Newsroom

Rising materials and labour costs, climbing interest rates, a skills shortage and unprecedented demand have created a perfect storm for the construction industry—and its clients.

It’s often said that time is money. And while the need for speed and efficiency has never been greater, if either comes at the expense of safety, any gains can be quickly lost. Particularly when it comes to the hazards of working around electricity.

Whether you work in the construction industry, or you are carrying out building work on your home or farm, being aware of the potential electricity hazards on site can prevent costly damage to infrastructure—and more importantly, loss of life.

To help simplify site safety, Michael Murray, Public Safety Manager with ESB Networks, offers these Dos and Don’ts for working in the presence of electricity.

DO

• Before you dig, email us at dig@esb.ie to find out if there are buried electricity cables in the area, and to obtain the relevant maps.
• When digging, always assume there are live, unprotected cables underground and close to the surface.
• Always assume there are more cables than what is mapped. ESB Networks maps will not include service cables such as gas, water, or public lighting.
• Ensure a competent person is equipped with a cable avoidance tool and signal generator to find and mark the location all services.
• Contact ESB Networks before beginning any construction work near overhead electricity lines on 1850 372 757. We will be able to advise you on the voltage and therefore, the minimum safe distance you will need to maintain while you work.
• When in doubt, assume all overhead lines carry high voltage and treat them with the necessary caution.
• Maintain a safe exclusion zone from electricity poles and overhead wires to avoid being injured by electrical arching. Remember, electricity can jump gaps, so you don’t need to come into contact with wires to be electrocuted.
• If an accident happens and your vehicle comes into contact with overhead line, stay in the cab and call ESB Networks 24/7 emergency number immediately on 1800 372 999.
• If you must exist the cab, due to fire or imminent danger, jump clear of the cab and shuffle away until you are at a safe distance of at least 10m. Do not touch the cab, do not let your hands come in contact with the ground and keep everyone else clear. Never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• Report any damage to electricity infrastructure to ESB Networks immediately by calling 1800 372 999.

DON’T

• Don't disturb underground cables. If electrical cables need to be moved or switched out, ESB Networks will carry out the work.
• Don’t assume hand-held tools, such as shovels or picks can’t damage underground cables or cause serious injury.
• Don’t undermine the foundations of electricity poles, masts or stay wires. Avoid digging too closely.
• Don’t work near overhead electricity lines. Remember that electricity can arc, meaning you don’t need to come into contact with the line to be electrocuted.
• Avoid driving under overhead electricity lines in heavy equipment. If it’s unavoidable, ensure a minimum safe distance is maintained between the highest point of the vehicle, and the overhead wires to avoid the risk of contact or electrical arching.
• Never touch or approach a vehicle that has made contact with an overhead line. If you wish to help the occupant, call ESB Networks for help on 1800 372 999.
• Never store equipment or materials near electricity lines.
• Don’t touch or approach fallen wires. Remember, anything in contact with a fallen wire can also deliver an electric shock.
• Never assume rubber soled footwear or rubber tires will insulate against electrical shock.
• Don’t assume site safety is someone else’s responsibility. If you don’t know, don’t act, ask first and find out.

Remember—it doesn’t matter whether you’re an amateur renovation enthusiast, or a construction professional—electricity does not discriminate, and it gives no second chances. So be aware and stay clear to stay safe.

For more detailed information, download the ESB Networks Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines at www. www.esbnetworks.ie. The Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services can be found on the Health and Safety Authority’s website at www.www.hsa.ie.