According to ESB Networks, there were over 485 incidents involving cable strikes and accidental contact with overhead power lines in 2020, and many hundreds more of near misses. In many of these cases, it is probable that the electricity hazard and the potential consequences had not been fully considered or managed.
Day 5. 29 October 2021
Electricity Wires & Cables
KEY SAFETY TIPS
Watch out for overhead wires and keep a safe distance. Implement the Code of Practice for Overhead Lines.
Avoid hitting buried cables and always check that you are following safe digging practice. Implement the Code of Practice for Underground Services.
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:
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.
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.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Watch out for overhead wires and keep a safe distance
Avoid hitting buried cables; always check that you are following safe digging practice
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!
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.
Keep clear of underground cables – identify the location of underground cables, use competent staff and calibrated equipment, and implement safe digging practices.
In the event of emergency involving hazardous energies – contact the relevant utility provider immediately:
ESB Networks
Gas Networks Ireland
Irish Water
1800 372 999
1850 20 50 50
1850 278 278
Gas Networks Ireland
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
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