Engineers Ireland’s President’s Annual Ball gets year underway!

ABOVE: Pictured L-R at the President’s Annual Ball: Justin Martin, Chair of Engineers Ireland’s West region; Ian Lynch, Chair of Engineers Ireland’s North-West region, John Power, President of Engineers Ireland, Michal Dymet, Chair of Engineers Ireland’s Cork region and Tony Buckley, Chair of Engineers Ireland’s Midland region.

BELOW: Guests enjoying Engineers Ireland’s President’s Annual Ball at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

INSET BELOW: Claire Hughes, Chair of Engineers Ireland’s Public Sector division is pictured with her husband, Richard Truell actual damage is caused.

Our purpose in ESB Networks has always been to connect and distribute electricity – safely, securely, and affordably.

Electricity is so much part of daily life that we often take it for granted. It is a powerful and versatile energy but can be dangerous if not treated with the respect it deserves.

The risk, which is very significant (unless proper control measures are fully and consistently implemented) is electrocution with added risks of an explosion, molten metals and falls from heights.

Contractors are responsible for managing the risks associated with work near overhead electricity wires and underground cables. Competent persons need to review past site records and utility drawings in advance of works and to liaise with ESB Networks prior to works commencing.

According to Michael

Murray,

Public Safety Manager for ESB

Networks, ‘Overhead electricity wires and underground cable are some of the main construction hazards that have the potential to seriously impact the safety of workers and the public.

‘ESB Networks are reminding everyone of the dangers of working too close to overhead electricity wires or striking underground cables.

‘By taking the time to considers the risks and to put all the appropriate controls in place we can all go home safe to our families each and every day.’

Involved

Every year ESB Networks assets are involved in serious safety incidents involving construction workers. In very many of these cases, it is probable that the electricity hazard and the potential consequences had not been fully considered or managed.

The hazard is electricity, and the danger arises when work is carried that is either too close to wires and cables or where

Where these dangerous occurrences take place, apart altogether from the potential of life changing outcomes, there are other consequences including interruption in the power supply to industry and to the community, hospitals; the involvement of the Health and Safety Authority; significant repair and other financial costs, as well as possible reputational damage.

It makes sense to manage the risk to the required lowest possible level.

Important

As well as all the relevant health and safety legislation and regulations, important practical guidance for the control of the electricity risk is set down in these two Health and Safety Authority (H.S.A.) Codes of Practice:

Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines and Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services.

Understanding how to comply with and apply the controls outlined within these documents is a fundamental safety requirement for all contractors and puts the power of safety in your hands.

It is important to note a variance of voltages for overhead electricity lines on ESB Networks distribution and transmission systems, ranging from 230 volts to 400,000 volts.

The minimum safe distances for plant and machinery are dictated by the voltage carried.

It is always recommended to check the voltage carried by contacting ESB Networks and to consult the respective Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines or Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services.

Assume

Always assume overhead electricity wires or underground cables are live unless otherwise confirmed by ESB Networks.

If planning work near overhead electricity wires, contact ESB Networks (1800 928 960 / dig@esb.ie) in advance so that the necessary safety precautions can be evaluated.

In the event of emergency, contact ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999