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Control measure

Contact distribution network operator or transmission operator

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Control measure knowledge

Identification number plates

Transmission towers or poles have a unique identification number plate. In instances where each side of the transmission tower or pole is supplied by a different distribution network operator (DNO), there will be two identification number plates.

Identification number plate on transmission tower - photograph courtesy of Peter Martin
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PanlogicAdmin
Mon, 08/30/2021 - 11:50
Figure 3: Identification number plate on transmission tower – photograph courtesy of Peter Martin

Colour bands

There is a colour-coding scheme for transmission towers.

Example of a colour band for a 132kV tower - diagram courtesy of UK Power Networks
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PanlogicAdmin
Mon, 08/30/2021 - 11:50
Figure 4: Example of a colour band for a 132kV tower - diagram courtesy of UK Power Networks

Contacting the electricity company

If a transmission tower is operated by two companies, details from both plates should be passed to the fire control room. Contacting the wrong company may result in delays, as some work can only be carried out once the correct designated competent person has issued a permit-to-work.

The following information should be given to fire control rooms and passed to the correct distribution network operator(s) (DNO) or transmission operator(s) (TO):

  • Exact address
  • Identification numbers and colour band information
  • Physical description of the site
  • Distances from live equipment
  • Whether the incident is at ground level, above or below ground level
  • Weather conditions on site
  • Current plan of action required
  • Any time limits or other operational pressures
  • Any other relevant information

Yellow ‘danger of death’ signs should be present on all high-voltage transmission towers or poles. They may sometimes be displayed on low-voltage poles.

Strategic actions

Fire and rescue services should:

  • Liaise with local distribution network operators (DNOs) and transmission operators (TOs) to maintain up-to-date emergency contact details in their fire control rooms

  • Consider adopting memoranda of understanding with their electricity suppliers, to improve joint working at emergency incidents

Tactical actions

Incident commanders should:

  • Communicate the identification number(s) of any transmission tower or pole to the relevant distribution network operator (DNO) or transmission operator (TO)

  • Implement high-voltage safe system of work if a yellow 'danger of death' sign present