Understanding the Ausgrid ESR (Electrical Safety Rules)

If you intend to work in the NSW electricity distribution network, one of the major employers is Ausgrid. As the largest electricity distributor on the East Coast of Australia, Ausgrid manages vast electrical infrastructure.

Before becoming eligible for employment, individuals must undergo comprehensive safety training because of the risks associated with working with live electrical apparatus. In addition to the standard electrical safety training, Ausgrid requires anybody working on or near their network to follow strict Electrical Safety Rules (ESR).

In this article, we’ll look at Ausgrid’s ESR in more detail to ensure you understand the importance of safety around electrical equipment.

What is the Ausgrid ESR?

The Ausgrid ESR (electrical safety rules) govern how people conduct work on or near the Ausgrid network. Ausgrid supplies electricity to around 1.7 million customers, so they need strict working guidelines to protect workers and maintain consistent electricity supply.

An industry standard exists, the Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014. Ausgrid’s ESR meets this standard and tailors specifically for the Ausgrid network.

What does the Ausgrid ESR cover?

We won’t go into every aspect of the ESR in detail, as the document is quite lengthy and can be accessed easily through the Ausgrid website if required. However, the document covers all aspects of working on the Ausgrid network, including:

• Emergencies
• Network connections
• Permits
• Working on the network, including low and high-voltage applications
• Minimum safe working distances
• Designated work areas
• Site safety
• Working on or near substations and other organisations’ apparatus
• Safety equipment
• Task and site-specific information

The ESR covers anything related to working on or near the Ausgrid network. From administrative requirements to safely working on live apparatus, all employees, contractors, sub-contractors and also anyone else who works on the network must strictly follow these regulations.

Additional safety training

Depending on your role within the NSW distribution network, you’ll require expert safety training before commencing employment. The ESR clearly outlines safe working practices, but all Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) must complete appropriate training and register with the ASP scheme.

IAC Safety Services offers a range of training courses, including ASP Level 1, ASP Level 2, Cable Jointing, Crane and Plant and ASP refresher courses that must be undertaken annually. During these training courses, you learn how to perform a range of tasks applicable to your role safely. Therefore, there is plenty of crossover with the Ausgrid guidelines.

2022 amendments

If you already work for Ausgrid, or you have done so in the past, it’s important to recognise there have been recent amendments to the ESR. Again, the list of changes is lengthy, comprising everything from terminology changes to procedural alterations. If you’d like a full list of the amendments, it can be found here.

Want to learn more about the Ausgrid ESR?

While IAC Safety Services doesn’t provide specific Ausgrid ESR training, the Ausgrid ESR is based on industry standards. Our wide range of electrical safety training courses teach these standards. To learn more, check out our How to Enrol Guide or contact us today.