What Are Tiger Tails?

A Tiger Tails installation involves placing bright yellow plastic sleeves over live overhead power lines to increase their visibility during construction. These are installed by your Electricity Network Provider — either Energex (South East Queensland) or Ergon Energy (regional QLD).



Tiger Tails help prevent accidental contact with power lines by machinery, scaffolding, or trades. They do not insulate or make the wires safe to touch — they are a visual safety aid only.

Why is this Needed?

Tiger Tails may be legally required if:

  • Your construction site has overhead power lines near scaffolding, cranes, or work areas
  • You’re working within a legislated exclusion zone
  • Your local distributor flags it during their safety assessment


Having them installed helps you:

  • Comply with the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2020 (QLD)
  • Protect workers and trades from electric shock or line contact
  • Meet network provider safety conditions before work can begin

What Does Your Electricity Network Provider Do?

Your Electricity Network Provider — either Energex (South East Queensland) or Ergon Energy (regional QLD) — is responsible for:

  • Assessing your site for overhead electrical hazards when you submit a safety advice request
  • Determining whether Tiger Tails are required based on proximity to live power lines, exclusion zones, and the type of work being done
  • Providing a quote for the installation and removal of Tiger Tails (if required)
  • Supplying and installing the Tiger Tails at the scheduled time, using trained and authorised technicians
  • Removing the Tiger Tails once your construction activities near power lines are complete
  • Ensuring all works comply with Queensland electrical safety laws and standards


They do not provide insulation or power disconnection — Tiger Tails are purely a visual safety aid. All work around them must still comply with standard exclusion zones and safe work practices.

How It Works

1. You (the owner builder) need to submit a request to your Local Electricity Network Provider to check if Tiger Tails are needed. You’ll need to share your site address, what work you’re doing (e.g. scaffolding, roof work), the equipment you’re using, and when. Use the online form:

2.  Your Local Electricity Network Provider will review your request and let you know if Tiger Tails are required. If so, they’ll send you a quote and may ask for extra info (like photos or plans).

3. Once you approve the quote and pay, book a time for the Tiger Tails to be installed. Make sure the area around the powerlines is clear and safe.

4. After the Tiger Tails are installed, walk around and make sure they’ve been fitted to all the powerlines near your site. Contact your Local Electricity Network Provider if anything looks wrong.

5. When your work near the powerlines is finished, contact your Local Electricity Network Provider again to book the removal.

6. Once they’ve been taken down, do a final check to make sure nothing has been left behind.

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If your work near the powerlines is delayed, contact your Electricity Network Provider as early as possible to request an extension. Tiger Tails are charged by the day or week, so leaving them up longer without approval could lead to extra fees or rushed removal. It's better to reschedule early than risk unsafe or incomplete work.