Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations 1913 (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, enacted in 1914, was introduced to address the urgent need for safety and operational standards for aerial lines that cross telegraph lines. The Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, issued the regulation due to its urgency. The objective of this regulation is to ensure the safety and efficiency of aerial lines crossing telegraph lines while protecting the integrity of telegraph lines. This regulation sets out specific conditions for the crossing of aerial lines over telegraph lines, including the required clearances and the necessity for permission from the Postmaster-General.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, specifically amending the Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations, 1913, applies to aerial lines crossing telegraph lines and street or road telegraph lines. This legislation mandates that aerial lines carrying up to 650 volts must maintain a minimum clearance of 2 feet from telegraph lines, while those carrying more than 650 volts must be positioned above the telegraph lines, adhering to a minimum 4-foot distance and 10-foot pole separation. Additionally, the regulation requires that aerial lines crossing roads must do so at an angle of at least 60 degrees to the street or road direction. The regulation further stipulates that aerial lines must be insulated from the telegraph lines by approved guard wires or other methods acceptable to the Postmaster-General. This regulation is applicable nationally and is administered by the Postmaster-General, who has the authority to grant exceptions under specified conditions. The regulation's urgency and immediate effect, as certified by the Governor-General, underscore its importance in ensuring the safe and effective operation of both aerial and telegraph lines.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of this legislation concern the regulations governing the crossing of aerial lines over telegraph lines. Regulation 38 (subsection 1) stipulates that aerial lines carrying up to 650 volts may cross telegraph lines, provided they are at least 2 feet apart in all directions. If crossing directly over or under the telegraph lines is not feasible, the Postmaster-General may permit the lines to pass between the telegraph lines, subject to specific conditions they deem appropriate. For aerial lines carrying more than 650 volts, the regulation mandates that they must cross above the telegraph lines, ensuring a minimum distance of 4 feet between the lines and no less than 10 feet from any pole of the Postmaster-General to any wire of the electric authorities (subsection 2). Additionally, when aerial lines cross streets or roads and also cross telegraph lines, the angle of the road crossing must be at least 60 degrees to the direction of the street or road (subsection 3). Finally, Regulation 38 (subsection 4) requires that aerial lines must be kept from coming into contact with Postmaster-General’s lines using approved guard wires or other methods approved by the Postmaster-General. The legislation imposes several obligations on parties involved in the construction and maintenance of aerial lines. Firstly, any entity planning to create aerial lines that cross telegraph lines must apply for permission from the Postmaster-General and adhere to the specified distances and methods for crossing. For lines carrying more than 650 volts, there are stricter requirements regarding the height and separation from telegraph lines. Furthermore, if aerial lines cross public roads or streets and telegraph lines, they must do so at a specified angle to ensure safety and functionality. The legislation also mandates the use of approved guard wires or alternative methods to prevent contact between aerial lines and telegraph lines. Breach of the regulations outlined in this legislation may lead to various penalties and consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, it is clear that failure to comply with the prescribed distances, crossing methods, and other conditions set forth by the Postmaster-General may result in legal action. This could include civil penalties, enforcement actions, or potentially criminal charges depending on the severity and impact of the breach. The consequences aim to ensure that aerial lines are installed and maintained in a manner that does not interfere with telegraph lines and public safety.