{"id":"sl-2001-28","name":"Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001","slug":"utility-networks-public-safety-regulation-2001","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"act","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"28 of 2001","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":173914,"registerId":"act-sl-2001-28-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001","content":"Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nUtility Networks (Public Safety)\nRegulation 2001\nSL2001-28\nmade under the\nUtilities Act 2000\nRepublication No 6\nEffective: 1 January 2024\nRepublication date: 1 January 2024\nLast amendment made by A2023-52\n\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAbout this republication\nThe republished law\nThis is a republication of the Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001, made under the\nUtilities Act 2000 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3\n(Editorial changes)) as in force on 1 January 2024. It also includes any commencement,\namendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 1 January 2024.\nThe legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3\nand 4.\nKinds of republications\nThe Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT\nlegislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):\n• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies\n• unauthorised republications.\nThe status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.\nEditorial changes\nThe Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial\namendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.\nEditorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by\nan Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The\nchanges are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into\nline, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.\nThis republication does not include amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).\nUncommenced provisions and amendments\nIf a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately\nbefore the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law\nare accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more\ninformation, see the home page for this law on the register.\nModifications\nIf a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the\nsymbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying\nprovision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation\nAct 2001, section 95.\nPenalties\nAt the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an\nindividual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).\n\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\ncontents 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nUtility Networks (Public Safety)\nRegulation 2001\nmade under the\nUtilities Act 2000\nContents\nPage\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of regulation 2\n3 Dictionary 2\n4 Notes 2\nPart 2 General\n5 Application 3\n6 Authorisation by utility 3\n7 Evidence of authorisation 3\n8 Excavations—steps required to protect underground network facilities 4\n\nContents\nPage\ncontents 2 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n9 Interfering with network telemetry 4\n10 Interfering with network facility signs 5\n11 Entering secured areas 5\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\n12 Throwing objects at facilities 6\n13 Entangled objects 6\n14 Explosives and fires 6\n15 Underground electricity network facilities 7\n16 Excavating 7\n17 Changing ground level 8\n18 Clearances from aerial lines—people 8\n19 Clearances from aerial lines—structures 9\n20 Clearances from aerial conductors—flammable materials 11\n21 Clearances from aerial lines—nonflammable materials 12\n22 Clearances from aerial lines—aircraft 13\n23 Clearances from aerial lines—vehicles 14\n24 Clearances from aerial lines—mobile plant, vessels 14\n25 Clearances from aerial lines—vegetation 15\n26 Measuring clearances from aerial lines 16\n27 Placing of materials near substations or switchyards 16\n28 Attachments, or climbing, on electricity network facility 17\nPart 4 Water and sewerage network facilities\n29 Throwing objects at facilities 18\n30 Driving etc over underground water or sewerage network facilities 18\n31 Underground water or sewerage network facilities 18\n32 Excavating 19\n33 Changing ground level 19\n34 Climbing on water or sewerage network facilities 19\n35 Entry to water or sewerage network facilities 19\n36 Work on water or sewerage network facilities etc 20\nPart 5 Gas network facilities\n37 Throwing objects at facilities 21\n\nContents\nPage\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\ncontents 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n38 Driving etc over underground gas network facilities 21\n39 Underground gas network facilities 21\n40 Excavating 22\n41 Changing ground level 22\n42 Climbing on gas facilities 22\n43 Work on gas network facilities etc 22\nDictionary\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes 26\n2 Abbreviation key 26\n3 Legislation history 27\n4 Amendment history 28\n5 Earlier republications 29\n\n\n\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nUtility Networks (Public Safety)\nRegulation 2001\nmade under the\nUtilities Act 2000\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 1\npage 2 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of regulation\nThis regulation is the Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation\n2001.\n3 Dictionary\nThe dictionary at the end of this regulation is part of this regulation.\nNote 1 The dictionary at the end of this regulation defines certain terms used in\nthis regulation.\nNote 2 A definition in the dictionary applies to the entire regulation unless the\ndefinition, or another provision of the regulation, provides otherwise or\nthe contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s\n156 (1)).\n4 Notes\nA note included in this regulation is explanatory and is not part of this\nregulation.\nNote See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.\n\nGeneral Part 2\nSection 5\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 2 General\n5 Application\n(1) This regulation does not apply to a thing done by a person in relation\nto a network facility in accordance with the written authorisation of\nthe responsible utility.\n(2) This regulation does not apply to a thing done by a person in relation\nto a network facility in the course of the person’s employment or\nengagement by the responsible utility.\n6 Authorisation by utility\n(1) An application for authorisation mentioned in section 5 may be made\nto the responsible utility—\n(a) orally or in writing; or\n(b) if acceptable to the utility—by telephone, fax or other electronic\nmeans.\n(2) An authorisation is subject to any condition stated in the\nauthorisation.\n7 Evidence of authorisation\nIn a proceeding for an offence against this regulation, a certificate that\nappears to be signed by or on behalf of a utility and contains a\nstatement to the effect that—\n(a) a stated thing was done by a stated person in accordance with an\nauthorisation by the utility under section 6; or\n(b) an authorisation by the utility under section 6 was subject to a\nstated condition at a stated time or date;\nis evidence of the matters stated.\n\nPart 2 General\nSection 8\npage 4 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n8 Excavations—steps required to protect underground\nnetwork facilities\n(1) This section applies to an opening in the ground, or a ground cover,\nthat uncovers or exposes an underground network facility, or might\nreasonably be expected to have that effect.\n(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, make such an opening\nin the ground or ground cover unless the person has taken reasonable\nsteps to—\n(a) find out whether an underground network facility is likely to be\naffected; and\n(b) avoid damaging the facility or endangering its safe or efficient\noperation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a person takes reasonable steps for\nthe purpose of that subsection if the person—\n(a) contacts the responsible utility and requests advice about the\nmatters mentioned in subsection (2) (a) and (b); and\n(b) acts in accordance with the written advice of the utility about\nthose matters.\n9 Interfering with network telemetry\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, interfere with—\n(a) telemetry used in connection with the operation of a network\nfacility; or\n(b) equipment used, or for use, for such telemetry;\nif the interference is likely to interrupt or endanger the safe or efficient\noperation of the facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nGeneral Part 2\nSection 10\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 5\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) In this section:\ninterference includes interference attributable directly or indirectly to\nthe emission of electromagnetic energy from a device.\n10 Interfering with network facility signs\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, interfere with, change\nor remove—\n(a) a sign displayed or maintained by or on behalf of a utility at or\non a network facility; or\n(b) a seal, lock, chain or any other device used in connection with\nsecuring any part of a network facility;\nif the action is likely to endanger people or property.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n11 Entering secured areas\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter a secured area\nmaintained by or on behalf of a utility in connection with the\nprovision of a utility service.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) In this section:\nsecured area means a network facility, and any land or water\nsurrounding the facility, that is enclosed for the purpose of preventing\nunauthorised access.\n\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\nSection 12\npage 6 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\n12 Throwing objects at facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, throw or otherwise\nproject an object—\n(a) with intent to strike an electricity network facility; or\n(b) if the object is likely to strike an electricity network facility;\nif the striking is likely to endanger any person or property or interrupt\nor endanger the safe or efficient operation of the facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n13 Entangled objects\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, touch or interfere with\nany object resting on, or entangled in, an electricity network facility\nif the touching or interference is likely to endanger any person or\nproperty or interrupt or endanger the safe or efficient operation of the\nfacility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n14 Explosives and fires\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse—\n(a) light, use or maintain a fire, or detonate an explosive, in a way\nthat is likely to damage an electricity network facility or\ninterrupt or endanger its safe or efficient operation; or\n(b) do a thing that creates an explosive atmosphere that is likely to\nendanger the safe or efficient operation of an electricity network\nfacility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nElectricity network facilities Part 3\nSection 15\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 7\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n15 Underground electricity network facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, place or keep, above\nor adjacent to an underground electricity network facility, any\ncorrosive, abrasive, heavy or harmful material or substance that is\nlikely to damage the facility or endanger its safe or efficient operation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n16 Excavating\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse—\n(a) cut away, excavate or remove any earth or material supporting\nor covering an electricity network facility in a way that is likely\nto damage the facility or endanger its safe or efficient operation;\nor\n(b) make an excavation—\n(i) deeper than 0.9m within 15m of a tower supporting an\naerial line; or\n(ii) deeper than 0.3m within 1.5m of such a tower; or\n(c) make an excavation deeper than 1.8m within 3m of—\n(i) any pole supporting an aerial line; or\n(ii) any pole, or stay anchorage, to which is attached a staywire\nused for the support of a pole mentioned in subparagraph\n(i); or\n(iii) deeper than 0.9m within 1.5m of a pole or anchorage\nmentioned in subparagraph (i) or (ii); or\n(d) make an excavation deeper than 0.3m within 0.6m of any wall,\nfence or foundation of a substation that forms part of an\nelectricity network facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\nSection 17\npage 8 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n17 Changing ground level\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, change the ground\nlevel—\n(a) below an aerial line or any point to which the line may swing;\nor\n(b) above or adjacent to an electricity network facility;\nif that is likely to damage the line or facility, endanger its safe or\nefficient operation, or impede reasonable access to it for the purposes\nof its operation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n18 Clearances from aerial lines—people\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, be too close to an\naerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to—\n(a) the holder of an electricians licence under the Construction\nOccupations (Licensing) Act 2004 that authorises work on the\nline; or\n(b) a person who is—\n(i) carrying out work associated with the connection of\npremises to the relevant electricity network or varying the\ncapacity of such a connection; and\n(ii) accredited under the relevant technical code for such work.\n(3) A person is too close to an aerial line if at any time the person, or any\npart of a thing held by or attached to the person, is within the\n\nElectricity network facilities Part 3\nSection 19\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 9\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nminimum distance from any part of the line worked out in accordance\nwith table 18.\nTable 18\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5\ndirection in\nwhich minimum\ndistance must be\nobserved\nminimum\ndistance from\ninsulated aerial\ncable or\ninsulated aerial\nservice line,\nwhere-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\ncovered aerial\ncable, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial conductor\nor aerial cable\nwhere-\n1 kV < U  33 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or aerial\ncable where-\n33 kV < U  132 kV\nAny direction 0.1m 1.5m 2.0m 4.0m\nNote Symbols used in table 18 are defined in the dictionary.\n19 Clearances from aerial lines—structures\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, erect or maintain any\npart of a structure too close to an aerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) A part of a structure is too close to an aerial line if at any time it is\nwithin the minimum distance from any part of the line worked out in\naccordance with table 19.\n(3) The minimum distance stated in table 19, column 3, item 3 does not\napply to any part of a structure within that distance from the point at\nwhich an insulated aerial service line is attached to the structure by or\nfor the responsible utility.\n\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\nSection 19\npage 10 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nTable 19\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5 column 6\nitem direction in which\nminimum distance\nmust be observed\nminimum\ndistance from\ninsulated\naerial cable\nor insulated\naerial service\nline, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\ncovered\naerial cable,\nwhere-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n1 kV < U \n33 kV\nminimum\ndistance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n33 kV < U\n 132 kV\n1 vertically, from any\npart of the structure\nnormally accessible\nto people\n2.7m 3.7m 4.6m 5.0m\n2 vertically, from any\npart of the structure\nnot normally\naccessible to people\nbut on which a\nperson could stand\n1.2m 2.7m 3.7m 4.6m\n3 any direction (other\nthan vertically),\nfrom any part of the\nstructure not\nnormally accessible\nto people\n0.3m 1.5m 2.7m 3.0m\n4 any direction (other\nthan vertically),\nfrom any window,\nopening balcony or\nother part of the\nstructure normally\naccessible to people\n1.5m 2.0m 2.7m 3.0m\n5 any direction (other\nthan vertically),\nfrom any window,\nopening balcony or\nother part of the\nstructure not\nnormally accessible\nto people but on\nwhich a person\ncould stand\n1.5m 2.0m 2.7m 3.0m\n6 vertically, from any\npart of a fully\n1.8m 3.7m 4.6m n/a\n\nElectricity network facilities Part 3\nSection 20\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 11\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5 column 6\nitem direction in which\nminimum distance\nmust be observed\nminimum\ndistance from\ninsulated\naerial cable\nor insulated\naerial service\nline, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\ncovered\naerial cable,\nwhere-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n1 kV < U \n33 kV\nminimum\ndistance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n33 kV < U\n 132 kV\nextended clothes\nline\n7 any direction (other\nthan vertically),\nfrom any part of a\nfully extended\nclothes line\n1.8m 3.0m 3.0m n/a\n8 any direction, from\nan outdoor wireless\nor television aerial\nor any part of a\nstaywire for the\naerial\n1.5m 1.5m 1.5m n/a\n9 any direction, from\nthe outer edge of\nthe water container\nof a swimming pool\nor the maximum\nwater level of the\npool\n5.0m; or\n3.0m (if the\nline is a\nneutral\nscreened\ncable)\n5.5m 5.5m n/a\nNote Symbols used in table 19 are defined in the dictionary.\n(4) In this section:\nneutral screened cable has the same meaning as in AS/NZS 3000\n(Wiring Rules), as in force from time to time.\nNote AS/NZS 3000 may be purchased at www.standards.org.au.\n20 Clearances from aerial conductors—flammable materials\n(1) This section does not apply to a structure to which section 19 applies.\n\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\nSection 21\npage 12 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, place or keep timber\nor other flammable material vertically below an aerial conductor.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(3) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, place or keep timber\nor other flammable material too close to an aerial conductor.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(4) Timber or other flammable material is too close to an aerial conductor\nif at any time it is within the minimum distance from any part of the\nconductor worked out in accordance with table 20.\nTable 20\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4\ndirection in which\nminimum distance\nmust be observed\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial\nconductor, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial\nconductor, where-\n1 kV < U  33 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial\nconductor, where-\n33 kV < U  132 kV\nhorizontally, from\nany point of the\nvertical projection\nbelow the aerial\nconductor or aerial\ncable\n3.0m 3.0m 3.0m\nNote Symbols used in table 20 are defined in the dictionary.\n21 Clearances from aerial lines—nonflammable materials\n(1) This section does not apply to a structure to which section 19 applies.\n(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, place or keep any\nnonflammable material too close to an aerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(3) Nonflammable material is too close to an aerial line if, at any time—\n(a) any part of the material is vertically below the line and within\nthe minimum distance from any part of the line worked out in\naccordance with table 21, item 1; or\n\nElectricity network facilities Part 3\nSection 22\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 13\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) if the material is not vertically below the line—any part of the\nmaterial is within—\n(i) the minimum horizontal distance, worked out in\naccordance with table 21, item 2 from the vertical\nprojection below the line; and\n(ii) the minimum vertical distance, worked out in accordance\nwith table 21, item 1 below the horizontal projection from\nany part of the line.\nTable 21\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5 column 6\ndirection in\nwhich\nminimum\ndistance must\nbe observed\nminimum\ndistance from\ninsulated\naerial cable or\ninsulated\naerial service\nline, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\ncovered aerial\ncable, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n1 kV < U  33\nkV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n33 kV < U \n132 kV\n1 vertical\nprojection below\nthe aerial line\n2.7m 3.7m 4.6m 5.0m\n2 horizontally,\nfrom any point\nof the vertical\nprojection below\nthe aerial line\n1.5m 2.0m 2.7m 3.0m\nNote Symbols used in table 21 are defined in the dictionary.\n22 Clearances from aerial lines—aircraft\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, launch, release,\noperate, fly or land any aircraft, glider, hang glider, hot air balloon,\nparachute, mechanically propelled model aircraft, model glider or\nkite within 50m of an aerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\nSection 23\npage 14 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n23 Clearances from aerial lines—vehicles\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, operate a vehicle on\nland if any part of the vehicle is too close to an aerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) In this section:\nvehicle includes any load on the vehicle, but does not include mobile\nplant to which section 24 applies.\n(3) A part of a vehicle is too close to an aerial line if at any time it is\nwithin the minimum distance from any part of the line worked out in\naccordance with table 23.\nTable 23\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5\ndirection in\nwhich minimum\ndistance must be\nobserved\nminimum\ndistance from\ninsulated aerial\ncable or\ninsulated aerial\nservice line,\nwhere-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial conductor\nor covered aerial\ncable, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial conductor\nor aerial cable\nwhere-\n1 kV < U  33 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or aerial\ncable where-\n33 kV < U  132 kV\nany direction 0.3m 0.6m 0.9m 2.1m\nNote Symbols used in table 23 are defined in the dictionary.\n24 Clearances from aerial lines—mobile plant, vessels\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, operate mobile plant\nif any part of the plant is too close to an aerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) In subsection (1):\nmobile plant means a crane, elevating work platform, tip truck or\nsimilar plant, any equipment fitted with a jib or boom, or any device\nfor raising or lowering a load.\n\nElectricity network facilities Part 3\nSection 25\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 15\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, operate a vessel on\nwater if any part of the vessel is too close to an aerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(4) A part of a mobile plant or vessel is too close to an aerial line if at any\ntime it is within the minimum distance from any part of the line\nworked out in accordance with table 24.\nTable 24\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5\ndirection in\nwhich\nminimum\ndistance must\nbe observed\nminimum\ndistance from\ninsulated\naerial cable or\ninsulated\naerial service\nline, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\ncovered aerial\ncable, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n1 kV < U  33 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial conductor\nor aerial cable,\nwhere-\n33 kV < U  132 kV\nany direction 1.0m 1.0m 3.0m 3.0m\nNote Symbols used in table 24 are defined in the dictionary.\n25 Clearances from aerial lines—vegetation\n(1) A lessee of territory land must not, without reasonable excuse, allow\nany part of a tree or other vegetation on the land to be too close to an\naerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\nNote Under the Urban Forest Act 2023, pt 3 it is an offence to damage a\nprotected tree (see that Act, s 16). However, the offences do not apply to\nan activity approved under the Urban Forest Act 2023, s 28 or s 32 (see\nthat Act, s 18 (1) (c)).\n(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, prune or clear a tree\nor other vegetation if any part of the tree or vegetation is likely to fall\ntoo close to an aerial line.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nPart 3 Electricity network facilities\nSection 26\npage 16 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) A part of a tree or other vegetation is too close to an aerial line if at\nany time it is within the minimum distance from any part of the line\nworked out in accordance with table 25.\nTable 25\ncolumn 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5\ndirection in\nwhich\nminimum\ndistance must\nbe observed\nminimum\ndistance from\ninsulated aerial\ncable or\ninsulated aerial\nservice line,\nwhere-\nU  1 kV\nminimum\ndistance from\naerial\nconductor or\ncovered aerial\ncable, where-\nU  1 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial\nconductor or\naerial cable,\nwhere-\n1 kV < U  33 kV\nminimum distance\nfrom aerial conductor\nor aerial cable,\nwhere-\n33 kV < U  132 kV\nany direction 1.0m 1.5m 2.0m 3.0m\nNote Symbols used in table 25 are defined in the dictionary.\n26 Measuring clearances from aerial lines\nFor this regulation, the minimum distance from any part of an aerial\nline is to be measured from the nearest point to which the line sags or\nswings.\n27 Placing of materials near substations or switchyards\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse—\n(a) place or keep any timber or other flammable material closer than\n3m in any direction from a wall or fence of a substation, or\nswitchyard, that forms part of an electricity network; or\n(b) place or keep any material in a way that is likely to—\n(i) impede access to any door, gate or entrance of a substation,\nor switchyard, that forms part of an electricity network; or\n(ii) interfere with the free flow of air through any opening or\nfitting used for ventilation in the walls of a substation, or\nswitchyard, that forms part of an electricity network.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nElectricity network facilities Part 3\nSection 28\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 17\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n28 Attachments, or climbing, on electricity network facility\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, attach a thing to an\nelectricity network facility if it is likely to interrupt or endanger the\nsafe or efficient operation of the facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, climb an electricity\nnetwork facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nPart 4 Water and sewerage network facilities\nSection 29\npage 18 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 4 Water and sewerage network\nfacilities\n29 Throwing objects at facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, throw or otherwise\nproject an object—\n(a) with intent to strike a water or sewerage network facility; or\n(b) if the object is likely to strike a water or sewerage network\nfacility;\nif the striking is likely to endanger any person or property or interrupt\nor endanger the safe or efficient operation of the facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n30 Driving etc over underground water or sewerage network\nfacilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, drive a vehicle, or\noperate plant, machinery or equipment, over an underground water or\nsewerage network facility if it is likely to damage the facility or\nendanger its safe or efficient operation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n31 Underground water or sewerage network facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, place or keep, above\nor adjacent to an underground water or sewerage network facility, any\ncorrosive, abrasive, heavy or harmful material or substance that is\nlikely to damage the facility or endanger its safe or efficient operation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nWater and sewerage network facilities Part 4\nSection 32\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 19\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n32 Excavating\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse—\n(a) cut away, excavate or remove any earth or material supporting\nor covering a water or sewerage network facility in a way that is\nlikely to damage the facility or endanger its safe or efficient\noperation; or\n(b) make an excavation deeper than 0.3m within 0.6m of any wall,\nfence or foundation of a structure that forms part of a water or\nsewerage network.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n33 Changing ground level\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, change the ground\nlevel above or adjacent to a water or sewerage network facility if that\nis likely to damage the facility, endanger its safe or efficient\noperation, or impede reasonable access to it for the purposes of its\noperation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n34 Climbing on water or sewerage network facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, climb a water or\nsewerage network facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n35 Entry to water or sewerage network facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter a water or\nsewerage network facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nPart 4 Water and sewerage network facilities\nSection 36\npage 20 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n36 Work on water or sewerage network facilities etc\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, work on—\n(a) a water or sewerage network facility; or\n(b) a pipe that communicates with such a facility;\nin a way that is likely to endanger people or property or interrupt or\nendanger the safe or efficient operation of the facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) In this section:\nwork includes installation and removal.\n\nGas network facilities Part 5\nSection 37\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 21\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 5 Gas network facilities\n37 Throwing objects at facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, throw or otherwise\nproject an object—\n(a) with intent to strike a gas network facility; or\n(b) if the object is likely to strike a gas network facility;\nif the striking is likely to endanger any person or property or interrupt\nor endanger the safe or efficient operation of the facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n38 Driving etc over underground gas network facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, drive a vehicle, or\noperate plant, machinery or equipment, over an underground gas\nnetwork facility if it is likely to damage the facility or endanger its\nsafe or efficient operation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n39 Underground gas network facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, place or keep, above\nor adjacent to an underground gas network facility, any corrosive,\nabrasive, heavy or harmful material or substance that is likely to\ndamage the facility or endanger its safe or efficient operation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n\nPart 5 Gas network facilities\nSection 40\npage 22 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n40 Excavating\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse—\n(a) cut away, excavate or remove any earth or material near,\nsupporting or covering a gas network facility in a way that is\nlikely to damage the facility or endanger its safe or efficient\noperation; or\n(b) make an excavation deeper than 0.3m within 0.6m of any wall,\nfence or foundation of a structure that forms part of a gas\nnetwork.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n41 Changing ground level\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, change the ground\nlevel above or adjacent to a gas network facility if that is likely to\ndamage the facility, endanger its safe or efficient operation, or impede\nreasonable access to it for the purposes of its operation.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n42 Climbing on gas facilities\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, climb a gas network\nfacility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n43 Work on gas network facilities etc\n(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, work on—\n(a) a gas network facility; or\n\nGas network facilities Part 5\nSection 43\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 23\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) a pipe or equipment directly connected to, but not part of, such\na facility;\nin a way that is likely to endanger people or property or interrupt or\nendanger the safe or efficient operation of the facility.\nMaximum penalty: 10 penalty units.\n(2) In this section:\nwork includes installation or removal.\n\nDictionary\npage 24 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDictionary\n(see s 3)\nNote 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to\nthis regulation.\nNote 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1 defines the following terms:\n• AS/NZS (see s 164)\n• penalty unit (s 133)\n• territory land.\nNote 3 Terms used in this regulation have the same meaning that they have in\nthe Utilities Act 2000 (see Legislation Act, s 148.) For example, the\nfollowing terms are defined in the Utilities Act 2000, dict:\n• network facility\n• utility.\naerial cable means any insulated or covered conductor or assembly\nof cores (with or without protective covering) that is above ground or\nwater, suspended in the open air between 2 or more supports and\nforms part of an electricity network.\naerial conductor means any bare conductor that is above ground or\nwater, suspended in the open air between 2 or more supports and\nforms part of an electricity network.\naerial line means an aerial cable, aerial conductor or aerial service\nline.\naerial service line means the final span or section of a low voltage\naerial conductor of an upstream network that is connected to a point\nof supply.\nconductor means a finished circular stranded assembly consisting of\n3 or more metallic wires laid up together that has the specific function\nof carrying electrical current.\ncovered conductor means a conductor around which is applied a\nspecified thickness of insulating material.\n\nDictionary\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nelectricity network facility means any part of the infrastructure of an\nelectricity network.\ngas network facility means any part of the infrastructure of a gas\nnetwork.\ninsulated, for a thing, means the thing is surrounded by a\nnonconducting substance that provides resistance to—\n(a) the passage of current; or\n(b) disruptive discharges through or over the surface of the thing at\nthe operating voltage; or\n(c) the injurious leakage of current.\nsewerage network facility means any part of the infrastructure of a\nsewerage network.\nstructure means a thing constructed by people and attached to land,\nor buried within land.\nU, for an aerial line, means its nominal voltage.\nswitchgear means the equipment for controlling the distribution of\nelectrical energy or for controlling or protecting circuits, machines,\ntransformers or other equipment.\nwater network facility means any part of the infrastructure of a water\nnetwork.\n< means less than.\n means less than or equal to.\n\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\npage 26 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\nAmending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the\namendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law\nbut are set out in the endnotes.\nNot all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are\nannotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be\nobtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.\nUncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details\nof these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are\nunderlined in the legislation history and amendment history.\nIf all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered\nprovisions gives details of previous and current numbering.\nThe endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.\n2 Abbreviation key\nA = Act NI = Notifiable instrument\nAF = Approved form o = order\nam = amended om = omitted/repealed\namdt = amendment ord = ordinance\nAR = Assembly resolution orig = original\nch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph\nCN = Commencement notice pres = present\ndef = definition prev = previous\nDI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously\ndict = dictionary pt = part\ndisallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule\nAssembly reloc = relocated\ndiv = division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No\nGaz = gazette RI = reissue\nhdg = heading s = section/subsection\nIA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule\nins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision\nLA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law\nLR = legislation register sub = substituted\nLRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced\nmod = modified/modification or to be expired\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 27\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n3 Legislation history\nThis regulation was originally the Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulations\n2001. It was renamed under the Legislation Act.\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001 SL2001-28\nnotified 23 August 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 34)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 23 August 2001 (IA s 10B)\nremainder commenced 11 September 2001 (s 2 and Gaz 2001\nNo S69)\nas amended by\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2002 A2002-30 pt 3.89\nnotified LR 16 September 2002\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 19 May 1997 (LA s 75 (2))\npt 3.89 commenced 17 September 2002 (s 2 (1))\nConstruction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2004\nA2004-13 sch 2 pt 2.26\nnotified LR 26 March 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.26 commenced 1 September 2004 (s 2 and see\nConstruction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 A2004-12, s 2 and\nCN2004-8)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2013 A2013-19 sch 3 pt 3.49\nnotified LR 24 May 2013\ns 1, s 2 commenced 24 May 2013 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.49 commenced 14 June 2013 (s 2)\nUrban Forest (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 A2023-52 sch 1\npt 1.14\nnotified LR 11 December 2023\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 December 2023 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.14 commenced 1 January 2024 (s 2 and see Urban Forest\nAct 2023 A2023-14, s 2)\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 28 Utility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\nR6\n01/01/24\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4 Amendment history\nName of regulation\ns 1 am R4 LA\nCommencement\ns 2 om LA s 89 (4)\nClearances from aerial lines—people\ns 18 am A2004-13 amdt 2.91; table renum R3 LA\nClearances from aerial lines—structures\ns 19 table renum R3 LA\nam A2013-19 amdt 3.475\nClearances from aerial conductors—flammable materials\ns 20 table renum R3 LA\nclearances from aerial lines—nonflammable materials\ns 21 table renum R3 LA\nClearances from aerial lines—vehicles\ns 23 table renum R3 LA\nClearances from aerial lines—mobile plant, vessels\ns 24 table renum R3 LA\nClearances from aerial lines—vegetation\ns 25 table renum R3 LA\nam A2023-52 amdt 1.116\nDictionary\ndict am A2002-30 amdt 3.977; A2013-19 amdt 3.476\n\nEndnotes\nEarlier republications 5\nR6\n01/01/24\nUtility Networks (Public Safety) Regulation 2001\nEffective: 01/01/24\npage 29\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5 Earlier republications\nSome earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to\nthe publication order.\nSince 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in\nelectronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised\nrepublications have also been published in printed format. These republications are\nmarked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Except for the footer, electronic and\nprinted versions of an authorised republication are identical.\nRepublication No Amendments to Republication date\n1 not amended 11 September 2001\n2 A2002-30 3 October 2002\n3 A2004-13 1 September 2004\n4 A2004-13 2 November 2004\n5 A2013-19 14 June 2013\n© Australian Capital Territory 2024","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The regulation remains tightly focused on its original purpose of public safety around utility infrastructure. While it has been amended several times since 2001 (notably to update electrician licensing references in 2004 and vegetation management rules in 2023), these changes represent technical updates and clarifications rather than scope creep. The structure—general provisions followed by specific parts for electricity, water/sewerage, and gas—has remained consistent."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple detailed tables (Tables 18-25) with voltage-based calculations requiring cross-referencing between sections and the dictionary","Nested conditional logic: 'without reasonable excuse' exceptions apply to nearly every offence, creating subjective defence thresholds","Technical definitions requiring external knowledge: terms like 'telemetry', 'aerial conductor', 'covered conductor', 'switchgear', and 'U ≤ 1 kV' assume electrical engineering familiarity","Cross-referencing to external standards: AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) incorporated by reference for 'neutral screened cable' definition (section 19)","Overlapping offences: similar prohibitions repeated across electricity, water, sewerage, and gas sections with slight variations in technical requirements","Measurement complexities: clearance distances must be calculated from 'the nearest point to which the line sags or swings' (section 26), requiring dynamic rather than static assessment","Interaction with other ACT laws: explicit references to Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and Urban Forest Act 2023 create regulatory interdependencies"],"plain_english_summary":"This regulation sets safety rules around electricity, gas, water and sewer infrastructure in the ACT, affecting residents, builders, excavators, drone operators and utility workers. It requires contacting the utility before digging, bans interfering with equipment, and imposes minimum clearances and activity limits (eg. distances from power lines, no climbing poles or driving heavy vehicles over pipes). Authorized utility workers are excepted. The aim is to prevent electrocutions, explosions, contamination and outages."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulation’s substantive scope has been adjusted through amendments recorded in the legislation and amendment history (endnotes 3–4). Notable changes include amendments to clearance tables and renumbering (see amendment history) and an update affecting vegetation-related offences linked to the Urban Forest Act 2023 (note to s 25 and A2023‑52). The regulation also incorporates cross-references to licensing and technical standards (s 18 note, s 19 note, dictionary), indicating iterative scope refinement since enactment."},"complexity_factors":["Detailed numeric clearance and excavation tables differentiated by voltage, direction and object type (ss 18–26; tables 18–26)","Separate rule-sets for electricity, water/sewerage and gas with largely parallel but distinct limits (Parts 3–5)","Frequent cross-references to other laws and standards (Construction Occupations Act, Urban Forest Act note at s 25, AS/NZS 3000 referenced in s 19 note and dictionary)","Wide use of a subjective 'reasonable excuse' defence across most offences (repeated in many provisions)","Authorisation and evidence mechanisms that shift decision-making to utilities (ss 5–7)","Measurement rules that rely on physical behaviour of lines (s 26) and site-specific conditions","Overlap of responsibilities between land occupiers, contractors and utilities (excavation/vegetation/placement rules create shared compliance burden)","Enforcement structure relying on penalty units with values set elsewhere (front matter references Legislation Act)"],"plain_english_summary":"This regulation sets practical safety rules for how the public may interact with utility infrastructure in the ACT (electricity, gas, water and sewerage). It bans or restricts activities—excavation, driving or placing materials over underground assets, attaching or climbing on equipment, lighting fires, operating aircraft or plant near lines—and prescribes minimum clearances, excavation depths and penalties. It matters to landowners, contractors, lessees, vehicle and plant operators, and utilities because it allocates who must check, seek authorisation, and bear legal risk for unsafe acts."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/utility-networks-public-safety-regulation-2001","history":"/api/acts/utility-networks-public-safety-regulation-2001/history","analysis":"/api/acts/utility-networks-public-safety-regulation-2001/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/utility-networks-public-safety-regulation-2001/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/utility-networks-public-safety-regulation-2001/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/utility-networks-public-safety-regulation-2001/documents"}}