Working with Overhead Power Lines
Posted on 30th September 2022 at 11:05
The HSE states that “Accidental contact with live overhead power lines kills people and causes many serious injuries every year. People are also harmed when a person or object gets too close to a line and a flashover occurs. Work involving high vehicles or long equipment is particularly high risk”.
It is therefore important to implement necessary safety precautions as identified on risk assessments, even when working near power lines for a short period of time.
Where it has been identified that power lines are within or immediately next to a site or across any access routes, contact is made with owners of the lines to discuss safety precautions. It may be necessary that power lines need to be diverted or made dead.
Risks from power lines can be eliminated by:
Avoidance – can work be undertaken away from power lines? The HSE provides the following advise
“Make sure materials (such as bales or spoil) are not placed near overhead lines, and
temporary structures (such as polytunnels) are erected outside safe clearance distances”.
Diversion – make arrangements for overhead lines to be diverted away, made dead or isolated before
work begins. Ensure that work is planned and time is given to arrange diversion of power
lines.
