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A vital reminder for HGV drivers to stay safe around overhead electricity lines

As Ireland’s road freight network continues to grow, HGV drivers play a critical role in keeping our economy moving. ESB Networks deeply values the role played by road freight sector, and wants to ensure that operators stay safe while doing it.

Claire Mulholland, ESB Networks Public Safety Manager, advises one of the most serious risks facing HGV drivers is accidental contact with overhead electricity lines and poles.

“In a recent incident a truck driver made contact with a 20 kV Overhead line while using a Hiab Jib and received a shock and burns,” she said.

“Most accidents occur because of a failure to notice the overhead lines and to take the required precautions. By applying the safety practices below, we can make sure we all get home safe to our families at the end of every day,” she added.

Electricity lines are present in rural areas, construction sites, farms, and urban delivery zones. Whether you are tipping a load, raising a crane, or extending a trailer, it is vital to be aware of your surroundings and the height of your vehicle or equipment. Electricity lines can carry voltages that are lethal on contact, and you do not need to touch them directly to be at risk—electricity can jump across gaps.

Know the Danger Zones

Overhead electricity lines are typically suspended at heights that are safe for standard road traffic. However, HGVs with elevated equipment—such as tipper trucks, cranes, or high trailers—can easily breach the safety zone. Always check for overhead lines before raising any part of your vehicle.

If you are working in unfamiliar territory, especially on farms or construction sites, take a moment to scan the area. Look for warning signs, poles, and overhead lines. If in doubt, stop and assess. It could save your life.

What To Do If You Hit an Overhead Line

If your vehicle comes into contact with an overhead electricity line:

  1. Stay inside the cab—unless there is an immediate fire risk. The vehicle may be live, and stepping out could cause electrocution.

  2. Call ESB Networks on 1800 372 999 immediately – you, or someone else, should contact ESB Networks’ emergency number and pass on GPS coordinates or an Eircode for the location if available.

  1. Warn others to stay away—keep at least 10 metres clear. The vehicle may be live, and other people are at risk if they make simultaneous contact with the vehicle (and anything attached to it) and the ground.

  2. Wait for ESB Networks to make the area safe before exiting the vehicle.

  3. If you must exit due to fire, jump clear—do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and shuffle away without lifting your feet off the ground until you are 10 metres clear.

  1. Stay Clear – do not go back to the vehicle even if you think it is safe to do so. It may still be live. Nobody should approach the vehicle until ESB Networks have confirmed it is safe to do so.

  2. Safe Operation – if the vehicle is not tangled with the overhead wire, reverse away until contact is broken. Do not climb out of the vehicle or attempt to operate the vehicle while standing on the ground outside the vehicle. Never make contact with the live vehicle and the ground at the same time.

Plan Ahead, Stay Alert

Before starting work, plan your route and delivery points. If you are operating machinery that extends vertically, know its maximum height and compare it to the clearance of any overhead lines. If you are unsure, contact ESB Networks—we are here to help.

ESB Networks also encourages all HGV operators to include electrical safety in their driver training and toolbox talks. A few minutes of awareness can prevent a lifetime of consequences.

Never stack or store materials or equipment underneath overhead electricity lines. This could put you in danger when using loaders or could be used as a climbing aid by a child or unsuspecting person putting them at risk of electrocution.

Let Us Work Together to Keep Ireland Safe

At ESB Networks, safety is a top priority. ESB Networks is committed to working with the transport and logistics sector to reduce incidents and raise awareness. Always treat fallen wires as live. Never try to lift electricity wires – if they are low, contact ESB Networks immediately. If you see damaged wires or poles, report them immediately to ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.

Remember: Stay Safe. Stay Clear.

For more safety resources, visit Staying Safe (esbnetworks.ie)

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