Day 5 – Construction Safety Week 2021

Electricity Wires & Cables

KEY SAFETY TIPS 

1. Watch out for overhead wires and keep a safe distance. Implement the Code of Practice for Overhead Lines.
2. Avoid hitting buried cables and always check that you are following safe digging practice. Implement the Code of Practice for Underground Services.
3. Contact ESB Networks for information and advice.
   • Remember – electricity wires and cables are always live; never touch fallen wires or handle cables.
   • Contact ESB Networks for the records of overhead and underground cables by:
   • Email to dig@esb.ie
   • Phone: 1800 928 960 for Map Records and Advice.
4. Watch out for overhead wires:
   • Remember to implement the safety controls and comply with the Code of Practice for Overhead Electricity Lines.
   • Know what the required safety zones are by contacting ESB Networks in advance
   • Erect goal posts to restrict access for tall machinery.
5. Keep clear of underground cables:
   • Remember to implement the safety controls and comply with the Code of Practice for Underground Cables.
   • Identify the location of underground cables.
   • Use competent staff and calibrated equipment
   • Implement safe digging practices.

1. Watch out for overhead wires and keep a safe distance
2. Avoid hitting buried cables; always check that you are following safe digging practice
3. Contact ESB Networks for information and advice – contact ESB Networks to request map records of overhead/underground cables by phoning 1800 928 960 or by emailing: dig@esb.ie and remember that electricity wires are always live; never touch fallen cables!
4. Watch out for overhead wires – implement the safety controls and comply with the Code of Practice for Overhead Electricity Lines. Know what the required safety zones are by contacting ESB Networks in advance and erect goal posts to restrict access for tall machinery.
5. Keep clear of underground cables – identify the location of underground cables, use competent staff and calibrated equipment, and implement safe digging practices.
6. In the event of emergency involving hazardous energies – contact the relevant utility provider immediately:

Every year, Gas Networks Ireland responds to hundreds of instances of damage caused to its gas network by construction activity.  Damaging a gas pipeline can cause major disruption, property damage, serious injury and even death.  Thankfully few of these incidents result in harm to people, but the potential for injury is obvious.

Safe digging practices can, however, dramatically reduce the risk of damage

Here are some links to HSA guidance:

ESB Networks – Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines
ESB Networks – Safe Construction with Electricity 
ESB Networks – How you can avoid hitting electrical cables when digging and drilling
HSA – Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services