Serving all electricity customers

SAFE
CONSTRUCTION
WITH ELECTRICITY
esbnetworks.ie
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INTRODUCTION
Electricity is essential for our economy and so much part of modern living that we often take it
for granted. This booklet provides important safety and customer service information to help
you stay safe when working near electricity networks and to explain the key steps when you
require services from ESB Networks.

SAFETY ADVICE WHEN WORKING

NEAR OVERHEAD ELECTRICITY
WIRES AND UNDERGROUND
CABLES
Electricity is delivered across the country using
both overhead wires and buried cables. It is a
powerful and versatile source of energy but it can be
dangerous unless we use safe systems of work.
Serious accidents, including fatal electrical accidents
have occurred where construction work is involved.
In the past 21 years there have been 16 electrical
fatalities due to accidental contact with overhead
electricity wires and cables.

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Overhead Electricity Wires – Keep Your Distance

The power of electricity is such that any accidental contact with overhead wires, or coming too
close, will cause serious injury and can be fatal. Serious accidents have occurred when using
cranes, concrete delivery trucks, tipper lorries and scaffolding near overhead wires.
It is important to note the existence of overhead wires and to plan to safely carry out work. If
possible keep machinery clear and guard against working close to the live wires. Always allow
enough clearance to avoid contact and remember that electricity can jump gaps.
For more detailed information please refer to the ESB Networks Code of Practice For Avoiding
Danger from Overhead Electricity Wires which can be downloaded from the www.esbnetworks.ie

If the worst happens – take these steps and stay safe:

If a machine or its attachments come into contact with an overhead line, it could be fatal
for anyone who touches the machine. Do not rely on rubber tyres or rubber-soled boots for
protection – they will not insulate against a high-voltage shock. Tyres can burst into flames and
boots can be destroyed. These are the steps that should be taken in the event of a hit on an
overhead power line.

Step 1: Keep Clear

• The driver of a vehicle that comes into contact with overhead lines will usually
remain safe in the cab of the vehicle. Other people are at risk if they make
simultaneous contact with the vehicle (and anything attached to it) and the ground.

Step 2: Get Help

• You, or someone else, should contact ESB Networks’ emergency number (1850 372
999) immediately.

Step 3: Jump Clear

• If you have to leave the cab, jump well clear so that no simultaneous contact is
made between you, the vehicle and the ground. Land on your feet and do not touch
the ground with your hands. Move away at once using short steps or bunny hop
with both feet together.

Step 4: Stay Clear

• Do not go back to the vehicle, even if you think it is safe to do so. It may still be live.
• Nobody should approach the vehicle until ESB Networks has confirmed that it is
safe to do so.

Step 5: Safe Operation

• If the vehicle is not tangled with the overhead line, reverse away until contact is
broken. Do not climb out of the vehicle or attempt to operate the vehicle while
standing on the ground outside the vehicle.

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Avoidance of electrical hazards

when working near overhead lines
At the planning stage and before starting work near an overhead
line, consult ESB Networks.
THERE ARE TWO GENERAL CASES
Site where there will be no work or passage of plant under a live
overhead line.
• A barrier should run parallel to the
line (See below for distance from
line)
• This may be fixed post fencing or
steel drums filled with rubble spaced
1.5 metres apart.
• If cranes are in use a line of bunting
at a height of 3 metres should
supplement the barriers. (See below
for distance from line)
• Danger notice stating “Danger Live
Overhead Line” should be spaced at
intervals.
Site where plant will pass under a live overhead line
In addition to the above, Goal Posts should be
erected as shown.
Dimensions as follows:
• Height of goalposts - As advised by ESB
• Width of Goalposts - Max. 10 metres.
• Height of bunting - 3 metres
• Distance between steel drums - 1.5 metres
• Distance between danger notices - 20
metres
• Horizontal distance of barrier to outside conductor on line
- 6 metres minimum for LV, 10kV, 20kV, 38kV.
- 10 metres minimum for 110kV, 220kV, 400kV.
In general if work is to be undertaken directly under the line, ESB will insist that the line
is switched off for the duration of the work.
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Underground Electricity Cables and Services – Do You Know

Damage to underground cables is extremely hazardous. Serious accidents have occurred
resulting in life-threatening injuries when electricity cables have been struck or disturbed. Use
of hand tools, and not just heavy machinery, has been responsible for serious safety incidents.
It is important to always take the essential safety precautions before carrying out digging work.
There may be buried electricity cables close by.
Always check and identify the route and location of electricity cables, using competent and
trained people. It is never safe to disturb or handle electricity cables . Always contact ESB
Networks immediately.
When planning work which involves digging, always contact the Dial before U Dig service at
dig@esb.ie or alternatively phone 1850 928 960.
For more detailed information please refer to the H.S.A Code of Practice For Avoiding
Danger from Underground Services which can be downloaded from the H.S.A. website.

Safe System of Work for Digging

These Guidelines apply to all work that involves penetrating the ground
at or below surface level

When working near buried services USE

• Maps All 4 complement
• CAT - Cable Avoidance Tool each other
All 4 complement
• Safe Digging Practice each other
• Company Policies & Procedures
Always be aware that the depth of cover may be very shallow and that there may no bricks, warning tape or
other protection in place. Always assume that there will be more services than you expect to find.

BEFORE You Start Digging Manhole Covers, Valve Covers, Lamp

Posts, Houses/buildings, Meters,
P Complete Risk Assesmant Communications Network, Signs of
Previous Digging
P Ensure you have appropriate Maps
P Remember that service cables & public lights may not be shown.
P Look out for Services
P Always use Cable Locator (CAT) to trace all services
P Mark the positions of the cables using waterproof crayon, chalk or paint

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Serving all electricity customers

DO YOU KNOW
WHAT LIES BELOW?
Always dial before you dig
Avoid the dangers of underground electricity cables.
Contact us to get maps which show the locations of
ESB Networks’ underground cables.
PHONE: 1850 928 960
EMAIL:dig@esb.ie
FAX: 01 6388169

In case of emergency, phone

1850 372 999 (24 HOUR/7 DAY SERVICE)
www.esbnetworks.ie
IMPORTANT: Please refer to the HSA “Code of Practice
For Avoiding Danger From Underground Services” on how
to safely carry out excavation work in the vicinity of
underground cables. Available at www.hsa.ie

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INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:

ESB Networks proves a range of safety materials.

Cab stickers should be displayed prominently on the vehicle to remind everyone of the dangers.
Log on to www.esbnetworks.ie and find out more about safety and electricity.
In an emergency or where there is a public safety concern with electricity wires or cables,
contact us immediately on our 24/7 emergency number: 1850 372 999

Safety DVD’s, Cab stickers and keyrings - please contact us for materials at 1850 372 757

ESB Networks safety website: esbnetworks.ie

H.S.A website: www.hsa.ie

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Serving all elec

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1850 372 9
Safety with el
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HOW TO CONTACT ESB NETWORKS

• If you have a general query

You can contact us at 1850 372 757 or +353 21 2386555
Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 8.30am to 1.30pm .
If possible please have your MPRN number to hand when calling us.
Email: esbnetworks@esb.ie
Our target is to have your query addressed within two working days.

• Faults/Emergencies and Interruptions in Supply

For Real Time Information on Faults and Outages go to ESB PowerCheck
www.powercheck.ie
For Faults/Emergencies (24 hours/7days service) Ring 1850 372 999 or
+353 21 2382410
Follow us on www.twitter.com/esbnetworks

• Safe Digging
Email your request , with your site map to dig@esb.ie
Call 1850 928960
Fax 01 6388169
Alternatively, you can make a postal request to:
Central Site
ESB Networks
St. Margaret’s Road
Finglas
Dublin 11

• Meter Reading
You can send in a meter reading online www.esbnetworks/readings.
Or ring our 24 hour automated meter reading service 1850 33 77 77 or +353 21
2386444
You can also text us a reading at 087 9609223 in the format:
MPRN (space) reading
Or Email: reading@esb.ie

• Feedback & Complaints

How do I register a complaint?
You can register your complaint with us in the following ways:

• You can phone our National Customer Care Centre on 1850 372 757 or
+353 21 2386555 (outside of Ireland)

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NEW CONNECTIONS PROCESS

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Step 1 - Get an Ordnance Survey Map and Site Plan

• You need an ordnance survey map (scale 1:2500-1:10560) showing the location of your
new unit/premise. Mark the location of your new premises with a red pen.
• You will also need a detailed site plan (scale 1:100-1:500) showing your new premises.
• Your builder or architect should be able to provide you with both of these. Photocopies are
acceptable.
• For multi-unit developments you will also need a letter from the Local Authority confirming
the final name of your development.

Step 2 - Apply
Apply by post. Download the New Connection or Increased/Reduced Capacity (MIC)
Application form from www.esbnetworks.ie or call 1850 372 757 or +353 21 2386555 to
request a copy.

Send the completed form together with the ordnance survey map and the site plan to:

ESB Networks DAC, Customer Services Bureau,

PO Box 29, Garrycastle, Athlone, Westmeath, Ireland

Step 3 - Receive an Acknowledgement

Once we get your completed application, we put your details on the system and send you an
acknowledgement and reference number.

Step 4 - After this preparatory work, network installation work

can be planned and scheduled.

Step 5 - Make a payment and send back the Agreement

After this preparatory work, network installation work can be planned and scheduled.

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Booklet Title: SAFE CONSTRUCTION WITH ELECTRICITY

(cover image is ok too)

KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Page 6 heading: Safe System of Work for Digging/Drilling ( remove “/Drilling” )

• Watch out for overhead electricity wires

• Identify the location of buried cables
Page 10: Step 4: Should read :” After this preparatory work, network installation work can be
• Follow
planned the requirements set down in the Codes of Practice
and scheduled.”

• Never work close to overhead wires

• Never disturb cables
Page 11 Key Safety Messages: 6th bullet point should read: “Never undermine pole/mast
foundations.”
• Never undermine pole/mast foundations.
• Electricity wires are always live
• Never touch fallen wires.
Ciaran,

• need
We Never handleplease.
500 copies, anything that may be in contact with electricity
wires.
• Display safety stickers on machinery to remind everyone to be
Regards,
“electricity safe”.
• In an emergency, phone immediately 1850 372 999.
Arthur

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ESB Networks Emergency Number:

In case of emergency
phone 1850 372 999
(24 hour/7 day service)
www.esbnetworks.ie

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