The greatest risk here is from electrical services, but gas and water supply risks should not be underestimated. Electrical services may be overhead but are more commonly underground and thus less detectable, especially in an urban setting. Contact with underground or overhead electrical lines can cause shock, fire, burns and recoil physical injuries. Gas leaks from pipes after they have been damaged can lead to fires or explosions, either straight away or later. Water pipes have a lower risk but damage to a high pressure main can produce a dangerous water jet. In all these circumstances it is vital to avoid injuries and major expenses from damage to services and it is best to do this by not working too close to them. - Inspect the site before work to identify any overhead services or the likelihood of them being underground if the work entails any digging.
- Plan and manage the work to prevent tools, people, vehicles, materials or items being worked on e.g. trees, from coming within 15 metres of overhead cables, many of which are not insulated.
- It is very important that information on the path and depth of underground services is correct and detailed a verbal 'OK' is dangerously insufficient and plans often show the original intention, the precise path differing. The client or landowner should get the utility responsible to mark the path on the ground.
- Safe digging practice is, with the line of the service clearly marked, to prohibit any digging or other ground penetration work within 0.5 metres (1 metre if using machinery) of the line.
- Follow the advice in the free leaflet IND(G)30(L) Buried cables Beware or for a small charge, in the booklet HS(G)47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services or the Guidance Note GS6 Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Electric Lines, all from HSE Books on 01787 881165.
All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009
|
