The obligation
SafeWork NSW approved a replacement Code of Practice in May 2026 expanding scope to include underground electric lines and referencing WHS Regulation 2025, superseding the legacy overhead power lines code.
The May 2026 Code of Practice 'Work near overhead and underground electric lines' was approved by SafeWork NSW under s274 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). It supersedes the pre-WHS legacy 'Work Near Overhead Power Lines' code. Key changes: (1) scope extended to underground electric lines in addition to overhead lines; (2) references updated from WHS Regulation 2017 to WHS Regulation 2025 (NSW); (3) aligns duty-holder language to PCBU framework.
…
- What
- SafeWork NSW approved a replacement Code of Practice in May 2026 expanding scope to include underground electric lines and referencing WHS Regulation 2025, superseding the legacy overhead power lines code.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
description
Full analysis
lock
Free account
tips_and_updates
What this means for you
lock
Free account
history
What's happened with this Topic
lock
Free account
lock_open
Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry
- star
Impact summary tailored to your industry
- check_circle
Full plain-English analysis of what changed
- check_circle
Email alerts & digests when this law changes
- check_circle
Compliance self-assessment tools
Labels
electrical safety
overhead lines
underground lines
PCBU
code of practice
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
New Code of Practice: Work near overhead and underground electric lines (May 2026) is a WHS requirement set out in Work near overhead power lines (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is Work Health & Safety > Codes of Practice > Electrical Safety § s274 WHS Act 2011.
What does this WHS obligation require?
New Code of Practice: Work near overhead and underground electric lines (May 2026) is a WHS obligation under Work near overhead power lines (NSW). In short, SafeWork NSW approved a replacement Code of Practice in May 2026 expanding scope to include underground electric lines and referencing WHS Regulation 2025, superseding the legacy overhead power lines code.
What changed recently?
New Code of Practice: Work near overhead and underground electric lines (May 2026) was last updated on 26 August 2026.
