Three steps to safe working near to overhead electricity lines

Please obtain a copy of our network plans before starting any work near to our overhead lines.

Step 1

Obtain the Health and Safety Executive Guidance note GS6 "Avoidance of danger from overhead electric power lines" and apply the guidance information it gives you. GS6 is available from HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999,Sudbury Suffolk - and also most good retail bookstores. Quote book reference ISBN 0717613488.

Step 2

Check how closely to the electricity power lines you will need to work.

If work will be within 15 metres of overhead lines on steel towers, or within 9 metres of wood, concrete or steel poles or if access to the work site passes beneath an overhead power line, then you must consult the operator of the line, usually the local Regional Distribution Company or National Grid. The owner's name will often be posted on the support pole or tower. 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 offer 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 - some poles carry both electricity and telephone lines.

Step 3

If the work will encroach upon the areas stated in STEP 2 then request a visit from the overhead line operator's representative. Arrange to meet a representative of the Electricity Company on site. He will recommend a minimum clearance distance to the overhead line and may have other recommendations and advice on how to fulfil the requirements of GS6 and avoid danger. If the only way to achieve safety is to switch out the line, the representative will discuss and confirm these arrangements with you in writing.

Make sure that you understand the recommendations that he gives you 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.

General safety precautions whilst working on site

• Understand and follow the instructions given on safe working areas and methods of work.
• Make sure that warning notices are in the cabs of machines working in the vicinity of an overhead line. Suitable stick on labels may be used.
• Any machine that passes under or needs to work under overhead lines should have any raising and lowering devices mechanically limited so that jibs, booms or tippers are physically restricted from encroaching upon the safety clearances to the overhead line.
• Make sure that barriers and warning notices are erected as required by the HSE guidance note GS6 5.Do not tip soil or stack material underneath overhead lines as this may reduce the clearance from the line to an unsafe value.
• Make sure that when handling or using platforms, scaffold poles, piping, ladders, tools etc, they are kept at a safe distance from overhead lines.
• Do not steady a suspended load, skip, hoist wire, sling etc. unless satisfied that there is no danger from overhead lines.
• Remember that, when mobile plant such as a crane or excavator is operating near overhead lines, the raising or slewing of the jib may introduce danger.
• Always keep overhead lines in view when manoeuvring mobile plant.
• Never operate a machine unless carefully guided by an experienced banksman or slinger.
• Never ride on top of vehicles or loads.
• Never approach or touch any broken or fallen conductors or any plant in contact with an overhead line before the Electricity Company confirms that conditions are safe.
• If a machine in contact with an overhead line cannot be disentangled by backing off, remain seated in the cab and warn others to keep clear of the machine until the electricity company confirms that conditions are safe.
• If it is essential to leave the machine while it is in contact with the overhead line, for example if it catches fire, jump clear - do not attempt to climb down in the normal way and do not touch any part of the machine when on the ground.

Supporting leaflets and stickers

Supporting leaflets and stickers produced by the Electricity Association can be obtained from Central Networks at the address and telephone number below.

Distribution Safety Team, Central Networks, Herald Way, Pegasus Business Park, Castle Donington, Derbyshire DE74 2TU

Tel: 01332 393838
Fax: 01332 393026

For advice on working near to overhead lines at a specific location please see the How to contact us page in the link above and ask for 'cables and plant proximity working advice'.

For general enquiries or advice when working near to overhead lines call the CableSafe helpline on 0800 0150927.