Working safely near electricity installations

Overhead Lines

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. Contact us by email, or view our Electrical Safety Advice guide for more ways to contact us.

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. This leaflet can be downloaded free of charge from the HSE website.

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 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 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 - 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 to meet a representative of the Electricity Company on site. The representative will recommend a minimum clearance distance to the overhead line and may have other recommendations and advice on how to fulfill 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 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.

Click here for a range of material giving advice and guidance on safety, produced by the Energy Networks Association.

Power Line or Telephone line?

This is a commonly asked question. The real answer is that to the untrained eye or without reference to plans it is often not possible to be sure which is electricity and which is not. The safe approach is to treat all overhead lines as dangerous and keep clear.