Close Approach
Consent Safety Boards

New Zealand

The Story Behind The Project

Project Overview

Client(s): Transpower | ENA

Following two tragic incidents involving contractors working near overhead power lines - one resulting in permanent injury and another in a fatality - Transpower, in collaboration with the Electricity Networks Aotearoa (ENA), sought a proactive way to communicate risk and safety requirements on-site. The aim was to create a visual, practical, and easy-to-understand hazard board to be used in inductions and toolbox talks.

Working with Andrew Renton from Transpower, and in collaboration with Tony Smallman (Top Energy) and Grant Brown (Northpower), Identimark developed a comprehensive on-site awareness tool that is now actively contributing to safer worksites across multiple networks.

  • Rolled out across multiple networks including Top Energy, Northpower, and Fulton Hogan
  • Mandated for site use by Top Energy as part of CAP consent compliance
  • Customisable consent panel tailored to each site’s overhead line risk
  • Reusable whiteboard finish on Tefalite boards for long-term, low-maintenance use
  • Inductions now completed on-site using contractor-held boards, improving field safety
What Needed To Be Solved

Challenge

Contractors operating near overhead lines were often unaware of the correct safe approach distances.

There was no consistent, industry-recognised visual guide being used across worksites to induct staff, outline risks, or reinforce consent requirements for working in high-risk zones.

Key challenges:

  • Preventing further injury or death through increased awareness.

  • Creating a tool that could be used for inductions and toolbox talks.

  • Providing clarity around No-Go Zones, Consent Zones, and Safe Zones.

  • Accommodating documents like CAP consent forms and site notes.

  • Ensuring ease of use in both temporary and permanent site setups.

How We Approached The Project

The Process

Identimark worked directly with Transpower and ENA stakeholders to understand the incidents and risk factors that needed to be addressed.

Conducted multiple design consultations with field teams to ensure usability and clarity in real-world environments.

Iterated on prototype designs with feedback from Northpower and Top Energy to ensure it addressed frontline needs.

Material selections were made based on site conditions—temporary boards vs. long-term reusable signage.

Training and rollout supported through customer networks and toolbox briefings.

The Solution We Provided

How We Helped

Identimark delivered the Close Approach Hazard Board, a durable, easy-to-use safety communication tool featuring:

Four key sections:

 

    • Top – Danger sign with icon warning of overhead lines.

    • Left – Customisable panel for Close Approach Consent information.

    • Centre – Visual zones showing No-Go, Consent, and Safe Working areas.

    • Right – A4 waterproof document holder for consents and key documentation.

     

  • Two board material types:

  •  

    • Unisign 5mm coreflute for temporary use.

    • Tefalite vinyl graphics on marine-grade aluminium composite with whiteboard finish for reuse.



  • Designed for use in:

    • On-site toolbox talks and daily safety briefings.

    • Contractor inductions.

    • Ongoing reference for crane operators, scaffolders, and civil crews.

What We Provided

Products Supplied

  • Close Approach Hazard Boards

    Unisign 5mm coreflute (temporary use)

    Tefalite on marine-grade aluminium composite with whiteboard finish (permanent use)

    Features include:

      • Customisable consent panel

      • Document holder

      • Writable surface (for notes or job-specific information)

 

Designed for use in:

    • On-site toolbox talks and daily safety briefings.

    • Contractor inductions.

    • Ongoing reference for crane operators, scaffolders, and civil crews.