What Is Electrical Arcing? Staying Safe Near Overhead Power Lines in Scotland
You do not always need to touch an overhead power line to be in danger.
When a person, vehicle or piece of equipment gets too close to a live power line, electricity can jump through the air. This is known as electrical arcing or flashover. It can cause severe electric shock, serious burns or fatal injuries.
Across Scotland, overhead power lines are found near farms, forestry sites, roads, construction projects and utility works. For anyone working in these environments, understanding the risk of electrical arcing is an important part of staying safe and here at ACT we want to give everyone this chance!
What is electrical arcing?
Electrical arcing happens when electrical current travels through the air between a live power line and a nearby object. This means machinery does not always need to make direct contact with a line for an incident to happen. A raised tipper body, crane arm, telehandler, scaffold pole or tree may come close enough for electricity to jump across the gap!
Overhead power lines should always be treated as live unless the network operator has confirmed otherwise.
Who works near overhead power lines in Scotland?
Many industries across Scotland carry out work near overhead electrical services. This includes construction, civil engineering, agriculture, forestry, utilities and road maintenance.
People who may be at risk include:
Plant operators,
HGV drivers,
Site supervisors,
Groundworkers,
Tree surgeons
Agricultural contractors.
Those planning or managing the work also need to understand the dangers.
What does GS6 mean?
GS6 is Health and Safety Executive guidance on avoiding danger from overhead power lines.
It is aimed at people who plan, supervise or carry out work near live overhead services.
Who may benefit from GS6 training?
GS6 training is not a trade qualification on its own. However, it can provide valuable safety knowledge for people working in construction, utilities, forestry, agriculture and civil engineering. It may be particularly useful for plant operators, supervisors, site managers and anyone responsible for planning work near overhead power lines.
How we can help
Here at ACT, we offer a GS6 Overhead Power Lines Safety Training course is designed for anyone who works near live overhead power lines.
The half-day course covers the risks involved and the steps needed to plan work safely. Topics include risk assessment, liaising with asset owners, exclusion zones, tipping zones, tree felling, goalposts and warning signs.
Book Now
If any of our courses are what you're looking for, you can view our Upcoming Training or, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the details below:
Email us: alasdair@actsafe.uk
Phone us: 01349 793088