HSE's 'Electrical safety in quarries' web pages go live

HSE press release E078:05 - 6 June 2005

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new electricity safety guidance on its website at www.hse.gov.uk/quarries/electricity.htm for all those involved in managing quarry sites.

The web based guidance, Electrical Safety in Quarries explains the risks posed by electricity in quarries and gives practical guidance on equipment suitability, installation, cable management, isolating equipment, inspections and test and examination frequency.

The guidance is aimed at quarry managers, rather than electrical experts and reflects the requirements of current health and safety legislation, particularly the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Quarries Regulations 1999. It does not cover offices or other lower risk parts of quarries, where hazards are comparable to other workplaces.

Helen Turner from HSE's Quarries Group commented on the new guidance:

"Electrical power supply is vulnerable in quarries due to the exposed conditions and heavy work being carried out. Ten people have suffered electric shocks in the quarry industry since April 1998 and, though none of these were fatal, they could have been avoided. Common causes of electric shock and burns include buried cables being struck during excavation work, plant vehicles damaging overhead power cables and equipment becoming exposed to the elements. By following the often simple procedures detailed in the guidance the risks associated with electricity in quarries can be managed."

The new guidance replaces the Approved Code of Practice (COP 35), The use of electricity in quarries, which no longer reflects modern legislation or current best practice in electrical safety or allows for technological developments. It has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Notes to editors

1. Further information on health and safety issues pertinent to working in quarries including quarry regulations can be found on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/quarries/information.htm

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