It's a scenario that plays out on construction sites and in homes across New Zealand far too often. Someone takes a shortcut, ignores safety zones, or simply doesn't know about critical safety distances – and lives change forever.

Take the recent case of a young scaffolder in Auckland. One moment he was doing his job, the next moment the steel pole he was handling touched an overhead powerline. The consequence? Both arms amputated. The tragedy? It was entirely preventable with proper electrical exclusion zones. This wasn't a case of reckless behaviour – the company had sought expert guidance on working safely near powerlines. But that vital safety information never reached the workers who needed it most.

The scaffolding story, and the two other stories below are all true – and wake-up calls about the vital importance of safety zones around electrical and gas installations. Whether you're a homeowner renovating your bathroom or a construction worker on a major site, understanding these critical distances could save your life.

The invisible shields that keep you safe

Think of electrical exclusion zones as invisible force fields. There are three you need to know about:

First, there's the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) – your basic safety buffer from live electrical equipment. It's your first line of defence, the absolute minimum space you need to maintain from anything electrical. Then comes the Restricted Access Area, where only trained personnel should venture – think of it as a professional-only zone. Finally, there's the Isolation Zone, reserved exclusively for qualified electrical workers during live electrical work. This is where the most dangerous work happens, and it's absolutely off-limits to anyone without proper qualifications.

When gas meets electricity: a recipe for disaster

Just last month, a family learned the hard way about gas safety distances. Their kitchen renovation went horribly wrong when gas pipes were installed just 100mm from electrical wiring – 200mm short of the mandatory 300mm safety distance. When a minor gas leak met an electrical spark, the resulting explosion destroyed their kitchen.

"That missing 200mm made the difference between a minor leak and a major explosion," the fire investigator noted. Thankfully, the family escaped serious injury, but they faced months of repairs and restoration work.

This incident highlights basic gas installation requirements that every homeowner should know. Gas appliances need at least one metre of clearance from windows, doors, and vents – this prevents gas from pooling in enclosed spaces. Underground gas pipes must be buried at least 500mm deep. These aren't arbitrary numbers; they're carefully calculated safety margins that could save your life.

Bathroom safety: the three-metre rule

In a tragic case in Wellington, a young person lost their life simply reaching for a bathroom light switch with wet hands after a shower. The switch had been installed too close to the shower, breaching the mandatory three-metre safety zone. One simple measurement could have prevented this tragedy.

Here's what you need to remember for wet areas:

• Keep electrical outlets at least 600mm above the ground in bathrooms.
• Maintain that essential three-metre distance between lighting fixtures and bathtubs or showers.
• Ensure all bathroom electrical installations have proper IP ratings for wet environments.
• Never compromise on these measurements – there’s a reason why:

These aren't arbitrary numbers dreamed up by overcautious bureaucrats. Every measurement, every zone, every safety distance has been put in place in response to real accidents, real injuries, and real deaths. That's why proper installation isn't a DIY job – it requires certified professionals:

• Only registered electricians should handle electrical work
• Licensed gasfitters must manage gas installations
• Both must follow current New Zealand standards and building codes

The key to maintaining these safety zones isn't just about installation- it's about ongoing vigilance. Regular safety checks are essential. Have your electrical and gas installations inspected annually by qualified professionals. Don't wait for something to go wrong before you check if your safety zones are adequate.

Best practices that save lives – key points:

• Always use physical barriers and clear signage around electrical installations.
• Ensure gas appliances maintain at least 100mm clearance from any combustible materials.
• Keep emergency procedures updated and easily accessible.
• Maintain proper ventilation around gas installations.
• Never modify electrical or gas installations yourself.
• If you're unsure about any safety distances, consult a professional

Remember, when it comes to safety zones, millimetres matter. These distances might seem inconvenient or excessive, but they're the difference between a normal day and one that changes lives forever.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and most importantly, stay alive. Because when it comes to electrical and gas safety, close enough isn't good enough.

Your life – or someone else's – might depend on these measurements one day. Don't wait for a tragedy to take them seriously.