Overhead electricity lines are normally bare (uninsulated) and if an object gets too close it is possible that a ‘flashover’ can occur, where electricity will jump over a distance to reach earth via the object. This can kill or cause severe shocks and burns to any person nearby.
In order to prevent this happening, there are minimum safety clearances between overhead lines and the ground, roads or objects on which a person can stand. Please take note of the advice below:
- Be sure you know who is working on your land. All National Grid personnel and their contractors carry identification. Ask to see if you are unsure about people visiting your site or farm.
- Don’t assume that delivery drivers and contractors know, or have remembered, the route of overhead electricity lines. Remind them – it could save their lives.
- Avoid operating tall equipment or lifting gear beneath an overhead electricity line.
- No plant, machinery, scaffolding, or personnel should encroach within the safety zone of the overhead conductors lines
- Take care when moving ladders, elevators, irrigation pipes or other long objects. They should be moved only when horizontal or in their lowest position.
- Never reduce the clearance under overhead electricity lines by dumping or tipping waste material, erecting structures, buildings hay stacks or creating storage areas under lines.
- If any changes in ground levels are proposed in the vicinity of the overhead line which might reduce safety clearances please contact National Grid first.
- Never use the base of a pylon (tower) or area immediately around it to store materials.
- Take care where radio aerials are attached to high vehicles.
- Take care when moving or tensioning electric fences particularly in sloping areas.
- Don’t stand under the base of pylons (towers) during electrical storms.
- Do not direct jets of water or slurry at overhead power lines.
- Do not excavate where it would disturb the pylon (tower) foundations.
- Remember it is dangerous to climb on top of high vehicles parked or passing under overhead conductors.