High Voltage Clearing

Trees in contact with power lines are a safety hazard, with the potential for causing injury or even death by electrocution if someone touches a tree made "live" by a power line. Livewire Utilities Ltd operates vegetation management teams dedicated to tree/shrub removal on the 11, 33 and 132 KV networks.

All our teams are trained to a national standard and consist of experienced professionals, holding nationally recognised competency certificates. Click here to see the level of training.

The removal of vegetation from the vicinity of the over head line requires a range of Utility Arb equipment. Livewire Utilities Ltd has access to equipment ranging from wood chippers and 3.5 ton tippers through to insulated MEWPs. The majority of work is undertaken using the climbing skills of the teams although machinery is always employed where there is an obvious advantage.

Livewire Utilities Ltd work ethic maximises its teams' knowledge and competencies, enabling them to remove vegetation whilst keeping the network energised. Through continued development and training, teams working within close proximity of a live line are able to minimise 'shutdown conditions' thus resulting in fewer overall customer interruptions (Regulatory driven)

Working directly with the DNO's customers, our teams are competent in discussing all aspects of the work required, including specific details relating to access and disposal of arisings and ensuring that the vegetation work is carried out to the complete satisfaction of both parties. This is particularly important when de-energising the network, and when time constraints are important.

As well as concisely identifying all site hazards and completing full onsite risk assessments before working, teams are experienced in seeing 'situations' before accidents can happen. At the end of the job we always assess how things went and discuss where improvements can be made for future jobs.