ESB Networks has published a new guidebook for safe construction practices and the electricity network as part of the Construction Safety Week awareness campaign.

ESB's safety booklet provides practical advice to construction workers on avoiding harm on site including:

• Always take essentially safety precautions before carrying out digging work, as there will often be buried electricity cables close by.

• Contact ESB Networks 'Dial Before You Dig' service and obtain the relevant, up-to-date cable maps - [email protected] or 1850 928 960.

• Look out for any indication of services such as gas, water etc.

• Ensure a cable avoidance tool is used by a competent operator.

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• Keep machinery clear and guard against working close to overhead wires, and allow enough clearance to avoid coming too close.

Commenting on the new dedicated ESB guidebook for construction workers, Safe Construction and the Electricity Network, Construction Federation of Ireland Director of Safety and Training, Dermot Carey said: "The new guidebook provides important additional safety information to help workers stay safe when working near underground cables, and I would encourage all construction workers to take the time this week in particular to download and read the guidebook to ensure they are up to speed on the important safety practices regarding working near electricity cables.”"

ESB has also collaborated with other major utilities, including Gas Networks Ireland, Irish Water and Eir, to launch a new 'dial before you dig' campaign for Construction Safety Week 2018.

The campaign encourages workers to contact utility owners to check the location of underground services before breaking ground.

ESB Networks' Dial Before You Dig service can be contacted by calling 1850 928 960 or emailing [email protected].

The utility's Safe Construction and the Electricity Network guidebook can be accessed here.

(CM)