Safety Alert - Work near underground cables

HSENI have seen an increase in the number of incidents involving damage to the electricity infrastructure involving high voltage cables and are reminding duty holders to ensure safe systems of work are implemented when carrying out any work close to electricity infrastructure/electrical cables.

Serious injuries have occurred during excavation and other work near underground power cables. Underground power cables present a risk of serious or fatal injury during excavation or similar work, particularly to people using hand tools (e.g. picks, concrete breakers etc.).

Before you start digging you should apply for network maps of the area that you are about to start working in.

•  Click here for more information on how to apply for network maps. 

Precautions should include:

a) mapping, recording and marking on site of cable runs;

b) use of cable-locating devices;

c) safe digging practices.

Additional information

• Avoiding danger from underground services - source HSE (GB)
• Avoiding concealed services and overhead power lines: What you need to know as a busy builder - source HSE (GB)

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