#LookOutLookUp Campaign

© Photo by Tina Norris 

CECA Scotland is pleased to support the new campaign by Scottish Power Energy Networks Look Out Look Up!, aimed at reducing incidents involving overhead power lines.

#LookOutLookUp encourages people to plan ahead to avoid contact with overhead power lines and to know what to do if contact is made.

Key tips for working safely around overhead power lines include:

1. Risk assess:

Know where overhead power lines are and mark them on a map. Find out the height and reach of your equipment and how this compares to the maximum working height under overhead power lines. Share this information with workers and contractors.

2.  Control measures:

Don’t work near an overhead power line if you don’t have to. Speak to your electricity network operator for advice. Select suitable machinery and equipment and use it safely.

3. Know what’s safe, and what isn’t:

Certain work should be avoided within 10 metres of overhead power lines, such as stacking bales,, operating telehandlers and moving irrigation pipes.

4. Stay clear of fallen or damaged overhead powerlines:

Stay well away from fallen or damaged lines; contact the local electricity company by telephoning 105.

5. Know what to do if you come into contact with an overhead power line:

If contact is made when you’re in a vehicle, stay in the cab and to try to drive clear. If that is not possible, jump clear of the machine, move away and don’t touch it once on the ground.

6. Call 105:

If an incident occurs, contact your network operator by calling the national 24 hour emergency number 105.

The Energy Networks Association have created this helpful safety film which you can watch  here.