Look Out, Look Up!

Before you start

• Plan ahead, always note the location of overhead power lines, and do not carry out lifting or loading within 5 meters of power lines
• If you are felling trees and there are lines within two tree heights, or you are cutting back within two branch lengths of an overhead power line, you must contact your local electricity network operator for advice before starting work
• You must also give the electricity network operator at least two weeks’ notice of any minor works close to overhead power lines, and at least a month’s notice for major works
• If you are working at night, or in conditions of poor visibility, you must use spotlights or a torch to carefully check that there are no overhead power lines within your reach
• If you are doing any work or moving anything and there is a risk that contact could be made with overhead power lines, you must contact your local electricity network operator for advice before starting. Always follow the advice given by the electricity network operator
• Never touch overhead power lines, always assume lines are live unless the electricity network operator has told you they are dead

What to do if…

If you inadvertently come into contact with an overhead power line and the machine is not operable or cannot be driven clear of the line:

• Stay in the cab
• Phone the electricity network operator using the 105 number
• Instruct everyone outside the vehicle not to approach it
• Do not exit the cab until given confirmation by the electricity network operator that it is safe to do so

If the machine is inoperable or cannot be driven free and there is risk of fire or other immediate hazard:

• If you must get off then you must jump clear making leaping strides so that one foot is off the ground at all times until you are at least 5 metres away
• Do not return to the vehicle unless told by the electricity network operator it is safe
• Keep others away from the vehicle. Touching it or even getting too close could kill them