eos 09-0061 assessing the risk to the public from

Document Number: EOS 09-0061

Version: 13.1

Date: 30/10/2017

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ENGINEERING OPERATING STANDARD

EOS 09-0061

ASSESSING THE RISK TO THE PUBLIC FROM DISTRIBUTION NETWORK ASSETS

Network(s): EPN, LPN, SPN

Summary: This standard implements the standard for the ESQC Regulations 2002 and details the procedure for assessing the risk that Distribution Network Assets present to the public.

Author: Lee Speakman Date: 30/10/2017

Approver: Jeremy Wright Date: 02/11/2017

This document forms part of the Company’s Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of Asset Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the author or owner of the current issue.

Applicable To

UK Power Networks External

☒ Asset Management ☒ G81 Website

☒ Capital Programme ☐ UK Power Networks Services

☐ Connections ☒ Contractors

☒ Health & Safety ☒ ICPs/IDNOs

☒ Legal ☐ Meter Operators

☒ Network Operations

☐ Procurement

☐ Strategy & Regulation

☐ Technical Training

Assessing the Risk to the Public from Distribution Network Assets


Version: 13.1

Date: 30/10/2017

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 2 of 36

Revision Record

Version 13.1 Review Date 02/11/2022

Date 08/10/2018 Author Lee Strachan

Why has the document been changed – Minor version update

What has been changed – References to EMP 10-0006 changed to EMS 10-0006


Date 18/09//2017 Author Lee Speakman

Why has the document been changed – Periodic Review, updated to add Cable Pit mitigations to document.

What has been changed –

Section 1 - clarification of ESQCR risk assessment requirements Section 2 - references added to link box inspection guide & cable pit inspector’s guide Section 3 – update to substation risk assessment Section 4.3 - minor update to OHL diagrams Section 5.1.1 - changed urban locations to low risk for link boxes per SAP/inspectors guide Section 5.1.6 - all link boxes shall have a blanket installed and recorded in the Asset Register. Removed inspection frequency and referred to EMS 10-0002 Section 6 - added for cable pit risk and mitigations

Section 9 - updated diagram


Date 10/07/2015 Author Jeremy Wright

Why has the document been changed – Update advising action / consideration to be taken where there is refusal to allow access to a site by a customer

What has been changed – Section 7, text added below flow diagram


Date 20/05/2015 Author Garry Gordon

Why has the document been changed – Updated to incorporate EBP 01-0026 into the document and link box risk matrix updated

What has been changed – Content of EBP 01-0026 Correct classification for ESQCR key risk K9 has been incorporated into document as section 4.3.

Sections 5.1.2, 5.1.3 and 5.1.6 have been updated with the current link box risk matrix and reporting guidelines


Date 26/08/2014 Author Jeremy Wright

Why has the document been changed – Periodic review

What has been changed – Section 5.1.4 updated to include Central London Area. References to Ellipse change to UK Power Networks Asset Register throughout document.

Version 9.1 Review Date

Date 09/01/2013 Author Lee Strachan

Reviewed for publication onto G81 website



Version: 13.1

Date: 30/10/2017



Date 01/03/2012 Author Sinéad Hogan

ESQCR Risk assessment for LV Link Boxes added


Date 13/04/2011 Author Craig Jeffrey

Ground mounted substation and Overhead Line ESQCR Risk assessment section updated. Document reclassified from an EI to an EOS.


Date 02/11/2010 Author Martin Payne

Reviewed and updated to give greater clarification on how mitigation should be implemented at overhead and ground mounted locations.


Date 30/05/2007 Author Gemma Hill

The treatment of High Risk new ground mounted substation locations clarified


Date 18/04/2007 Author D Elphick

Introduction of revised procedure for ground mounted secondary, primary and grid substation risk assessment. Incorporates common asset register.



Incorporation of rationalised risk assessment form for ground mounted distribution substations, primary and grid substation risk assessment form, review of overhead risk ratings and clarification on criteria for redesign of new build high risk sites.


Date 20/07/2004 Author Martin Payne

Re-assessment of location risks



Revised for the introduction of new equipment



New document



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Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7

2 Scope ....................................................................................................................... 7

3 Ground Mounted Substations ESQCR Risk Assessment ..................................... 8

3.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for Ground Mounted Substations ....................... 8

3.1.1 Ground Mounted Equipment Type and Enclosure Assessment ................................. 8

3.1.2 Ground Mounted Substation Location Risk Assessment ........................................... 9

3.2 Overall Risk Rating for Ground Mounted Substation Sites ....................................... 10

3.2.1 Management of the Output from the Risk Assessment ............................................ 11

3.3 Recording of Key Risks at Ground Mounted Substation Sites ................................. 12

3.4 Trespass ................................................................................................................. 13

3.5 Use of Micro/Compact/ Pad Mount Substations ....................................................... 13

3.6 Risk Mitigation for Ground Mounted Assets ............................................................. 13

3.6.1 Mandatory Level of Mitigation .................................................................................. 14

3.6.2 Additional Mitigation Requirements ......................................................................... 14

4 Overhead Lines ..................................................................................................... 16

4.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for Overhead Lines .......................................... 16

4.1.1 Overhead Line Equipment Risk Assessment ........................................................... 16

4.1.2 Overhead Line Location Risk Assessment .............................................................. 17

4.2 Overall Risk Rating for Overhead Lines ................................................................... 18

4.3 Recording of Key Risks for an Overhead Line ......................................................... 19

4.3.1 Guidance for the reporting of K9 Key Risk: .............................................................. 20

4.4 Risk Mitigation for Overhead Lines .......................................................................... 23

4.4.1 Additional Mitigation Requirements ......................................................................... 23

5 LV Underground Link Boxes ................................................................................ 28

5.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for LV Underground Link Boxes ....................... 28

5.1.1 LV Underground Link Box Location Risk ................................................................. 28

5.1.2 LV Underground Link Box Equipment Risk .............................................................. 29

5.1.3 Risk Rating Matrix ................................................................................................... 29

5.1.4 Management of the Output from the Overall Risk Rating ......................................... 30

5.1.5 Key Risks ................................................................................................................ 30

5.1.6 Risk Mitigation for LV Link Boxes ............................................................................ 30

6 Cable Pits ............................................................................................................... 31

6.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for Cable Pits ................................................... 31

6.1.1 Cable Pit Location Risk ........................................................................................... 31

6.1.2 Cable Pit Equipment Risk ........................................................................................ 32



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6.1.3 Risk Rating Matrix ................................................................................................... 32

6.1.4 Management of the Output from the Overall Risk Rating ......................................... 33

6.1.5 Key Risks ................................................................................................................ 33

6.1.6 Risk Mitigation for Cable Pits ................................................................................... 33

7 Risk Assessment for New Assets ........................................................................ 34

7.1 Ground Mounted Sites ............................................................................................. 34

7.2 Overhead Lines ....................................................................................................... 34

7.2.1 New Installations ..................................................................................................... 34

7.2.2 Existing Network ...................................................................................................... 34

7.3 Underground Link Boxes/Cable Pits ........................................................................ 34

8 Return of Completed Risk Assessments ............................................................. 34

9 Managing Mitigation of Risks ............................................................................... 35

10 Risk Assessment Forms ....................................................................................... 36

Tables

Table 1 - Substation Equipment/Enclosure Risk .................................................................... 8

Table 2 - Substation Location Risk ........................................................................................ 9

Table 3 - Substation ESQCR Risk Assessment .................................................................. 11

Table 4 - Substation Key Risks and Mitigation .................................................................... 12

Table 5 - Non Structural Mitigation ...................................................................................... 14

Table 6 - Structural Mitigation ............................................................................................. 15

Table 7 - Substation Land Usage Mitigation ........................................................................ 15

Table 8 - Overhead Line Equipment Risks .......................................................................... 16

Table 9 - Overhead Line Location Risk Assessment ........................................................... 17

Table 10 - ESQCR Risk Rating Matrix ................................................................................ 18

Table 11 - Overhead Lines Key Risks and Mitigation .......................................................... 19

Table 12 - Non Structural Mitigation .................................................................................... 24

Table 13 - Structural Mitigation ........................................................................................... 24

Table 14 - Overhead Lines High Risk Location Mitigation ................................................... 25

Table 15 - Overhead Lines Medium Risk Location Mitigation .............................................. 26

Table 16 - Overhead Lines Low Risk Location Mitigation .................................................... 27

Table 17 - LV Link Box Location Risks ................................................................................ 28

Table 18 - Link Box Equipment Risk ................................................................................... 29

Table 19 - Link Box Risk Ratings ........................................................................................ 29

Table 20 – Link Box Key Risks ............................................................................................ 30

Table 21 - Cable Pit Location Risks .................................................................................... 31



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Table 22 - Cable Pit Equipment Risk ................................................................................... 32

Table 23 - Cable Pit Risk Ratings........................................................................................ 32

Table 24 - Cable Pit Key Risks ............................................................................................ 33



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1 Introduction

Under the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) 2002, including 2006 amendment (which replaced the Electricity Supply Regulations 1988) risk assessments must be carried out on substation sites and overhead lines to assess the risk of interference, vandalism or unauthorised access to the asset by the public.

The ESQCR define a substation as:

“Any premises or part thereof which contain equipment for either transforming or converting energy to or from high voltage (other than transforming or converting solely for the operation of switching devices or instruments) or for switching, controlling or regulating energy at high voltage, but does not include equipment mounted on a support to any overhead line”.

The ESQCR define an overhead line as:

“Any electricity line which is placed above ground and in the open air”.

Whilst there is no specific requirement in the ESQCR. UK Power Networks will also apply a similar risk rating to underground link boxes and cable pits which are designed for connecting, accessing or switching underground cables.

2 Scope

The following gives guidelines on how to apply the risk assessment to substations, overhead line sites, link boxes and cable pits. These guidelines are in accordance with the DTI publication – Guidance on the ESQCR.

This standard only applies to overhead lines, substations, link boxes and cable pits as defined above.

Further guidance can be found in the relevant UK Power Networks inspector’s guide.

The Substation Inspectors Handbook

The Overhead Line Inspectors Handbook

Inspection of Link Boxes (EMS 10-0006)

Cable Pit Inspectors Guide (EMS 10-0050)



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3 Ground Mounted Substations ESQCR Risk Assessment

3.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for Ground Mounted Substations

The overall risk assessment value is built from three components:

The Equipment type.

The security of the Enclosure to the equipment.

The Location of the site (Proximity to areas that may affect its likelihood of trespass).

3.1.1 Ground Mounted Equipment Type and Enclosure Assessment

The equipment type and enclosure are taken together to create a combined equipment/enclosure risk for the site based on a Low, Medium, High or Very High result. The high level output of this can be seen in Table 1.

Table 1 - Substation Equipment/Enclosure Risk

VERY HIGH RISK HIGH RISK MEDIUM RISK LOW RISK

Exposed live conductors

Within any surround less than 2.4m high


Within a palisade / expamet / outdoor brick surround at least 2.4m high


Situated in an indoor substation / GRP enclosure

Metal enclosed switchgear or equipment

Situated in indoor substation or GRP enclosure


Within a chain-link, railing or close-board surround


Within a palisade / expamet / outdoor brick surround less than 1.8m high


Within a palisade / expamet / outdoor brick surround greater than 1.8m high.


No surround


Within a chain-link / railing / close-board surround less than 1.8m high


Within a chain-link / railing / close-board surround greater than 1.8m high

Fully enclosed switchgear or equipment

No surround

Compact/Micro/Pad Mount substations

Without additional surround

Compact/Micro/Pad Mount substations

Within additional surround

Note: A further disaggregated view of the above can be found in Table 3.



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3.1.2 Ground Mounted Substation Location Risk Assessment

This covers the actual location of the substation and the nature of activities carried out.

Table 2 - Substation Location Risk

Location Risk

Code Title Description

HIGH RISK

S1 Trespass Sites Sites with signs of trespass

S2 Schools School areas including playgrounds

S3 Travellers Sites Permanent site for travelling people

S4 Children’s play areas Both official and unofficial play areas

S5 Caravan Caravan and chalet sites

S6 Derelict/Unoccupied Areas Derelict industrial site/quarry/land fill/neglected areas

S7 Vandalism Areas with evidence of vandalism

S8 Public Land

Note: This category only applies to Pad Mounted sites

Areas of public land where the substation is not visible from roadways or paths

MEDIUM RISK

S9 Road Side Situated at the side of a road/driveable track

LOW RISK

SA Rural Rural location

SB Private Private land

SC Secure Sites Within secure buildings

SD Commercial Retail and Commercial premises/industrial area



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3.2 Overall Risk Rating for Ground Mounted Substation Sites

Table 3 is to be used for deriving the overall risk and shows mandatory mitigation measures.

ESQCR states “that for each of their substations, assess the foreseeable risk of danger from interference, vandalism or unauthorised access, having regard to both the nature of the equipment and use of the surrounding land and classify the degree of the risk.” UK Power Networks’ shall assess the ‘nature of the equipment’ test by considering both the equipment and the security of its enclosure which will result in the ‘equipment / enclosure risk’. The ‘use of the surrounding land’ test will be taken from the ‘substation location risk’ defined in Section 3.1.2, Table 2. Furthermore, ESQCR Guidance (Publication reference URN 02/1544) states “Duty holders should take the two tests into account for each of the assets and establish their risk assessment for substation. The overall risk classification should be determined from the higher of the outcomes of each of the two tests. A single measure of the risk assessment is required”.

The first column identifies the equipment type risk, either ‘High’ risk equipment incorporating exposed live conductors, ‘Medium’ risk equipment which is fully enclosed switchgear or equipment where no live conductors are exposed and ‘Low’ risk Compact/ Micro/Pad Mount Substations which have been designed for use without an enclosure where no live conductors are exposed.

The second column contains the enclosure/surround type and the third column its enclosure security rating from 1 to 5, with 5 providing the least protection and 1 providing the highest level of protection.

The fourth column shows the overall Equipment / Enclosure Risk for the selected combination of Equipment and Enclosure. The output matches Table 1.

In accordance with paragraph 2 in Section 3.2 the overall substation risk is determined from the higher outcome of the equipment / enclosure risk and the location risk.

In UK Power Networks’ Asset Register numbers will be used to define the relevant risk values.

In accordance with Company standard, 1 is optimum condition, in this case ‘Low’ risk and 5 represents worst case ‘Very High’. It should be noted that it is extremely unlikely that any examples of ‘Very High’ are to be found on the network.



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Table 3 - Substation ESQCR Risk Assessment

Equipment Risk Enclosure/Surround Type Enclosure Security Rating

Equipment / Enclosure

Risk Overall Substation Risk

3. High Risk

Exposed Live

Conductors

No Surround 5

V.High V.High

M33 and/or M34 V.High


M33 and/or M34

Chain Link/Close Board/Railing Surround <1.8m 4

Palisade/Brick/Expamet Surround < 1.8m

Chain Link/Close Board/Railing Surround 1.8-2.4m

3 Palisade/Brick/Expamet Surround 1.8-2.4mm

Chain Link/Close Board/Railing Surround 2.4m

Palisade/Brick/Expamet Surround 2.4m 2 High High M1

High M1

High M1, M2, M10

GRP Enclosure 1 Medium

Medium M0

Medium M0

High M1, M2

Indoor Substation Enclosure

2. Medium Risk

Fully Enclosed

Switchgear or

Equipment

No Surround 5 V.High V.High



M33 and/or M34


Medium Medium

M0 Medium

M0 High

M1, M2



3 Chain Link/Close Board/Railing Surround 2.4m

Palisade/Brick/Expamet Surround 1.8-2.4mm

Palisade/Brick/Expamet Surround 2.4m 2

GRP Enclosure 1 Low

Low M0

Medium M0

High - M1 / M2 Indoor Substation Enclosure

1. Low Risk

Compact / Micro / Pad

Mount Substation

No Surround 5 Medium Medium - M0 Medium - M0 High - M34


Low Low - M0 Medium - M0 High - M1 / M2



3 Chain Link/Close Board/Railing Surround 2.4m

Palisade/Brick/Expamet Surround 1.8-2.4mm

Palisade/Brick/Expamet Surround 2.4m 2

GRP Enclosure 1

Indoor Substation Enclosure

Note, the current UK Power Networks Asset Register does not contain a rating for the Equipment / Enclosure Risk. The Equipment Risk, Enclosure Security Rating and Substation Location Risk are stored and Overall Substation Risk is calculated directly.

Low Substation Location Risk

Medium Substation

Location Risk

High Substation

Location Risk

3.2.1 Management of the Output from the Risk Assessment

The relevant UK Power Networks Network Operations unit shall be responsible for the monitoring of returned risk assessments to address sites identified as ‘Very High’ and taking action to address the risk level.

A ‘Very High’ result must be reviewed and action taken as soon as is reasonably practicable to reduce the risk. This may be a temporary mitigation measure, where appropriate.

A ‘High’ result requires a plan of works to mitigate the risk of the site.

In addition to the risk assessment, a record shall be made of the key risk identified at the site, which shall be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

Any additional security measures already installed at the site shall also be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register. This may be used to mitigate the result of the risk assessment depending on the level of risk identified.

For substations, risk assessments shall be filled in by all staff that carry out substation inspections. The results will be collected either by using electronic hand held devices or on paper and the results will be entered into the UK Power Networks Asset Register by the Asset Registration Team.



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UK Power Networks Asset Management and the relevant UK Power Networks Network Operations unit shall decide on the plan of works necessary at sites identified as a ‘High’ or ‘Very High’ risk overall in order to deal with the identified risks.

3.3 Recording of Key Risks at Ground Mounted Substation Sites

An on-site inspection will be carried out to determine whether there are any key risks on site:

A key risk is any situation which has the ability to assist in gaining entry to a substation compound, may assist in breaching an anti-climbing device or which, due to its length or size, may enable a breach of the safety clearance to overhead line conductors or open busbars in a substation compound e.g. stack of pallets, wall, vehicle, building, damaged fence, haystack, fishing rods, scaffold poles, metal ladders, metal pipes, farm vehicles, etc.

If any key risks represent a danger to the public they shall be reported immediately to UK Power Networks Network Operations who will undertake appropriate corrective action.

UK Power Networks Operations shall mitigate the key risk as per Table 4 and the mitigation carried out shall be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 give guidance of the types of mitigation to be carried out.

Table 4 - Substation Key Risks and Mitigation

Code Title Description Mitigation of Risk

K1 NONE No additional hazards to the substation M0

K3 CLIMBING AID Any device, tree or vegetation that by its position would enable a person to gain access to the substation. e.g. hedges, ivy, walls, fence, pallet stack, unauthorised private signs, lamp columns, sign posts, vehicles

M4, M12

K5 LONG OBJECTS Long objects being stored or used that could infringe within the safety clearance of the substation. e.g. scaffold poles, ladders, boat masts, fishing rods

M4, M6, M12

K6 MAN MADE STRUCTURES

Temporary Buildings/stacks/vehicles that enable a person standing on them to gain access into the site

M4, M5, M12 or Structural Mitigation

K8 VANDALISM/ TRESPASS

Destructive vandalism or proof of unauthorised access to secure enclosures e.g. broken fence, broken padlock, litter, graffiti

M1, M2, M9, M10, M11

KA OBSCURED SAFETY SIGN

Safety Sign obscured. e.g. vegetation, private signs M4, M8, M12

KB FLY TIPPING Rubbish being dumped on site M9, M11

KC DRUGS USAGE Drugs being used on, or adjacent to, site M9, M10, M11



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3.4 Trespass

In the UK Power Networks Asset Register, the functional location ‘Risk and Settings’ table has a ‘Trespass’ flag to record if a site has been trespassed.

If a substation inspection returns that the site has been trespassed this attribute will be populated ‘Y’ to record the fact. This attribute will then remain populated for the life of the substation.

While carrying out substation inspections:

For secondary substations, if there is evidence of trespass then the site shall be subject to four additional inspections at a frequency of 90 days between each.

For primary and grid substations if there is evidence of trespass the site shall be subject to the following additional inspection cycle of four inspections. A 15 day frequency for the first two and then 30 days for the next two.

If four of these additional inspections consecutively report no further sign of trespass, then the site shall return to its normal inspection regime as defined in the appropriate UK Power Networks Engineering document.

If during the additional inspection cycle the site is found to have been trespassed again, the additional inspection cycle shall return to the beginning and start again.

A site that has been trespassed shall be considered for additional security measures and/or a re-design of the enclosure to prevent further instances.

Every effort shall be made to remove evidence of trespass e.g. graffiti, found on inspection, to avoid confusion at the next inspection and initiating a further inspection cycle.

3.5 Use of Micro/Compact/ Pad Mount Substations

The Department of Business Innovation & Skills formerly known as (The Department of Trade and Industry) have provided guidance on the use and placement of micro/compact substations.

They are acceptable for use without additional security if, the location is a ‘Low’ or ‘Medium’ risk and they are positioned to avoid road accidents.

In other than these situations, if it is proposed to use a micro/compact/pad mount substation, then an additional level of security shall be utilised in the form of a GRP enclosure or other approved enclosure.

3.6 Risk Mitigation for Ground Mounted Assets

Mitigation of ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ risk sites is required not only to satisfy the requirements of the ESQCR but also to protect members of the public from harm. The types of mitigation which can be carried out on substations fall into two categories. These are:

Non Structural Mitigation - Mitigation work which does not involve structural changes to the asset, such as those in Table 6, can be regarded as non-structural mitigation and shall be carried out at the time of the inspection or be passed to UK Power Networks Network Operations to carry out.

Structural Mitigation - Mitigation work which involves structural changes to the asset (or site), such as those in Table 7, shall be regarded as structural mitigation and shall be passed to UK Power Networks Network Planning in order for a re-design of the asset (or site) to be carried out. Work which is required following a re-design will be passed to UK Power Networks Network Operations or UK Power Networks Capital Programmes to carry out.



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3.6.1 Mandatory Level of Mitigation

Depending on the type of enclosure and the nature of the equipment that is being secured, the minimum levels of mitigation which shall be adopted for a substation site are shown in Table 3.

3.6.2 Additional Mitigation Requirements

For the purposes of this mitigation, it has been assumed that all assets have been built to the relevant standards.

Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 show the types of mitigation that should be considered for a site to mitigate the risks imposed due to the combination of location and key risks.

Table 5 will typically be used by Inspectors as mitigation guidance while Table 6 will typically be used by UK Power Networks Network Planning as mitigation guidance.

In practice, each location will have to be judged on its own merits with particular attention being paid to the practicability of the various mitigation options.

Note: These tables are not exhaustive and are a general guide only, if an Inspector decides that extra mitigation is required to minimise the risk then it shall be carried out.

All mitigation work carried out shall be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

Table 5 - Non Structural Mitigation

Possible Risk Mitigation

Non Structural Mitigation Mitigation Code

No Mitigation Required M0

Enhanced Warning Signage M1

Enhanced Anti-climbing Guard M2

Public Safety Visit M5

Vegetation/Rubbish Clearance M8

Supplementary Inspections M9

High Security Locks M10

Remove Infringement M12

Temporary Repair M14

Remove Graffiti M15

Requires Structural Mitigation M20



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Table 6 - Structural Mitigation


Structural Mitigation Mitigation Code

Security Surveillance (CCTV, Security Observation, Alarms etc)

M11

Upgrade Lighting M29

Install Palisade Fencing/Gate/Visibility Panel M30

Install Perimeter Fencing/Gate/Visibility Panel M31

Install Expamet Fencing/Gate/Visibility Panel M32

Re-design Switchgear M33

Re-design Enclosure M34

Install Crash Barrier M35

Remove/decommission Plant M36

Table 7 - Substation Land Usage Mitigation

Land Usage Codes

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 SA SB SC SD

Tre

spass

Sites

Schoo

ls

Tra

velle

rs

Sites

Child

ren

’s

Pla

y A

reas

Cara

van

Sites

Dere

lict

Are

as

Van

da

lism

Pub

lic L

an

d

Road S

ide

Rura

l A

reas

Private

La

nd

Secure

Sites

Com

merc

ial

M1 M2 M8 M9 M10 M11

M1 M2 M5 M8

M2 M8 M10

M1 M2 M8

M1 M2 M8

M1 M2 M8 M10 M11

M1 M2 M8 M9 M10 M11

M1 M1 M35

M1 M1 M1

M1 M2 M5 M11



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4 Overhead Lines

4.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for Overhead Lines

The overall risk assessment value is built from two components:

1. The Equipment Risk (Nature and situation of equipment).

2. The Location Risk (Nature and situation of surrounding land).

The overall risk classification is determined using the matrix in Table 10. The risk classification is determined from the higher of the outcome of each of the two tests.

This covers the nature of the design of equipment, the risk of contact with live equipment if a third party had access to the site or conductors by whatever means. The risk rating for this is stored in the UK Power Networks Asset Register for each equipment type and used to determine the mitigation required on site.

4.1.1 Overhead Line Equipment Risk Assessment

The equipment risk refers to the risk the equipment presents to the public by its characteristics and its particular situation.

Inspectors shall establish the equipment risk from Table 8 below:

Table 8 - Overhead Line Equipment Risks

HIGH RISK MEDIUM RISK LOW RISK

132/33kV – Tower with cable terminations

132/33kV – Tower 33kV/HV Pole Line – Covered

33kV/HV Plant – without ACD

132/33kV/HV Pole Line – Bare HV Pole Line – Screened

Service – Not up to specification (see handbook)

33kV/HV Narrow Based Towers – Bare

33kV/HV Narrow Based Towers – Covered

33kV/HV Plant – with ACD LV Pole Line – Insulated

HV Free Standing Sub LV Pole Line – ABC

LV Pole line – Bare LV Narrow Based Towers

– Insulated

LV Pole Narrow Based Towers

– Bare LV Narrow Based Towers – ABC

Service – Insulated Service – Concentric

Service – Duplex/Triplex

Service – ABC



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4.1.2 Overhead Line Location Risk Assessment

The location risk refers to the nature and situation of the equipment and takes a view of the risk of danger from interference with the equipment, in consideration with the environment. Inspectors shall establish the location risk from Table 9.

Table 9 - Overhead Line Location Risk Assessment

Location Risk


HIGH RISK

L1 FISHING AREA Fishing, ponds/lakes and rivers

L2 RECREATIONAL Play area/village green/playing fields/clay shoots/pub gardens/tennis courts/scout camps/horse riding/village commons/picnic areas/allotments/war games and wildlife parks/ woodland where there is evidence of children at play

L3 SAILING AREA Sailing lake.

L4 CAMPING AREA Caravan and camp sites and gypsy camps

L5 SCHOOL School grounds and sports fields – official

L6 DOMESTIC (HV AND BARE LV MAINS)

Private gardens/holiday homes/housing estates.

L7 DERELICT LAND UN-SECURED

Derelict industrial site/quarry/land fill that do not have security company managing access on site

L8 TRAVELLERS SITES Permanent site for travelling people

LW WATERWAYS Navigable waters.

LQ QUARRY Includes sand and gravel extraction/ storage areas

MEDIUM RISK

LD DOMESTIC (Insulated LV Mains and services)

Private gardens/holiday homes/housing estates.

L9 FARM YARD Farmyard equipment being used in enclosed area.

LC COMMERCIAL Retail and commercial premises/industrial area

LL DERELICT LAND SECURED

Derelict industrial site/quarry/land fill that have security company managing access on site

LF FLYING Airfield/hang gliding/parascending area

LS WOODLANDS Location of multiple trees growing adjacent to the line

LX ORCHARDS Orchards/hop fields/commercial nurseries and vineyards

LG GOLF COURSES Commercially run golf club

LOW RISK

LP FOOTPATH Footpath/car park

LR ROADS Metalled surfaced roads.

LZ RAILWAYS Railways, tramways, rope ways etc.

LY COMMON LAND/PASTURE

Land accessed by members of the public or land that animals are grazed on

LA ARABLE Agricultural crops



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4.2 Overall Risk Rating for Overhead Lines

In order to arrive at the risk rating of the equipment the Inspector shall:

Record the ‘Location Risk’ as ‘High’ ‘Medium’ or ‘Low’.

Record the ‘Equipment Risk’ as ‘High’ ‘Medium’ or ‘Low’.

By using the matrix the overall risk rating of the site shall be ascertained. The ESQCR state “The overall risk classification should be determined from the higher of the outcomes of each of the two tests”.

The site shall be inspected to determine whether there are any ‘Key Risks’ and if these are identified the actions necessary to mitigate the risk are detailed in Table 11.

A record of the Location Risk, Equipment Risk and Overall Risk Rating shall be ascertained on site and recorded within the UK Power Networks Asset Register. The type ‘Highest Location Risk’ shall be recorded with the highest risk rating used to determine the overall risk rating. If multiple high risk sites occur at the same location (i.e. such as a fishing lake adjacent to a play area) then all site risks must be recorded.

Table 10 - ESQCR Risk Rating Matrix

Overall Risk Rating

High Risk Equipment

High High Very High

Medium Risk

Equipment Medium Medium High

Low Risk Equipment

Low Medium High

Low Risk Location

Medium Risk

Location

High Risk Location



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4.3 Recording of Key Risks for an Overhead Line

An on-site inspection will be carried out to determine whether there are any key risks on site:

A key risk is any situation which has the ability to assist in breaching an Anti-climbing device or which, due to its length or size, may enable a breach of the safety clearance to overhead line conductors e.g. stack of pallets, wall, building, vehicle, haystack, fishing rods, scaffold poles, metal ladders, metal pipes, farm vehicles, etc.

If any key risks represent an immediate danger to the public it shall be reported immediately to the relevant UK Power Networks Network Operations unit who will undertake appropriate corrective action.

UK Power Networks Network Operations shall mitigate the key risk as shown in Table 11 below. The mitigation carried out shall be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

Structural mitigation would include carrying out tasks like replacing bare conductors with insulated ones, under-grounding the overhead network, relocating the overhead line or removing it.

Table 11 - Overhead Lines Key Risks and Mitigation

Code Title Description Mitigation of Risk

K1 NONE No additional hazards to overhead line M0

K3 CLIMBING AID Any device or vegetation that by its position would enable a person to gain accesses to a pole or tower e.g. hedges, ivy, walls, fence, pallet stack, unauthorised private signs

M2, M12

K4 KITE/ AEROPLANE FLYING

Where there is risk of contact with the overhead line by the flying of kites or aeroplanes.

M1, M3, M4, M5

K5 LONG OBJECTS

Long objects being stored or used that could infringe within the safety clearance of the line e.g. scaffold poles, ladders, boat masts, fishing rods

M1, M4, M6, M7, M12

K6 MAN MADE STRUCTURES

Temporary Buildings/animal shelters/hay stacks that infringe or enable a person standing on them to infringe upon the safety clearance of the line

M1, M2, M4, M6, M12 or M20

K7 AERIALS All types of aerials including TV and amateur radio masts that could infringe upon the safety clearance of the line.

M1, M2, M6, M12

K8 VANDALISM Destructive vandalism or proof of unauthorised access to secure enclosures e.g. broken fence, broken padlock, litter, graffiti

M1, M2, M9, M10, M11

K9 VEHICLE/ MACHINERY CONTACT

Vehicle or machinery that by its location infringes, or by its position allows access to infringe upon the safety clearance of the line (This key risk shall only be recorded if there is evidence of electrical infringement or if there is evidence of frequent movement of vehicles or machinery under the line which could infringe safety clearance).

M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M12

KA OBSCURED SAFETY SIGN

Safety sign obscured e.g. vegetation, private signs M8, M12, M13



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4.3.1 Guidance for the reporting of K9 Key Risk:

When carrying out line patrols it is necessary to determine if there are any Key Risks present. K9 is the Key Risk that covers vehicle/machinery contact and is defined as:

“Vehicle or machinery that by its location, position or use, allows the safety clearance of the line to be infringed (This Key Risk shall only be recorded if there is evidence of electrical infringement or if there is evidence of frequent movement of vehicles or machinery under the line which could infringe safety clearance).”

This standard implements the standard for the ESQC Regulations 2002 and details the procedure for assessing the risk that Distribution Network Assets present to the public.

Scenario 1: Vehicle seen operating occasionally under line (e.g. harvesting), safety clearance to overhead line not compromised.

Action: Report on line patrol script/form K1 not K9.

Scenario 2: Vehicle seen operating occasionally or frequently under line, safety clearance to overhead line compromised.

Action: Report on line patrol script/form K9.

Report to AIRLine; advise driver on site to stop working. Follow up with GS6 visit.



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Scenario 3: Evidence of a vehicle operating occasionally under line.

Action: Report on line patrol script/form K1 not K9

Scenario 4: Vehicle seen operating frequently under line.




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Scenario 5: Evidence of vehicle(s) operating frequently under line which could compromise safety clearance.




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4.4 Risk Mitigation for Overhead Lines

Mitigation of ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ risk sites is required not only to satisfy the requirements of the ESQCR but also to protect members of the public from harm:

Non Structural Mitigation - Mitigation work which does not involve structural changes to the asset, such as those in Table 12, can be regarded as non-structural mitigation and will be carried out at the time of the inspection or be passed to UK Power Networks Network Operations to carry out.

Structural Mitigation - Mitigation work which involves structural changes to the asset over and above those set out in Table 12 can be regarded as structural mitigation and shall be passed to UK Power Networks Network Planning in order for a re-design of the asset to be carried out, once the asset has been re-designed the work will be passed to UK Power Networks Network Operations or UK Power Networks Capital Programmes to carry out.

Mandatory Level of Mitigation

For ‘Low’ and ‘Medium’ risk locations, all overhead wood pole assets shall have one ‘Danger of Death’ sign fitted.

For ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ risk locations, all overhead wood pole assets shall have at two ‘Danger of Death’ signs fitted. Each shall be on a different side of the pole.

For ‘Low’ and ‘Medium’ risk locations, all tower lines shall have a minimum of two ‘Danger of Death’ signs fitted. Each shall be on a different side of the tower.

For ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ risk locations, all tower lines shall have a minimum of four ‘Danger of Death’ signs fitted. Each shall be on a different side of the tower.

4.4.1 Additional Mitigation Requirements

For the purposes of this mitigation, it has been assumed that all assets have been built to the relevant standards.

Table 14, Table 15 and Table 16 give guidance on the types of mitigation which should be considered for a site in order to mitigate the risks imposed due to the combination of land usage and key risks.

Table 12 shall typically be used by Inspectors as mitigation guidance while Table 13 shall typically be used by Network Planning as mitigation guidance.

In practice, each location will have to be judged on its own merits with particular attention being paid to the practicability of the various mitigation options.

Note: These tables are not exhaustive and are a general guide only. If an Inspector decides that extra mitigation is required to minimise the risk then it shall be carried out.

All mitigation work carried out shall be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register.



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Table 12 - Non Structural Mitigation


Non Structural Mitigation Mitigation Code

No Mitigation required M0

Enhanced Warning Signage M1

Enhanced Anti-climbing Guard M2

Warning Posters M3

Leaflet/Letter Drop M4

Visit by UK Power Networks Public Safety Team M5

GS6 Information Pack M6

High Visibility Line Marker M7

Vegetation Clearance M8

Supplementary Patrols M9

High Security Locks M10

Security Surveillance M11

Remove Infringement M12

Install High Level Danger Sign M13

Requires Structural Mitigation M20

Table 13 - Structural Mitigation


Structural Mitigation Mitigation Code

ABC Conductor M21

Permanent Shrouding M22

Shroud Plant M23

Re-Conductor with BLX (CCC) M24

Underground M25

Re-locate Asset M26

Remove Asset M27

Catenary cable M28



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Table 14 - Overhead Lines High Risk Location Mitigation

LAND USAGE CODE L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 LW LQ

EQ

UIP

ME

NT

RIS

K

Fis

hin

g A

rea

s

Re

cre

ati

on

al

Sa

ilin

g A

rea

Ca

mp

ing

Are

a

Sc

ho

ol

Do

me

sti

c (

HV

an

d B

are

LV

ma

ins

)

De

reli

ct

Lan

d

(Un

se

cu

red

)

Tra

ve

lle

rs S

ite

Wa

terw

ay

s

Qu

arr

y

Hig

h

132/33kV Tower with cable terminations

M1 M3

M1 M3

M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M6

33kV/HV Plant without ACD INSTALL ACD (ANTI-CLIMBING DEVICE)

Service – not to specification (see handbook)

REPLACE SERVICE

Me

diu

m

132/33kV Tower M1 M3

M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

132/33kV/HV Pole line (Bare) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

33kV/HV Narrow based Tower (Bare)

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

33kV/HV Plant with ACD M1 M2

M1 M2

M1 M3 M5 M6

M1 M3 M5

M1 M3 M5

M1 M2 M4

M1 M2 M9

M1 M2 M4

M1 M2

M1 M2 M3 M6

HV Free standing Substation M1 M2 M3

M1 M2 M3

M1 M2 M3 M6

M1 M2 M3

M1 M2 M3 M5

M1 M2 M4

M1 M2 M9

M1 M2 M4

M1 M2

M1 M2 M6

LV Pole line (Bare) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

LV Pole/Narrow based Tower (Bare)

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

Service (Insulated) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M1 M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

Lo

w

33kV/HV Pole line (covered) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

HV Pole line (Screened) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

33kV/HV Narrow based Tower (covered)

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M4

M1 M9

M1 M4

M1 M1 M3 M6

LV Pole line (Insulated) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M1 M9

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

LV Pole line (ABC) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M1 M9

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

LV Narrow based Tower (Insulated)

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M1 M9

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

LV Narrow based Tower (ABC) M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

M1 M3

M1 M3 M5

M1 M1 M9

M1 M1 M1 M3 M6

Service (Concentric) M0 M0 M1 M6

M3 M3 M0 M0 M0 M1 M1 M6

Service ( Duplex/Triplex) M0 M0 M1 M6

M3 M3 M0 M0 M0 M1 M1 M6

Service (ABC) M0 M0 M1 M6

M3 M3 M0 M0 M0 M1 M1 M6



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Table 15 - Overhead Lines Medium Risk Location Mitigation

LAND USAGE CODE L9 LC LD LL LF LS LX LG

EQ

UIP

ME

NT

RIS

K

Fa

rm Y

ard

Co

mm

erc

ial

Do

me

sti

c

Ins

ula

ted

(L

V)

De

reli

ct

Lan

d

(se

cu

red

)

Fly

ing

Wo

od

lan

ds

Orc

ha

rds

Go

lf C

ou

rse

s

Hig

h

132/33kV Tower with cable terminations M1 M2 M4

M1 M2 M4

M1 M4

M1 M1 M4 M7

M1 M2

M1 M2

M1



REPLACE SERVICE

Me

diu

m

132/33kV Tower M1 M4

M1 M4

M4 M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

132/33kV/HV Pole line (Bare) M1 M4

M1 M4

M1 M4

M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

33kV/HV Narrow based Tower (Bare) M1 M4

M1 M4

M1 M4

M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

33kV/HV Plant with ACD M1 M2 M4

M1 M2 M4

M1 M2 M4

M2

M1 M2 M4 M7

M2 M2 M2

HV Free standing Substation M1 M2 M4

M1 M2 M4

M1 M2 M4

M1 M2

M1 M2 M4 M7

M1 M2

M1 M2

M1 M2

LV Pole line (Bare) M1 M4

M1 M4

M1 M4

M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

LV Pole/Narrow based Tower (Bare) M1 M4

M1 M4

M1 M4

M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

Service (Insulated) M4 M4 M0 M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

Lo

w

33kV/HV Pole line (covered) M1 M4

M1 M4

M1 M4

M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

HV Pole line (Screened) M1 M4

M1 M4

M1 M4

M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0


M1 M4

M1 M4

M1 M4

M0 M1 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

LV Pole line (Insulated) M4 M4 M4 M0 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

LV Pole line (ABC) M4 M4 M4 M0 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

LV Narrow based Tower (Insulated) M4 M4 M4 M0 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

LV Narrow based Tower (ABC) M4 M4 M4 M0 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

Service (Concentric) M4 M4 M0 M0 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

Service ( Duplex/Triplex) M4 M4 M0 M0 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0

Service (ABC) M4 M4 M0 M0 M4 M7

M0 M0 M0



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Table 16 - Overhead Lines Low Risk Location Mitigation

LAND USAGE CODE LP LR LZ LY LA E

QU

IPM

EN

T

RIS

K

Fo

otp

ath

Ro

ad

s

Ra

ilw

ay

s

Co

mm

on

lan

d/P

as

ture

Ara

ble

Hig

h

132/33kV Tower with cable terminations

M0 M0 M1 M0 M0



REPLACE SERVICE

Me

diu

m

132/33kV Tower M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

132/33kV/HV Pole line (Bare) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

33kV/HV Narrow based Tower (Bare) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

33kV/HV Plant with ACD M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

HV Free standing Substation M2 M2 M1 M2

M2

M2

LV Pole line (Bare) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

LV Pole/Narrow based Tower (Bare) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

Service (Insulated) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

Lo

w

33kV/HV Pole line (covered) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

HV Pole line (Screened) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0


M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

LV Pole line (Insulated) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

LV Pole line (ABC) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

LV Narrow based Tower (Insulated) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

LV Narrow based Tower (ABC) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

Service (Concentric) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

Service ( Duplex/Triplex) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0

Service (ABC) M0 M0 M1 M0 M0



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5 LV Underground Link Boxes

5.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for LV Underground Link Boxes

The overall risk assessment value is built from the Location Risk (Nature and situation of the site) and the Equipment Risk.

The overall risk rating is determined using Table 19 in Section 5.1.3.

This covers the nature of the design of equipment, the risk of contact with live equipment if a third party had access to the site or if the link box was to fail by whatever means. The risk rating for this is stored in the UK Power Networks Asset Register for each link box and used to determine the mitigation required.

5.1.1 LV Underground Link Box Location Risk

The risk refers to the potential risk the link box presents to the public by its location.

Inspectors shall establish the risk from Table 17 below.

Table 17 - LV Link Box Location Risks

Location Risk


HIGH RISK

UA ENHANCED ZONE City of London and West End

UB VERY HIGH PEDESTRIAN AREA

Any medium or low risk area which is subject to consistent high pedestrian traffic or gatherings. eg Major rail, tube or bus stations, City or large town centre shopping areas.

MEDIUM RISK

UC RECREATIONAL Within or adjacent to a play area, pub, cafe, restaurant or public attraction

UD TRANSPORT Within 10m of public access to Rail, Underground or DLR station, bus or tram stop or busy car park.

UE SCHOOL Outside a school, in an area where children and parents are likely to gather

LOW RISK

UF URBAN Footpaths or verges in residential or built up areas

UG NON-RESIDENTIAL Non-residential footpaths or verges

UH SECURE SITE Within a secure location

UI RURAL Rural location

UJ ROADS Surfaced roads

UK PRIVATE Private land



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5.1.2 LV Underground Link Box Equipment Risk

The level of risk shall be determined by the type of link box installed, the number of outgoing ways and the age of the link box at the site.

Table 18 - Link Box Equipment Risk

Equipment Risk

Material No. of Ways Age

HIGH RISK

COMPOUND 4 or more ways 50 years or more

COMPOUND 4 or more ways Less than 50 years

COMPOUND Less than 4 ways 50 years or more

COMPOUND Less than 4 ways Less than 50 years

MEDIUM RISK

RESIN 4 or more ways Less than 50 years

LOW RISK

RESIN Less than 4 ways Less than 50 years

High Compound(All)

Medium Resin(4 way or more)

Low Resin(less than 4 way)

5.1.3 Risk Rating Matrix

The overall link box risk rating shall be determined by combining the location risk with the equipment risk for all sites using the matrix below.

Table 19 - Link Box Risk Ratings

Overall Risk Rating

High Risk Equipment

Medium High Very High

Medium Risk Equipment

Medium Medium High

Low Risk Equipment

Low Medium Medium

Low Risk Location

Medium Risk Location

High Risk Location



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5.1.4 Management of the Output from the Overall Risk Rating

For LV link boxes, risk assessments shall be filled in by all staff that carry out LV link box inspections. The results will be collected at the next scheduled inspection either by using electronic hand held devices or on paper reporting forms and the results will be entered into the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

In addition to the risk assessment, a record shall be made if a key risk is identified at the site, which shall also be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

5.1.5 Key Risks

An on-site inspection will be carried out to determine whether there are any key risks on site.

Table 20 – Link Box Key Risks


K1 NONE No additional hazards

K8 THIRD PARTY DAMAGE Intentional Third Party Damage or proof of unauthorised access to link box enclosures

GP GAS PRESENT Evidence of gas present

5.1.6 Risk Mitigation for LV Link Boxes

All link boxes regardless of overall risk shall be have a blanket installed and recorded in the Asset Register.

The overall risk, location risk or deployed mitigations may impact the link box inspection frequency. This shall be confirmed in EMS 10-0002 - Inspection and Maintenance Frequency Schedule.



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6 Cable Pits

6.1 Construction of a Risk Assessment for Cable Pits

The overall risk assessment value is built from the Location Risk (Nature and situation of the site) and the Equipment Risk.

The overall risk rating is determined using Table 23 in Section 6.1.3

This covers the nature of the design of equipment, the risk of contact with live equipment if a third party had access to the site or if the Cable Pit was to fail by whatever means. The risk rating for this is stored in the UK Power Networks Asset Register for each cable pit and used to determine the mitigation required.

6.1.1 Cable Pit Location Risk

The risk refers to the potential risk the Cable Pit presents to the public by its location.

Inspectors shall establish the risk from Table 21 below.

Table 21 - Cable Pit Location Risks

Location Risk


HIGH RISK

UA ENHANCED ZONE City of London and West End

UB VERY HIGH PEDESTRIAN AREA

Any medium or low risk area which is subject to consistent high pedestrian traffic or gatherings. eg Major rail, tube or bus stations, City or large town centre shopping areas.

MEDIUM RISK

UC RECREATIONAL Within or adjacent to a play area, pub, cafe, restaurant or public attraction

UD TRANSPORT Within 10m of public access to Rail, Underground or DLR station, bus or tram stop or busy car park.

UE SCHOOL Outside a school, in an area where children and parents are likely to gather

LOW RISK

UF URBAN Footpaths or verges in residential or built up areas

UG NON-RESIDENTIAL Non-residential footpaths or verges

UH SECURE SITE Within a secure location

UI RURAL Rural location

UJ ROADS Surfaced roads

UK PRIVATE Private land



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6.1.2 Cable Pit Equipment Risk

The level of risk shall be determined by the number of joints within the cable pit in accordance with Table 22.

Table 22 - Cable Pit Equipment Risk

Equipment Risk

Number of Joints

Joint Risk Equipment Risk

3 or more High High

2 Medium Medium

1 Low Low

0 Low Low

6.1.3 Risk Rating Matrix

The overall Cable Pit risk rating shall be determined by combining the location risk with the equipment risk for all sites.

Table 23 - Cable Pit Risk Ratings

Overall Risk Rating

High Risk Equipment

Medium High Very High

Medium Risk Equipment

Medium Medium High

Low Risk Equipment

Low Medium Medium

Low Risk Location

Medium Risk Location

High Risk Location



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6.1.4 Management of the Output from the Overall Risk Rating

For Cable Pits, risk assessments shall be filled in by all staff that carry out Cable Pit inspections. The results will be collected at the next scheduled inspection either by using electronic hand held devices or on paper reporting forms and the results will be entered into the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

In addition to the risk assessment, a record shall be made if a key risk is identified at the site, which shall also be recorded in the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

6.1.5 Key Risks

An on-site inspection will be carried out to determine whether there are any key risks on site.

Table 24 - Cable Pit Key Risks


K1 NONE No additional hazards

K8 THIRD PARTY DAMAGE Intentional Third Party Damage or proof of unauthorised access to cable pit

GP GAS PRESENT Evidence of gas present

AP ASBESTOS PRESENT Evidence of asbestos present i.e. asbestos wraps around joints

6.1.6 Risk Mitigation for Cable Pits

Mitigation must be carried out where the overall risk rating is very high, high, medium or a key risk (K8 or GP) is recorded at the site.

Where a cable pit is rated very high, high or medium risk, the pit should be infilled with sand, or a vented/non-vented/hinged cover should be installed and recorded in the Asset Register.

The overall risk, location risk or deployed mitigations may impact the cable pit inspection frequency. This shall be confirmed in EMS 10-0002 - Inspection and Maintenance Frequency Schedule.



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7 Risk Assessment for New Assets

7.1 Ground Mounted Sites

At the design stage for new sites, a risk assessment calculation as defined in Section 3 of this document shall be performed. All new installations shall be designed such that the overall risk is less than Very High.

Where a ‘High’ risk location cannot be avoided, the equipment and enclosure risks shall both be designed to be ‘Low’ risk unless there is significant justification on technical or cost grounds.

7.2 Overhead Lines

At the design stage, a risk assessment calculation as defined in Section 4 of this document shall be performed.

7.2.1 New Installations

All new installations should produce a risk assessment that is less than ‘High’. Any proposed new installation that initially produces a ‘High’ or ‘Very High’ risk assessment shall be redesigned before construction, to ensure that the resultant risk assessment is reduced.

7.2.2 Existing Network

When an existing overhead line network is to be structurally altered, every opportunity, where reasonably practicable, shall be taken to ensure the risk rating of the altered assets is not a ‘High’ value. A ‘Very High’ risk situation is unacceptable under any circumstances and shall be redesigned to reduce the risk rating.

7.3 Underground Link Boxes/Cable Pits

At the design stage, an ESQCR risk rating calculation as defined in Section 6 shall be performed. Where practically possible, every effort should be made to avoid installing a link box and cable pit in a high risk location.

8 Return of Completed Risk Assessments

Risk assessments completed at the design stage shall be retained with the project file until the scheme is confirmed as proceeding at which time it will be forwarded to the relevant UK Power Networks Asset Registration Team to update the UK Power Networks Asset Register.

Risk assessments completed as part of routine patrol/inspection shall be returned as part of the process and entered into the UK Power Networks Asset Register by the approved process in force.



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9 Managing Mitigation of Risks

The mitigation requirements for a site should preferably be carried out at the time of the inspection but in all cases the proposed mitigation must be carried out as soon as possible to avoid the risk of accident/injury from the risks posed by the site. Work is prioritised within UK Power Networks Network Operations, Planning and Delivery based on ESQCR Risk Rating and Key Risks.

A general guide for mitigation management can be found in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - General guide for mitigation management



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Note - “Risk mitigation may be possible only when access to inspect UK Power Networks’ assets has been obtained. When access has been refused consideration must be given to securing access by giving the land owner and if different, the occupier 5 working days’ notice under paras. 7 and or 9 of Sch. 6 Electricity Act 1989. Early consideration of this is necessary: consult the legal team who have mapped the process (their reference PR AC 001) and have specimen letters that can be adapted to the circumstances.

If on gaining entry the consumer’s installation/distributor’s distribution system/street furniture is not arranged so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger/interference, consideration must be given to giving one of the two notices under Regulation 26 of the ESQCR. Legal is familiar with the service of such notices and can provide a suitably tailored letter. The service of the relevant notice (and the exercise of the right that it confers) in any case is important evidentially to show that UK Power Networks has performed its duties under statute (HASAWA), under regulations (ESQCR) and at common law.”

10 Risk Assessment Forms

The ‘scripts’ for performing the risk assessment are located on the hand held devices and form part of the substation, overhead line, link box and cable pit inspection process.

eos 09-0061 assessing the risk to the public from

Documents