SA Power distributor urges safety around powerlines during flood clean-up

SA Power Distributor Urges Safety Around Powerlines During Flood Clean-Up

South Australia's electricity distributor SA Power Networks has issued a strong warning to River Murray residents, urging them to exercise caution when working around powerlines during flood clean-up activities. With sections of network re-energised along flooded watercourses, community members face serious electrical hazards that are easy to overlook amid the chaos of clean up.

Why Electrical Risks Increase After Flooding

Head of Corporate Affairs, Paul Roberts said, "In these situations, electrical risks are not always top of mind, but the reality is we have re-energised the network along the River and touching or getting too close to powerlines could be potentially fatal."

Flood water can conceal damaged electrical infrastructure, creating hazards that aren't visible until it's too late. Residents returning to affected properties across South Australia should treat all powerlines as live, even if they appear undamaged.

Engage a Qualified Electrician Before Restoring Power

"We urge property owners to engage a qualified electrician to undertake a safety check of all electrical wiring and carry out any repair works that are needed. It is illegal to do this work yourself and may put others in danger," Roberts said.

Attempting DIY electrical repairs after a flood isn't just risky, it's against the law in Australia. Only licensed professionals should assess and restore electrical connections following flood damage, ensuring both compliance and personal safety.

Flood Clean-Up Hazards Beyond Electrical Risks

Powerlines aren't the only concern during flood recovery. Older properties may contain asbestos-containing materials that become disturbed or damaged during flooding, posing additional health hazards to clean-up crews and homeowners alike.

Before starting any restoration work, property owners should:

• Stay away from fallen or sagging powerlines and report them immediately to SA Power Networks
• Avoid contact with floodwater near electrical infrastructure
• Check for asbestos risks in pre-1990s buildings before disturbing damaged materials
• Limit access to flood-affected areas until a qualified electrician confirms it's safe
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling asbestos-contaminated debris

Suspected asbestos materials should never be handled without proper testing and protective measures, as inhaling asbestos fibres poses long-term health consequences. Emergency services and environmental health authorities can offer guidance on safe asbestos handling during disaster recovery.

Protecting Your Community During Recovery

Flood clean-up presents a unique combination of electrical, structural, and health hazards that require careful planning. Businesses managing clean-up operations should implement a Flood Storm Clean-up SWMS to ensure workers understand the risks involved and follow safe procedures around powerlines, water and potential asbestos-containing materials.

This guidance aligns with warnings from other Australian energy distributors. Ergon Energy has urged similar caution around powerlines in flood-prone regions, while SA farmers have been urged to prioritise safety around powerlines during agricultural operations near flooded areas.

Building a Safer Clean-Up Approach

Organisations coordinating recovery efforts, including machinery operators, should review advice from SafeWork SA on exercising caution around powerlines, particularly when operating heavy equipment near flood-damaged infrastructure.

Property owners and businesses can strengthen their safety resources by implementing a comprehensive Electrical Safety Policy alongside practical tools like an Electrical Safety Checklist to formalise inspection routines before reoccupying flood-affected premises.

For organisations seeking broader digital solutions to manage compliance during emergency recovery, exploring dedicated safety software can help streamline hazard reporting and documentation across teams.

Need further guidance on managing flood-related electrical hazards or asbestos risks? Visit our support page for assistance with safety templates and compliance resources tailored to your industry.

Read more here.