Working safely near electrical installations
Working safely near electrical installations
Before starting any work near to our overhead lines, please obtain a copy of our network plans.
Request network plans
Contact us by email at PlanRequest@enwl.co.uk, or view our electrical safety advice guide.
Treat all lines as live
To the untrained eye, or without reference to plans, it is often not possible to be sure which lines contain electricity and which are phone lines.
The safe approach is to treat all overhead lines as dangerous and seek expert advice.
Please see below for our three recommended steps to working safely near to overhead electricity lines.
1. Request a guide
Use the Health and Safety Executive Guidance note GS6 - Avoidance of danger from overhead electric power lines as a guide.
To request a copy, please quote book reference ISBN 0717613488 at a bookshop or write to:
HSE BooksP.O.Box 1999Sudbury SuffolkThis leaflet can also be downloaded free of charge from the Health and Safety Executive website.
2. Contact the operator of the line
You must consult the operator of the line if you will be working:
- Within 15 metres of overhead lines on steel towers
- Within nine metres of wood pole
- Beneath an overhead power line
The owner's name will often be posted on the support pole or tower and will usually be the local regional distribution company or National Grid.
If in doubt, call the local regional electricity company office.
All distances should be measured at ground level from a position estimated by eye to be vertically under the outer most conductor at a tower or pole position.
Remember:
- Electricity can kill! Never move poles or other long objects up towards overhead lines as sighting or measuring aids
- Never assume an overhead line is carrying telephone wires - some electricity lines look very similar to communication cables and some poles carry both electricity and telephone lines
3. Request a visit from the operator
If your work will encroach upon the areas stated previously, you will need to request a visit to meet a representative of the electricity company on site.
The representative will:
- Recommend a minimum clearance distance to the overhead line
- Have other recommendations and advice on how to fulfill the requirements of GS6 and avoid danger
- Discuss and confirm arrangements with you in writing, to switch out the line if required
- Establish if shrouding is required
Shrouding, sheathing or electricity cable protection is used to protect electricity cables, so that work can be carried out safely if overhead electricity cables are in the way.
Make sure that you understand the recommendations given in terms of minimum clearances to lines and the precautions necessary while erecting barriers and during work activities.
All overhead lines and other electrical apparatus can be extremely dangerous. If you need to work near them, get competent advice.
The Energy Networks Association has a selection of leaflets including ones for scaffolders and safe use of plant.