RAI/Specific Works/TBT-RAI-003

Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) Safety

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Overhead line equipment carries 25,000 volts AC to power electric trains across the UK rail network.
Contact with or close approach to OLE conductors causes instant death from electrocution — there are no second chances.
Electricity can arc across air gaps at 25kV — you do not need to touch the wire to be electrocuted.
The minimum safe distance from live OLE conductors is 2.75 metres — no person or equipment may approach closer.
Isolation of OLE must be formally requested, confirmed by the electrical control operator, and proved before any work begins.
Even isolated OLE can retain dangerous induced voltages from adjacent live conductors running alongside.
Short-circuit earth straps must be applied to isolated OLE sections to discharge stored energy and induced voltages.
All persons working within 2.75 metres of OLE must hold a valid OLE awareness or competence certification.
Cranes, MEWPs, scaffolds, and tall plant must be assessed for OLE proximity before use anywhere near electrified track.
The OLE conductor wire sags in hot weather and moves in wind — clearances change with environmental conditions.

Instant death	25,000 volts kills on contact or near-approach without exception — safe distance and isolation are the only defences.
Arc flash	Electricity at 25kV arcs across gaps of nearly a metre — coming close to the wire is as lethal as touching it.
Induced voltage	Even isolated OLE retains dangerous voltages from adjacent live lines — earthing straps must be applied before approach.

Don't

Maintain a minimum 2.75 metre distance from live OLE conductors at all times.
Confirm formal OLE isolation with the electrical control operator before approaching.
Verify that short-circuit earth straps are applied to the isolated section before work.
Hold valid OLE awareness or competence certification before working near overhead lines.
Assess all plant, scaffolds, and equipment for OLE proximity before positioning.
Account for OLE conductor sag in hot weather and swing in windy conditions.
Follow the safe system of work briefed by the person in charge of the isolation.
Keep all materials, tools, and equipment below the 2.75 metre approach distance.
Report any damage to OLE masts, conductors, or equipment to the control operator.
Wear the specified PPE and follow all procedures during OLE maintenance work.

DON'T approach closer than 2.75 metres to any live OLE conductor or structure.
DON'T work near OLE without confirmed isolation from the electrical control operator.
DON'T touch or approach isolated OLE until earthing straps are confirmed applied.
DON'T work near OLE without the required awareness or competence certification.
DON'T position cranes, MEWPs, or tall plant near OLE without a proximity assessment.
DON'T assume static clearance distances — OLE sags in heat and swings in wind.
DON'T deviate from the safe system of work during OLE isolation procedures.
DON'T raise tools, poles, or materials that could breach the safe approach distance.
DON'T ignore damaged OLE infrastructure — report it immediately to the control operator.
DON'T assume isolation means safe — induced voltages remain until earthing is confirmed.

See also: Rail Safety Awareness | Third Rail Safety (DC Electrification)

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