e.g. strength / direction of wind, shape of clearance)
• safety (e.g. minimum safety, electrical and approach clearances)
• environmental (e.g. benefit of trees to the community / environment)
• risk (e.g. probability and consequence of a hazard)
Rationalisation of clearance envelopes is possible (e.g. across differing conductor
types), however this is largely dependent on the range of conductors installed
throughout the Network Operator’s network and the environment in which they
operate.
The following sections provide details on some of the principles outlined above.
S2 - 1.3 Electrical Clearance

In addition to providing sufficient vegetation clearances to cater for power line
conductor movement, a clearance allowance is required to be added to the
calculated vegetation clearances to provide for the minimum electrical safety
clearance requirements appropriate to the asset.
Clearance requirements are to be determined to:
• meet the safety clearance requirements commensurate with the nominal
design voltage of the assets,
• provide protection against switching and other electrical surges; and
• ensure safe approach distances are maintained for both Network
Operators and the general public.
S2 - 1.4 Conductor Sag

The vertical position of a conductor changes significantly due to variations in
temperature. The temperature for the conductor (and therefore vertical position) is
affected by the conductor tension, solar parameters, wind, ambient temperature
and the electrical load on the conductor.
The limits of the vertical movement due to conductor sag are ultimately defined by
the minimum and maximum design temperatures for the span. Calculations to
determine the change in conductor position due to temperature may be based on
the methods defined in AS/NZS 7000, Appendix S “Conductor Sag and Tension”.
Figure 8 illustrates the change in conductor position due to temperature.
Figure 8 – Conductor Sag
S2 - 1.5 Conductor Blowout

The horizontal position of the conductor is predominantly affected by wind and the
weight of the conductor. As wind increases the horizontal movement / conductor
blowout also increases.
Figure 9 below illustrates the movement of a conductor under wind conditions.
Conductor shape under

Conductor position
wind conditions
under still air
conditions
Figure 9 – Conductor Blowout
The appropriate wind value to use in these calculations is the key factor in deriving
vegetation clearances and must take into consideration both technical and
practical aspects. Particularly as span length increases, further considerations should
be given to the use of span reduction factors (gust widths), wind only being applied
to limited sections of the span or at a range of inception angles including cardinal
direction, height, dynamic movement of the conductor, probability of exceedance
based on wind return periods and probability of exceedance coinciding with
increased fire danger periods.
Wind on the conductor impacts both the conductor temperature and horizontal
tension and therefore needs to be considered at all conductor temperatures within
the lines design range.
Since conductor temperature rapidly approaches ambient temperate (regardless of
electrical load) as wind increases, blowout does not necessarily need to be
considered at the maximum conductor sag.
Where there is a significant difference between the conductor temperature / sag at
the lines maximum design temperature and under wind conditions. Consideration
may need to be given to conductor blowout under low non-continuous winds and
rapid step changes in conductor temperature.
Calculations to determine conductor blowout may be based on the methods
defined in AS/NZS 7000, Appendix R “Conductor Blow Out and Insulator Swing”.
Figure 10 illustrates the movement of a conductor due to wind.
Figure 10 - Conductor Blowout (detail)
S2 - 1.6 Insulator Swing

In addition to conductor blowout, wind on conductors can also cause insulator
movement allowing the conductor blowout to be further increased. Due to the
number of variables in such a calculation (e.g. type (ceramic / polymeric), weight,
surface area etc.) and the relatively small impact on the final clearances it is not
practicable or considered necessary to perform these calculations for each span.
An allowance for insulator swing should be added to the electrical clearances
proposed to simplify the clearance calculations whilst mitigating any necessary
increase in clearance to allow for insulator swing.
S2 - 1.7 Conductor Type & Tension

The type of conductor and the tension it is under can significantly impact the size of
the curves shown in Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10, and therefore the vegetation
clearances required around it. This needs to be considered by the Network Operator
when determining alternate vegetation clearances to those given in Schedule 1.
S2 - 1.8 Conductor Temperature

Currently conductor temperature and tension cannot accurately be measured at
the time of cutting. All vegetation clearance envelops developed need to take this
into account and be suitable for the conductors being at any point between its
minimum and maximum sag at the time of cutting.
This can be achieved by defining all clearance values relative to the conductor
position at the time of cutting, whilst allowing for the conductor to be in any position
in the development of the clearance envelope.
S2 - 1.9 Conductor Clearance Envelope – at a point

The possible clearance envelope taking into consideration the aspects outlined
above is illustrated below in Figure 11.
Figure 11 - Conductor Clearance Envelope (at a point)
S2 - 1.10 Conductor Clearance Envelope – along the line

Clearance envelopes change along the span (e.g. it is smaller at the structure point
of a power line than it is at mid-span, as greater conductor movement is possible
mid-span).
The introduction of sophisticated imaging technology into vegetation hazard
identification and management processes can result in the analysis of vegetation
and conductor separations being undertaken to a much higher level of accuracy in
comparison to traditional visual inspection methods.
It is recognised that such advanced techniques may not be widely used by all
Network Operators for a variety of reasons. Whilst they may allow more accurate
identification of vegetation hazards, this does not necessarily assist or improve the
vegetation trimming processes in the field. This is due to the fact that there may be
practical and/or physical reasons why a Network Operator may not be able to trim
to the same degree of accuracy or with the granularity implied by the advanced
imaging techniques.
The level of simplification largely depends on the range of conductors and span
lengths that exist within the network and the practicalities associated with
vegetation management.
The clearances in this Guide have been rationalised on a conductor-type basis using
a “two-step” (e.g. 1/6th, 2/3rd section length) clearance mechanism, as shown in
Figure 12.
Theoretical clearances envelops may however converge to zero at structures, at

which point a minimum clearance value shall be selected that takes into account
the relevant factors outlined above.
Increased or decreased rationalisation of the clearances can be achieved at the
Network Operators discretion in order to find the correct balance between risk
mitigation, practically, and operational efficiency.
The application of advanced imaging technique for the development of more
efficient clearance envelopes are required to generate the same risk outcomes as
the clearances given in Schedule 1 would yield.
Figure 12 - Conductor Clearance Envelope (along the line)

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ISSC3

Guide for the Management of Vegetation in

A set of requirements for the management of the

3 Revision History .................................................................................................................. 4

6 Scope and Application of Guide .................................................................................. 8

6.1 Scope ......................................................................................................................... 8

7 Legislative and Regulatory Framework ....................................................................... 11

7.1 Safely Working Near Power Lines.......................................................................... 11

8 Contributions and Disclaimer ....................................................................................... 15

8.1 Contributors ............................................................................................................. 15

Vegetation Management: Clearance and Hazard Management Requirements ..... 16

S1 - 1 Specific Clearance Requirements.................................................................... 17

Vegetation Clearance Principles for Power Lines ............................................................ 29

S2 - 1 Minimum Vegetation Clearances for Power Lines ......................................... 30

ALARP As Low as Reasonably Practicable: the level of risk that is tolerable

Grow-in Vegetation within the stated Minimum Vegetation Clearances for

6 Scope and Application of Guide

Schedule 1 - Vegetation Management: Clearance and Hazard Management

Schedule 2 - Vegetation Clearance Principles contains the principles on which the

7.1 Safely Working Near Power Lines

1 WorkCover Code of Practice “Work Near Overhead Power Lines 2006”

S1 - 1.2 Overhead Line Conductors

All First &

All First &

Bare All First &

All First &

Bare All First &

Span Length (X metres)

Figure 1. Vegetation clearance requirements around poles

Figure 2. Vegetation clearance requirements around towers

Figure 3. Vegetation clearance requirements around Kiosks and Cubicles

S1 - 1.6 Major Substations

Figure 4. Vegetation clearance requirements around Major Substations

S1 - 1.7 Street Lighting Luminaires

Figure 5. Vegetation clearance requirements around Street Lights

Figure 6. Vegetation clearance requirements for Waterway Crossing Warning Signs

Particular attention should be given to ensuring that the trimming of vegetation

S1 - 2 Vegetation Hazard Management Cycles

S1 - 3 Vegetation Hazard Remediation

S1 - 3.2 Minimum Clearing Requirements

S1 - 3.3 Bushfire Danger Period Preparedness

S1 - 3.5 Hazard Remediation Prioritisation

S1 - 3.6 Special Circumstances and Exceptions

S1 - 3.6.1 Protected areas, vulnerable lands and environmental heritage

S1 - 3.6.2 Bush Fire Prone Areas

Figure 7. “Clear to the Sky” Hazard Reduction

• For distribution assets in Bushfire Prone Areas where a Bushfire Risk

• For Subtransmission line assets (operating at voltages from between 33kV

The undertaking of “Clear to the Sky” hazard remediation should only be

S2 - 1.2 Minimum Vegetation Clearances – Principles

S2 - 1.3 Electrical Clearance

S2 - 1.4 Conductor Sag

Figure 8 – Conductor Sag

S2 - 1.5 Conductor Blowout

Conductor shape under

Figure 9 – Conductor Blowout

S2 - 1.6 Insulator Swing

S2 - 1.7 Conductor Type & Tension

S2 - 1.8 Conductor Temperature