Risk Assessment: Overhead Services¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA04 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
Risk Assessment Table¶
| Activity/Process | Hazard | Who/What Affected | Existing Controls | Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R) | New Controls Required | Post-Control Risk (S/L/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working near overhead electric lines | Contact with electric cables causing severe shock, burns or fatality | Site personnel, members of the public | • Contact made with National Grid or local electric company before work • Request isolation or sheathing where necessary • Instructions from utility owner complied with • Goal posts and warning signs erected • Physical exclusion zones established • Slew restrictions implemented for plant • Site specific lift plan for all lifting activities • All personnel informed of hazards and emergency actions |
5/3/15 (High) | • Implement overhead line permit to work system • Install physical height restrictors on excavators • Display emergency procedures on site and in plant cabs • Regular overhead line awareness training Safety manager, within 2 weeks |
5/2/10 (High) |
| Operating excavators or other high reach equipment | Plant striking overhead cables | Site personnel, members of the public | • Restrictions on plant movement and equipment height enforced • Designated crossing points under overhead lines • Height clearance checked prior to equipment selection • Plant operator competence verified • Banksman used to guide plant movement |
5/3/15 (High) | • Install proximity warning systems on high-reach equipment • Create detailed site map showing overhead hazards • Improve route planning to minimize work under lines • Ensure specific hazard briefing for plant operators Site agent, immediate |
5/2/10 (High) |
| Use of tippers and crane lorries | Vehicle body or extensions contacting overhead lines | Site personnel, members of the public | • Vehicle exclusion zones marked using goal posts/marker posts • Vehicles not raised under overhead lines • Designated banksman for tipping/loading operations • Driver awareness of safe operating distances |
5/3/15 (High) | • Install height limiting devices on all tippers • Improve overhead hazard signage at site entrance • Ensure dedicated unloading areas away from overhead lines Site agent, immediate |
5/2/10 (High) |
| Carrying ladders or other long materials | Severe shock and burns if contact made with power lines | Site personnel | • Consideration of materials and ladder length near overhead cables • Ladders and materials carried horizontally • Alternative routes planned to avoid overhead hazards • Staff trained in hazard awareness |
5/2/10 (High) | • Develop procedure for transporting long items on site • Provide non-conductive carrying equipment • Increase route planning and hazard identification Project engineer, within 3 weeks |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Working in poor weather conditions | Reduced visibility or control increasing risk of contact | Site personnel | • Work stopped in high winds or poor visibility • Additional supervision in adverse conditions • Regular weather monitoring and forecasting |
5/2/10 (High) | • Develop adverse weather work policy • Implement enhanced supervision for poor weather • Establish clear stop-work criteria Project manager, within 1 month |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Working with inexperienced personnel | Lack of awareness of hazards | Site personnel | • Site induction including overhead hazards • Experienced personnel supervise new workers • Clear instructions on work limitations near overhead services |
4/3/12 (High) | • Enhance induction with specific overhead hazard training • Implement buddy system for new workers • Develop visual aids for hazard awareness Site agent, within 2 weeks |
4/1/4 (Low) |
| Emergency response to overhead line contact | Inadequate response to line contact | Site personnel, members of the public | • Emergency procedures in place for line strikes • Contact details for utilities available on site • First aid equipment and trained personnel available • Isolation procedures known by key personnel |
5/2/10 (High) | • Develop overhead line-specific emergency response cards • Conduct regular emergency drills for line contacts • Improve communication of emergency procedures Safety manager, within 1 week |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Working near low voltage overhead lines | Underestimation of risk due to perceived lower hazard | Site personnel | • Same precautions applied to all overhead lines • No assumptions about line insulation • Physical barriers to prevent access where needed |
4/3/12 (High) | • Improve hazard signage for all voltages • Ensure equal emphasis on low and high voltage in training • Regular toolbox talks on electrical service dangers Safety manager, within 2 weeks |
4/1/4 (Low) |
Key:¶
- S = Severity (1-5 scale)
- L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
- R = Risk Rating (S × L)
- Risk Levels:
- Low (1-3)
- Moderate (4-8)
- High (9-15)
- Very High (16-25)
Related Documents¶
- GS6 Guidance: Avoiding Danger from Overhead Power Lines