Electrical safety

    National Grid Pylon HSE

    National Grid fined £3.2 million after pylon worker receives 33,000-volt shock

    The National Grid has been fined £3.2 million after a worker suffered “life-changing” burns from a 33,000-volt shock while working on a pylon, to which the electricity had not been switched off.

    By Kerry Reals on 09 September 2024

    Worker Carrying out Checks iStock NewSaetiew

    Electrical installations in hazardous areas: why effective commissioning, installation and inspection are crucial

    Machinery designed specifically for potentially explosive atmospheres will contain sparks that could trigger a fire or explosion. It’s essential it undergoes an independent inspection prior to initial use, in case the installer compromises the manufacturer’s design, invalidating the equipment and creating a potentially dangerous situation.

    By Ian Wright, TÜV SÜD on 28 June 2024

    Gore-tex-professional-pyrad-safety-garments

    Getting arc rated PPE procurement right

    Arc rated PPE provides vital protection against electrical arcing for people such as engineers working on electrical installations, but it’s crucial to consider factors like comfort, durability and weather protection when selecting it.

    By Jonas Andersson, GORE-TEX on 15 August 2023

    Cable Strikes Istock Chiccododifc Med (1)

    Let’s make digging even safer

    Running a free search for underground pipes and cables to avoid dangerous utility strikes, is proving more popular than ever.

    By Richard Broome, LSBUD on 18 July 2022

    National Grid 2 (1)

    Putting safety in everyone’s hands

    National Grid Metering’s gas engineers are empowered to stop work at any point on safety grounds, helping the company achieve a full year without a single lost-time injury.

    By Chris Cleveland on 13 April 2021

    Excavating

    Digging safely

    A free service exists so those carrying out excavation work can check for potentially dangerous underground cables and pipes.

    By Richard Broome on 12 October 2020

    Seaward SMLL

    Don’t get your fingers burned

    Every year many accidents are reported at work involving electricity. Portable appliance testing (PAT) can help employers remain compliant and keep their workplaces safe.

    By Darren Bakewell on 03 July 2019