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SAFETY ADVICE FOR CONTRACTORS

Danger - Overhead Cables

Don't be a shock absorber! Follow these practical guidelines for working safely in the vicinity of underground cables and overhead electricity lines.

Danger of death! Before starting work you must:

  • Make sure you have plans of the underground services in the area. This may not always be possible for emergency or unforeseen works. Remember that service connection cables from the main to a building or a street lamp may not be shown.

To request a marked up drawing of the underground cables and overhead lines in your locality please write to:

 

Northern Ireland Electricity
Distribution Service Centre
Request for Markup
Carn Industrial Estate
Craigavon
BT63 5QJ

Please include the following information:

 

1. Name and Address including Postcode.
2. Your contact telephone number.
3. Location map with the extent of the area clearly indicated. (Maps for this purpose can be obtained from Ordnance Survey for Northern Ireland)

Please contact us well in advance of starting work to allow time for your application to be processed and posted to you.

If you require any further information please contact us on telephone number 08457 643643.

  • Use a cable and pipe locator to trace electricity cables and metal pipes. You should have been trained how to do this. If in doubt or if you have any difficulty get help and advice.
  • Mark the positions of the cables and pipes using paint or other waterproof marking on the ground - or using short pegs and marker tape in soft ground.
  • Look for signs of service connection cables or pipes, e.g. a gas or electricity meter box or a service connection entry into a house or street lamp
  • Hand dig trial holes (as many as necessary) to confirm the position of services in close proximity to the area of your work. This is particularly important if there are plastic pipes that cannot always be found by locator.
  • Ensure sub-contractors are fully briefed and that they have clear copies of the marked up drawings on site.

Danger of Death!Remember: Cables tiles and tapes may have been moved by other contractors and utilities and they may not be buried at standard depths. MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS!!

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