HSEQ Minimum Standards

for Delivery Partners

HSEQ Management System

Document number: HSP 02-11

Issue number: 2
Status: Approved
Approver: Andrew O’Halloran
Date of approval: 01/05/2021
 AusNet Services HSP 02-11

HSEQ Minimum Standards for Delivery Partners

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 PURPOSE ...................................................................................................................... 3
2 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 3
3 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS .......................................................................... 3
4 STANDARDS ................................................................................................................. 4
4.1 HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS .................................................................................... 4
4.1.1 Working On or Near Overhead Lines .................................................................................. 4
4.1.2 Working Near Licenced Pipelines ........................................................................................ 4
4.1.3 Network Permit and Authorisations ..................................................................................... 4
4.1.4 Worker Identification Cards ................................................................................................. 5
4.1.5 Work On or Near Live Electrical Apparatus or Gas Equipment ........................................... 5
4.1.6 Mobile Plant and Equipment – Live Electical Apparatus ..................................................... 5
4.1.7 Mobile Plant and Equipment – Live Gas Assets .................................................................. 5
4.1.8 Network Operating ............................................................................................................... 5
4.1.9 Customer Aggression .......................................................................................................... 5
4.1.10 Electrical Asset Defects or Equipment in Distress/Failure .................................................. 6
4.1.11 Safety in Design Standards ................................................................................................. 6
4.1.12 HSEQ Permits to Work – Gas Critical Facilities .................................................................. 6
4.1.13 Bushfire Management – Vehicles and Mobile Plant ............................................................ 7
4.1.14 Aerial Work .......................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.15 Use of Vehicles .................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.16 Working at Heights .............................................................................................................. 7
4.1.17 Tree Clearing and Vegetation Control ................................................................................. 7
4.1.18 Asbestos .............................................................................................................................. 7
4.1.19 Drugs and Alcohol ............................................................................................................... 7
4.1.20 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) ....................................................................................... 8
4.1.21 Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) .................................................................................................. 8
4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STANDARDS ............................................................... 8
4.2.1 Cultural Heritage .................................................................................................................. 8
4.2.2 Native Vegetation ................................................................................................................ 8
4.2.3 Waste Management ............................................................................................................. 8
4.2.4 Weeds and Pathogens (Biosecurity) ................................................................................... 8
4.2.5 Contaminated Soil ............................................................................................................... 8
4.2.6 Noise .................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2.7 Pollution Incidents ................................................................................................................ 9
5 LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES ....................................................................................... 9
6 RESOURCE REFERENCES ........................................................................................ 10
7 APPENDICES .............................................................................................................. 10
8 SCHEDULE OF REVISIONS ........................................................................................ 10

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1 PURPOSE
AusNet has obligations to ensure the health and safety of Delivery Partners in respect of matters under
which it has control. This includes eliminating or reducing hazards on AusNet controlled sites and eliminating
or reducing hazards arising from AusNet operations.
To achieve this AusNet will issue HSEQ minimum standards for Delivery Partners from time to time which
must be complied with by all Delivery Partners it engages. Delivery Partners must also comply with all
environmental and occupational health and safety legislation, relevant Australian Standards and Delivery
Partners working on or near electrical apparatus must comply with the VESI “Green Book” Electrical Safety
Rules for VESI Distribution Networks and “Blue Book” Code of Practice on Electrical Safety for Work on or
Near High Voltage Electrical Apparatus rules. This document does not reproduce the requirements of the
legislation, Australian Standards, VESI Green or Blue Books.
Where AusNet has appointed a Principal Contractor to act on its behalf in respect of health and safety
management it is the responsibility of the Principal Contractor so appointed to manage site hazards and
hazards arising from the work being undertaken. However, this document may be issued to a Principal
Contractor where AusNet operations may impact on the Principal Contractor and the work they are
undertaking.
Compliance with the requirements detailed herein may be subject to monitoring and review by AusNet at any
time and any failure to comply may result in termination of work.

2 SCOPE
This document is for the use by Delivery Partners who perform work on behalf of AusNet.

3 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

Term Definition
Blue Book Code of Practice on Electrical Safety for Work on or near High Voltage Electrical
Apparatus
Construction Work Means any work performed in connection with the construction, alteration,
conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, refurbishment, decommissioning,
or demolition of any building or structure, or any similar activity.
This includes the installation, testing and maintenance of gas, water, sewerage,
electricity or telecommunications services in or of any building or structure.
Delivery Partner A Delivery Partner is the entity that has a contract for services with AusNet. A
Delivery Partner may be an individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity
capable of performing services. A Delivery Partner may provide services to AusNet
for (including but not limited to):
• Design / Engineering and Consultancy Services
• Installation
• Construction
• Maintenance and general services.
Within their contractual arrangements, Delivery Partners can be assigned as Principal
Contractors or Independent Contractors.
CCA Copper chrome arsenate
CEOT Customer & Energy Operations Team
CFA Country Fire Authority
DELWP Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
ECM Enterprise Content Management system - is a document management system used
by AusNet to manage and distribute approved documents internally to the business
and externally to Delivery Partners with access.

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Term Definition
ENA Energy Networks Australia
EPA Environment Protection Authority
ESI Worker ESI worker is a program which provides an industry-consistent record of an
individual’s training, authorisations and network inductions to work in the Electricity
Supply Industry (ESI).
Green Book Electrical Safety Rules for VESI Distribution Networks
HSEQ Means health, safety, environment and quality
Independent Means specialist contractors used on sites where AusNet has control of the site. They
Contractor usually provide operational expertise or specialist services which are skills or
knowledge based.
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl
PPE Personal protective equipment
Principal Contractor Means the owner of the workplace where a Construction Project is to be carried out
unless the owner:
a) appoints a principal contractor for the Construction Work performed for or on
behalf of the owner; and
b) authorises the principal contractor to manage or control the workplace to the
extent necessary to discharge the duties imposed on a principal contractor
under the OHS Regulations.
Note: the AusNet Operations and Maintenance Services Agreements (OMSAs) for
both the distribution and transmission businesses appoint the Contractor as the
principal contractor for the services.
SAD Safe Approach Distance
VESI Victorian Electricity Supply Industry

4 STANDARDS

4.1 HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS

4.1.1 WORKING ON OR NEAR OVERHEAD LINES
Persons shall observe appropriate Safe Approach Distances (SAD) when working on or near electrical
apparatus.
Safe Approach Distance ‘Special’ shall not be used on the AusNet network.

4.1.2 WORKING NEAR LICENCED PIPELINES

Delivery Partners must ensure that Permits to Work are gained from the pipeline owner when working within
the vicinity of licenced pipelines including AusNet Gas Transmission Pipelines.

4.1.3 NETWORK PERMIT AND AUTHORISATIONS

4.1.3.1. ELECTRICAL AUTHORISATIONS
AusNet will authorise individuals who meet certain training and qualification standards (refer to Network
Authorisations QMS 22-04). Prior to applying for an AusNet network authority, Delivery Partners must ensure
that minimum training requirements as per VESI training matrix for a candidate’s role shall be met and
evidence available through the ESI Worker portal.

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4.1.3.2. NETWORK PERMITS

AusNet issues permits based on certain criteria being met. Delivery Partners are responsible for providing
AusNet with information regarding the issuing of these permits.
4.1.3.3. GAS AUTHORISATIONS
Delivery Partners working on AusNet assets shall be appropriately trained and authorised by AusNet
Services and issued with the required authority to perform the work. Where authorities are granted, they are
subject to an annual review by a competent person. Delivery Partner competency re-assessment is
conducted at three yearly intervals.
Work performed shall be limited to that specifically stated on the authority issued. All areas adjacent to the
worksite are to be considered as hazardous areas and access authorised only under AusNet directions.
4.1.3.4. GAS WORKER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
All Gas Workers must have training and competency aligned with the AusNet’s Gas Construction and
Maintenance competency standard (SOP 25-50). This document is used to measure and accredit contractor
qualifications and skills.
The Assessment as provided by training.gov.au is an industry framework to ensure all assessment outcomes
meet industry needs and the nationally agreed standards. This Assessment must be followed by Delivery
Partners.
The results of assessments may be required to be verified by AusNet or its agents from time to time.

4.1.4 WORKER IDENTIFICATION CARDS

If issued to them, Delivery Partners must carry AusNet Identification cards and ensure that are clearly visible
and valid. Identification cards should be visible at all times when working on/within customer properties.

4.1.5 WORK ON OR NEAR LIVE ELECTRICAL APPARATUS OR GAS EQUIPMENT

Working on or near live electrical apparatus or gas equipment creates significant risk to workers. Therefore,
all work being undertaken on or near live electrical apparatus or gas equipment is to be planned, have a
completed risk assessment and appropriate permits and be completed by authorised persons (see Section
4.1.3). Any work undertaken on Energised Low Voltage assets must be in accordance with the ENA
Guideline for Energised Low Voltage Work (ENA DOC 044-2020).

4.1.6 MOBILE PLANT AND EQUIPMENT – LIVE ELECTICAL APPARATUS

Mobile plant shall only be used in the vicinity of live conductors and/or electrical apparatus after control
measures have been implemented to maintain Safe Approach Distances (SAD) as outlined in the Green
Book for insulated or uninsulated mobile plant.

4.1.7 MOBILE PLANT AND EQUIPMENT – LIVE GAS ASSETS

Delivery Partners must ensure they abide by the relevant guidelines and AusNet field procedures in relation
to mobile plant and equipment in the vicinity of live gas assets, as provided to the Delivery Partner and
updated from time to time.

4.1.8 NETWORK OPERATING

Network operating shall be planned and completed in accordance with AusNet Procedures. When it is
identified, the works are required to be undertaken under isolation, the Network Operating must be
completed in line with Blue Book/Green Book and AusNet organisational procedures.

4.1.9 CUSTOMER AGGRESSION

Delivery Partners may be exposed to aggression when interacting with customers of AusNet or the general
public and the Delivery Partner must ensure that;
• Workers always have a reliable means of communication available to them
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• Safety of workers is confirmed during the work from time to time

• Details of sensitive customers, site restrictions, aggressive dogs etc. are obtained, where possible,
prior to attending site
• Threatening and or aggressive customers are reported to AusNet as soon as possible
• Workers are aware of the AusNet Access to Property and Customer Access Refusals Policy &
Operational Guidelines (HSP 04-05)

4.1.10 ELECTRICAL ASSET DEFECTS OR EQUIPMENT IN DISTRESS/FAILURE

Asset faults identified during planned work or while planning for work must be reported to CEOT. CEOT will
allocate fault investigation and rectification works to the appropriate contractor.
Any AusNet Network defects identified during works or work planning must be reported through raising an ad
hoc notification in SAP and prioritised based on AusNet operating procedures Inspection and Patrol of
Transmission Lines (LPP 09-01) and Asset Inspection Manual for Distribution Lines (4111-1). Maintenance
Priority Ratings (SOP 70-01) provides guidance for Maintenance Priority Ratings. Refer to Manage Field
Reported Defects (Ad-hoc ZA / ZE Notifications) SOP 70-04 for the process of raising a ZA or ZE
Notification.
Any customer asset defects must be managed in accordance with the Customer Defect Management –
Process Guide (DP 06-13).
The Delivery Partner must check the Station Access Restrictions document (SOP 35-01) that lists the
assets/locations for assets that have the risk of catastrophic failure.
Delivery Partners must ensure that all exclusion zones implemented by AusNet are maintained to ensure
personnel safety and existing restrictions for operating and earthing network equipment must be upheld.
Operation of, or maintenance on equipment with restrictions will be identified through the scheduling and
planning process and access approved or otherwise advised by the Network Access team.

4.1.11 SAFETY IN DESIGN STANDARDS

A Designer is required to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that an AusNet asset/structure is
designed to be without risks to the health and safety of persons at the workplace, during construction and
maintenance.
This involves:
• Identify reasonably foreseeable hazards associated with the structure;
• Assess the risks from the hazards and record risks;
• Eliminate or minimise the risk by designing control measures;
• Review the control measures; and
• Communicate the risks (information transfer).
Delivery Partners must work collaboratively with AusNet to ensure any hazards and risks identified in the
design and during construction are immediately communicated to the designers so they can be eliminated or
mitigated.

4.1.12 HSEQ PERMITS TO WORK – GAS CRITICAL FACILITIES

When working on gas critical facilities, a work permit is required for any safety critical operation that is to be
performed. All unplanned or emergency works also require a work permit. Safe access to a site and
equipment is controlled by the Permit to Work process in accordance with CEOT procedures for Work Permit
and Notification Process (GOC 20-08). Any conditions stipulated when the permit is issued must be adhered
to.

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4.1.13 BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT – VEHICLES AND MOBILE PLANT

Vehicles and mobile plant to be used off-road during the fire season shall have appropriate vehicle checks
and inspections completed in accordance with CFA requirements.
Refer to:
• CFA Restrictions for the Declared Fire Danger Period (BFM 21-77)
• Bushfire Mitigation Manual (BFM 21-79)
• Fault Response, Maintenance and Construction Activities on Days of Total Fire Ban (BFM 21-82)
• Vehicle & Plant Checklist (BFM 10-02A)

4.1.14 AERIAL WORK

Helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operators must comply with all regulatory requirements, the AusNet
Aviation Standard (QMS 21-27) and be competent to undertake the specific job.

4.1.15 USE OF VEHICLES

Delivery Partners are to ensure all vehicle operators are licenced and competent. The licence held must be
appropriate for the vehicle being operated. Evidence of the currency of the licence may be requested at any
time.

4.1.16 WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Work at height in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus must be in accordance with the requirements of the
Blue and Green Book and relevant safety regulations.

4.1.17 TREE CLEARING AND VEGETATION CONTROL

AusNet ensures an annual assessment of all powerlines in accordance with Assessment Procedure
Transmission (VEM 20-15), or Assessment Procedure Distribution (VEM 20-03) to comply with the Electricity
Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020.
Non-conforming vegetation should be reported, and all non-conformances identified during these
assessments must be actioned in accordance with Vegetation Maintenance Procedure (VEM 20-08) and
Vegetation Clearances and Priority Codes (VEM 20-08-1).
If the Delivery Partner identifies non-conforming vegetation it must be actioned in accordance with the
above-mentioned procedures.

4.1.18 ASBESTOS
AusNet maintains asbestos registers for permanent locations (e.g. offices, depots, terminal and zone
substations, communication sites and city gates). A copy of the relevant register will be provided to any
Delivery Partner on request. Any removal of asbestos from AusNet permanent locations must be notified to
AusNet for registers to be updated.

4.1.19 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Delivery Partners are entirely responsible for ensuring workers are not under the influence of drugs or
alcohol at any time when completing work for AusNet.
AusNet reserves the right at all times to:
• prohibit the consumption of drugs and alcohol at any site its controls, or where it has appointed a
Principal Contractor
• conduct random or mandatory drug and alcohol testing
• order that any person cease work and leave site due to concerns about fitness for work

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4.1.20 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS)

Delivery Partners must review the register of PCB contaminated equipment within Zone Substations and
Terminal Stations.
Disposal of any PCB contaminated oil or equipment (>2ppm) will require recent NATA test report (less than
6-months-old). AusNet must be contacted to arrange the completion and submission of the Application for
Consent to sell or supply polychlorinated biphenyls. No transport of PCB contaminated oil or equipment is to
proceed until the consent number is provided by the EPA.
Delivery Partners must wear disposable gloves, overalls, face mask and goggles when handling equipment
containing PCB.
PCB must be disposed of by licensed facilities.

4.1.21 SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6)

Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) is a colourless, odourless, non-flammable, non-toxic gas used as an electrical
insulator. Leakages and escape of SF6 must be reported to AusNet. Delivery Partners working with SF6 and
SF6 containing assets must have in place a process for managing the environmental and safety risks
associated with release of SF6 gas or exposure to its by-products.

4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

4.2.1 CULTURAL HERITAGE
All works and work locations must be assessed for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal heritage impacts before
works commence. Cultural heritage management plans/cultural heritage permits must be in place before
works commence where required. The Delivery Partner must have in place a process to manage any
accidental discovery of heritage artefacts.

4.2.2 NATIVE VEGETATION

Native vegetation removal is to be undertaken in accordance with “Procedure to rely on the utility
installations exemption in planning schemes – Electricity distributors” (published by DELWP). If the
conditions of this exemption cannot be met, a planning permit must be obtained.

4.2.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT

All wastes must be stored, transported and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Prescribed industrial waste is to be transported and disposed of by EPA Approved Delivery Partner with a
waste transport certificate and records maintained. For prescribed wastes being disposed of from an AusNet
owned site (i.e. depots, terminal or zone substations, city gates), AusNet must create the on-line prescribed
waste transport certificate unless agreement has been reached with the Delivery Partner to undertake this on
our behalf.
Waste copper chrome arsenate (CCA) and creosote poles shall not be gifted to any persons at any time.
They are to be disposed of as industrial waste at an approved landfill.

4.2.4 WEEDS AND PATHOGENS (BIOSECURITY)

The Delivery Partner is obligated to take reasonable and practicable measures to prevent the introduction
and spread of pests, animal/plant diseases and weeds. In doing so, the contractor must take into
consideration the landowners rights and expectations.

4.2.5 CONTAMINATED SOIL

All identified contaminated soil must be removed and disposed of in accordance with EPA regulations. For
contaminated soil being disposed of from AusNet owned sites (i.e. depots, terminal or zone substations, city
gates), AusNet must create the on-line prescribed waste transport certificate, unless an agreement has been
reached with the Delivery Partner to undertake this activity on AusNet’s’ behalf.

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Where AusNet is advised of contaminated soils in public areas (caused by third parties), this information is
recorded in AusNet’s Spatial Asset Management System.

4.2.6 NOISE
All noise producing works should be restricted to between 7.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, and
between 9.00am to 1.00pm Saturday wherever possible. Where works are required to be performed outside
these hours, stakeholders are required to be notified in advance. Note: this restriction does not apply to
emergency works.

4.2.7 POLLUTION INCIDENTS

The Delivery Partner is responsible for taking reasonable and practicable measures to prevent pollution
incidents that may result from the work being conducted. It is a requirement of the Delivery Partner that the
spill or release be restricted at the source, contained using appropriate absorbent materials, prevented from
entering any waterways and clean up any residual contaminants.
Pollution incidents that cause or threatens harm to human health or the environment must be reported to the
Delivery Partner’s relevant AusNet representative, and, to the EPA as per reporting guidelines.

5 LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES
State Regulator Reference
Safe Work Australia Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
Commonwealth Department of the
1999 Volume 1
Environment and
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
Energy
1999 Volume 2
WorkSafe ACT Work Health and Safety Act 2011
ACT
ACT EPA Environment Protection Act 1997
SafeWork NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011
NSW
NSW EPA Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act
NT WorkSafe
2011
NT
Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority Act
NT EPA
2012
Workplace Health
and Safety Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Queensland
QLD
Department of
Environment and Environmental Protection Act 1994
Heritage Protection
SafeWork SA Work Health and Safety Act 2012
SA
SA EPA Environment Protection Act 1993
WorkSafe Tasmania Work Health and Safety Act 2012
TAS
EPA Tasmania Environment Management and Pollution Control Act 1994
WorkSafe Victoria Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
VIC
EPA Vic Environment Protection Act 1970
WorkSafe WA Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
WA
EPA WA Environmental Protection Act 1986

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6 RESOURCE REFERENCES
Below is a list of related documents which may require your review. If you do not have access to these
documents through the ECM Portal, request access from your AusNet key contact.

Document ID Document Title

4111-1 Asset Inspection Manual
BFM 10-02A Vehicle & Plant Checklist
BFM 21-77 CFA Restrictions for the Declared Fire Danger Period
BFM 21-79 Bushfire Mitigation Manual
BFM 21-82 Fault Response, Maintenance and Construction Activities on Days of Total Fire Ban
DP 06-13 Customer Defect Management – Process Guide
ENA DOC 044-
Guideline for Energised Low Voltage Work
2020
GOC 20-08 CEOT procedures for Work Permit and Notification Process
HSP 04-05 Access to Property and Customer Access Refusals Policy & Operational Guidelines
LPP 09-01 Inspection and Patrol of Transmission Lines
QMS 21-27 Aviation Standard
QMS 22-04 Network Authorisations
SOP 25-50 Gas Construction and Maintenance Competency
SOP 35-01 Station Access Restrictions
SOP 70-01 Maintenance Priority Ratings
SOP 70-04 Manage Field Reported Defects (Ad-hoc ZA / ZE Notifications)
VEM 20-03 Assessment Procedure (Distribution)
VEM 20-08 Vegetation Maintenance Procedure
VEM 20-08-1 Vegetation Clearances and Priority Codes
VEM 20-15 Assessment Procedure (Transmission)

7 APPENDICES
None

8 SCHEDULE OF REVISIONS

Issue Date Author Details of Change

Original issue. Reviewed by HSEQ and key business
1 19/08/2020 Michelle Bishop
stakeholders.

2 01/05/2021 Hayley Toms Added section 4.2.7 Pollution Incidents

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