Overhead Power Lines (OHPL)

Accidental contact with live overhead power lines kills people and causes many serious injuries every year. People are also harmed when a person, or object, gets too close to a line and a flashover occurs.

Work involving high vehicles, or long equipment, is particularly high risk. Examples of these include:

  • Lorry mounted cranes (such as Hiabs or Palingers)
  • Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWP’s)
  • Scaffold poles
  • Tipper vehicles
  • Cranes
  • Ladders
Important To Remember When Working Near Overhead Power Lines
  • A Risk Assessment should be conducted
  • Consult Overhead Power Line owners for minimum distances, or appropriate industry guidance
  • Getting close to a live Overhead Power Line can result in a flashover that may kill
    • It is not just physical contact with an Overhead Power Line that causes damage
  • Even voltages lower than 230 volts can kill and injure people
  • Do not mistake overhead power lines on wooden poles for telephone wires
  • Electricity can bypass wood, plastic, or rubber, if it is damp or dirty, and cause fatal shocks
    • Don’t rely on gloves or rubber boots to protect you
  • Contact with an overhead power line may cause the power to ‘trip out’ temporarily, and it may be re-energised automatically, without warning
Overhead Power Lines onsite, with visible ‘goal posts’ (in yellow and black) used as a control to prevent flashovers (HSG144)
Marshalling Near OHPLs

Traffic Marshals should only undertake marshalling near OHPLs if competent and authorised to do so, and this will normally involve:

  • Managing the risk of electrocution or collision
  • Establishing an Exclusion Zone (signs and barriers may be needed for this)
  • Dynamic Risk Assessment
What To Do If A Vehicle Operator Comes Into Contact With An OHPL
  • The driver should remain in the cab and inform the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) immediately
    • Stick the number in a visible place in the vehicle cab and keep it on your mobile phone
  • The responsible person / Marshal should warn others to stay away
  • The vehicle operator should try to drive clear
    • If this is not possible, and you need to leave the vehicle to escape fire, JUMP CLEAR – do not dismount by climbing down the steps
  • Never try to disentangle or touch vehicles / equipment until the owner of the line has confirmed that it has been de-energised and made safe

The clip below shows the danger of coming into contact with OHPLs: