Safe Control of Hazardous Energies

Safe Control of Hazardous Energies

Contractors are responsible for managing the risks associated with work near overhead electricity wires, underground cables, gas and water pipelines, and other infrastructure. Competent persons need to review past site records and utility drawings in advance of works and to liaise with the respective utility providers.

According to Michael Murray, Public Safety Manager for ESB Networks, “Overhead electricity wires and underground cable are some of the main construction hazards that have the potential to seriously impact the safety of workers and the public. ESB Networks, in conjunction with CIF, are reminding everyone of the dangers of working too close to overhead electricity wires or striking underground cables. Please take time to review the accompanying safety codes of practice and advice so that we can all go home safe to our families each and every day”.

It is important to note a variance of voltages for overhead electricity lines on ESB Networks distribution and transmission systems, ranging from 230 volts to 400,000 volts. The minimum safe distances for plant and machinery are dictated by the voltage carried. It is always recommended to check the voltage carried and then consult the respective Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines. Always assume utilities as live unless otherwise confirmed; if planning work near overhead electricity wires, contact ESB Networks (1800 928 960 / [email protected]) in advance so that the necessary safety precautions can be evaluated. Check out guidance from ESB Networks’ Information on Dial Before You Dig – Digging and Excavation Work and ESB Networks’ Contractor Safety Website: Overhead Wires before undertaking works in the likely vicinity of electrical services. In the event of emergency, contact ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999.

“Transporting large amounts of energy is Gas Networks Ireland’s core business and doing that safely is fundamental to our success, which is why we are proud to support Construction Safety Month for another year,” says Owen Wilson, Gas Networks Ireland Networks Safety Manager.

“Energy, such as gas, is safe when treated with respect, but accidental damage to gas pipelines and other energy infrastructure can not only cause major disruption to your work, but also pose a danger to those in the vicinity, resulting in serious injury or even death. Any responsible contractor will want to make sure that they operate a safe site. Obtaining maps of underground services and checking for the location of gas pipelines is a critical step when planning any excavation. Our online Dial Before You Dig service provides access to these drawings far quicker and easier than ever before. The online service provides virtually instant access to vital gas network drawings that would normally take 48 hours or longer to arrive, in minutes or even seconds, day or night, without the hassle of having to email in a map of the location for which drawings are needed.”

Despite extensive advertising campaigns and its award-winning Dial Before You Dig service, Gas Networks Ireland last year responded to over 400 incidents of damage to its underground gas network.

Refer to Gas Network Ireland’s Dial before you Dig webpage:

https://www.gasnetworks.ie/home/safety/dial-before-you-dig/

CIF Member-only Content

CIF – Guide to I.S. 10101: 2020 National Rules for Electrical Installations

CIF – Recorded Webinar – The Power of Safety is in Your Hands (ESB Networks & Gas Networks Irl)

CIF – Recorded Webinar on Emergency Preparedness (with ESB Networks & Gas Networks Irl)

CIF – Recorded Webinar on Location of Underground Services (with Sean Mannion)

CIF – Recorded Webinar on Working Safe Near Overhead Electricity Networks (with ESB Networks)

Useful Links

ESB Networks – Contractor Safety

Gas Networks Ireland – Dial Before You Dig