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Posted By lonergan1234
A Chara,
This is long winded.
I am employed as PSDP for the main contractor. My company is constructing a three storey mixed use development. Already the steel has been erected and we will soon begin blockwork and plastering. Part of the structure is an apartment balcony which extends to within 4m of existing overhead cables. In order for blockwork to commence , scaffolding must be erected on the outer side of the steel work thus reducing the distance to 2m from overhead cables. I have compiled a method statement outlining proposals for this work which entail erecting scaffold to 2m above existing cable height and draping a heavy taurpaulin over the outer edge. I will be forwarding MS to elecricity supplier next week.
If electricity company accept MS I don't have a problem, however if they reject it (as i assume they will ) I don't have a plan B.
The following scenario will unfold.
The cables must be decommissioned and relocated under ground.( cost approx 25k-40k ).
My question: (eventually)
Would a competent Project supervisor for design have been expected to establish the feasibility of all work activity at planning stage including liason with electricity company to establish if this work could be carried out without relocating overhead cables and should this information be made available to main contractor at tender stage.
I apologise if this is unclear and can clarify any points raised. I appreciate your interest and hope someone has had a similar experience.
Regards.
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Posted By Christopher Kelly TechIOSH MIIRSM AIEMA
Hi Lonergan
We had the same issue when I was working in Ireland. The PSDS should consider this - it is a key issue in the design stage.
Is the cable insulated ? If it is you probably don't have a problem - the electricity company in our case pulled it out of the way and we put some protective plastic pipe around it then built scaffolding underneath and right up to it. It didn't interfere with the working area of the platform.
If it is uninsulated power cable you may be able to get an outage and work up to it.
Electric companies are normally quite helpful if you can get the right local engineer.
Hope of help.
Regards
Chris
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Posted By Shane J
Hi Lonergan,
I'm a little confused, You say you are PSDP for the main contractor?
Is that meant to be PSCS/ Health & Safety Co-ordinator?
A PSDP should ensure that all decisions that are being made are documented and there is a clear line of communication between all those with a design input and ensure that residual risks are communicated to the Main contractor for construction and in the end the client via the safety file.
The PSDP can, on behalf of the client commission a site services survey.
I'm confused as to why a PSDP would be compiling a method statement.
Can you clarify any further your situation?
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Posted By Shane J
Oh and to answer your question, Yes.
A competent PSDP should have made communication with ESB and established feasibility of the project stages prior to construction.
You threw me a little saying you were the PSDP.
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Posted By lonergan1234
Thanks for the advice.
regards
cl
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Posted By G M
A couple of thoughts:
1) Until you have established fully what king of overhead line you are dealing with, then stay well clear of the area, I believe the restriction for plant is 9m if its on a wood pole (15 for tower lines)
2) Even if it is insulated conductor I would be very surprised if you were advised to not treat it as live.
3) The power company is likely to insist that it is now under grounded due to the ongoing safety risk of it being so close to the balcony.
4) This risk should have been considered much earlier, people have potentially already endangered their lives working so close to it.
5) Under no circumstances drape tarpaulins on the line or take any other improvised measures to protect against it. Your only option is to no seek guidance from the power company as to what the minimum safety clearance is.
Obviously the above assumes that it is indeed a live power line and not any other suspended “cable”.
Apologies for not directly answering the question.
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