SLP/General/TBT-SLP-016
Cable and Hose Management on Site
Slips, Trips & Falls › General › Cable and Hose Management on Site
Toolbox Talk
Cable and Hose Management on Site
Trailing cables and hoses are one of the most common causes of trips on construction sites. They also create risks of electrical damage, fire, and equipment failure when run across traffic routes or left unsecured. Good cable and hose management is a basic housekeeping standard that every operative must maintain. This talk explains how to route, protect, and manage cables and hoses safely across the site.
Key Hazards
Trip injuries from cables and hoses lying across walkways and work areas
Electrical damage to cables crushed by vehicles or heavy equipment
Fire risk from damaged cable insulation causing short circuits
Hose burst or disconnection due to vehicle overrun or snagging
Control Measures
- Route cables and hoses overhead or along the edges of work areas away from pedestrian routes.
- Use cable ramps or bridges to protect cables and hoses that must cross traffic or walkways.
- Inspect cables and hoses before each use for cuts, kinks, abrasion, or exposed conductors.
- Secure hose connections with safety clips or whip checks to prevent disconnection under pressure.
- Coil and store cables and hoses properly when not in use rather than leaving them on the ground.
- Use 110V reduced voltage electrical supplies to minimise risk from damaged site cables.
- Mark cable and hose routes with high-visibility tape or covers to alert pedestrians to the hazard.
- Replace any cable or hose that shows signs of damage immediately — never repair with tape.
- Plan cable routes at the start of each task to avoid crossing high-traffic areas wherever possible.
Remember
- Route cables overhead or to the edge of work areas away from pedestrian routes
- Use cable ramps wherever cables or hoses must cross walkways or traffic routes
- Inspect all cables and hoses before use and replace any that show signs of damage
- Hose connections must be secured with safety clips to prevent dangerous disconnection
- Never repair damaged cables with tape — remove them from service and replace immediately
- Plan cable routes before starting work to avoid creating trip hazards for others on site
Applicable Legislation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 · Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · PUWER 1998 · CDM Regulations 2015
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