NSI 04 and Guidance - Work On or Near High Voltage Overhead Lines - Issue 9

National Grid UK Electricity Transmission plc NGUK/PM/ETSR/NSI/04/GN
National Safety Instruction Guidance Issue 9
National Grid UK Electricity Transmission plc

NATIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTION 4
and
Guidance
20WORK ON OR NEAR HIGH VOLTAGE

OVERHEAD LINES
Copyright National Grid plc 2023©, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the written permission of National Grid obtained from the issuing location.
The contents of National Grid documents are based on the needs of National Grid and the conditions under which it
operates. It shall not therefore be assumed that the contents stated therein necessarily meet the particular circumstances
and requirements of other organisations. The principles set out in this document are for information only and therefore
National Grid is not liable to any third party for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on the contents. It is the
responsibility of such external organisations to check that the document is the latest version and is appropriate for their
purposes.
© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved

Uncontrolled when printed
Document History
Issue Date Summary of Changes / Author(s) Approved By

Reason (Title)
1 Apr. 08 Reformatted and OHL Manager MDE Manager
re-drafted to follow 3rd Doug Lockwood Les Adams
edition Electricity Safety
Rules layout. NSI 4 NSI 4 Working Group
working group updates,
safety notes and safety
bulletins have been
incorporated.
2 March 09 NSI 4 working group SRAT Manager MDE Manager
updates, safety notes and Mick Brown, Les Adams
safety bulletins have been OHL Manager
incorporated. Doug Lockwood
NSI 4 Working Group
3 March 10 NSI 4 working group SRAT Manager MDE Manager

updates details below Mick Brown, Les Adams
OHL Manager
Doug Lockwood
NSI 4 Working Group

4 March 2011 Reformatted and SRAT Manager MDE Manager
re-drafted. NSI 4 working Mick Brown, Les Adams
group updates details OHL Manager
below Doug Lockwood
NSI 4 Working Group

5 April 2013 NSI 4 working group NSI 4 Working Group MDE Manager
updates, safety notes,
safety bulletins and OHL
memos have been
incorporated.
6 Jan 2020 NSI4 rules and guidance NSI4 Working Group Matt Staley
have been separated from Head of Operations
the earthing schemes and ET Operations
other OHL related
content. These schemes
are now located within
document TGN 313 and
associated documents.
7 Jan 2021 Update to Initial Condition Electricity Matt Staley
requirements Transmission Safety Head of Operations
Rules Team ET Operations
8 Feb 2022 Update to Control Electricity Matt Staley

Boundaries and Transmission Safety Director of Asset
Reorganisation role Rules Team Operations
changes.
9 Jan 2023 Amendments made as Electricity Matt Staley
per Key Changes. Transmission Safety Director of Asset
Rules Team Operations
© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved Page 2

Key Changes
Section Amendments
2- Definitions Earthing Team definition adjusted to not include the application / removal of
red pennants on towers.
3 - Dangers Inadvertent infringement by objects added.
11- Rule Rule amended for clarity.
11 - Guidance Clarification on Tower Demarcation requirements.
15 - Rule & Guidance New section added to aid in the management of the Control of Objects, Tools
and Access Equipment on or near to towers.

WORK ON OR NEAR TO HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD LINES
CONTENTS
Page
Section 1 Standard Requirements 6
Safety Requirements for Continuous Tension Stringing of Phase

Section 2 24
Conductors and Earthwire
Appendix A Authorisation Matrix for Personnel 32

SECTION 1
STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
CONTENTS
Page
1 Purpose and Scope 6
2 Definitions and NSI Boundary Drawings 7
3 Dangers 10
4 General Requirements 11
5 Application and Removal of Drain Earths 15
6 Control of Drain Earths 16
7 Control of DrESS Earthing Scheme(s) 16
8 Access / Egress and Work which requires Circuit Outages 17
9 Access / Egress and Work which does not require Circuit Outages 19
10 Access / Egress and Work within 300 mm of the Earthwire 20
11 Tower Demarcation 20
12 Adverse Weather Conditions 21
13 Actions Following Faults on Adjacent Circuits 22
14 Installations on Towers including 3rd Party Systems 22
15 Control of Objects, Tools and Access Equipment 22
© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved Section 1 Standard Page 5
Uncontrolled when printed Requirements
1 Purpose and Scope
To provide guidance on National Safety Instruction 4, when applying principles established

by the Safety Rules to achieve Safety from the System for Personnel working on
275 / 400 kV overhead lines (OHLs). For work on all other voltages the principles of
this NSI apply but additional advice shall be sought from an OHL Engineer.
For work on HV Overhead Lines reference to Technical Guidance Notes (TGN) and Asset
Management Business Procedures (AMBP) shall be made.
For information on the Planning Process, then relevant Transmission Procedures should
be referenced.
Work activities not within the scope of this NSI:
 Work on phase conductors, insulators and fittings of Live circuits.

 Utilising an Approved G3 procedure
The layout of this guidance note reflects that of legislative codes of practice, where the rule
(or mandatory obligation) is identified by a green panel on the left-hand side. The guidance
follows after the rule and is identified by a blue panel.
Within National Grid the guidance notes hold equivalent status of an Approved Code of
Practice (ACOP) in law. If not followed, you will be required to demonstrate that your safe
system of work is of an equal or higher standard.
This demonstration may be evidenced by the completion of a Temporary Sanction, this

document records the decisions taken, by whom and when.
The Schemes detailed in TGN 313 indicate the requirements for the application of portable
Drain Earth(s) and Field Equipment Earths in preparation for various work procedures.
The Schemes detailed may need to be changed or supplemented in exceptional
circumstances. A Senior Authorised Person can initiate such modifications, but all
modifications shall be agreed and recorded on the TGN 313 F1 form.
2 Definitions
Terms printed in bold type are as defined in the Safety Rules.
Term Definition
Complex Circuit A Dead circuit that has two or more Live circuits inducing current into it.
Disconnected Circuit A permanent Primary Earth rated to protect against inadvertent re-
Primary Earth(s) energisation and of a specific design as detailed in TGN 313 Section 5
As a Single DrESS but having a rated current-carrying capability of 900
Double DrESS
Amps.
The final connection from the bottom of the Downlead to the Substation
Downdropper or other termination equipment (e.g. busbars, line traps, cable sealing
ends etc.) (See Figure 1).
The connection from the terminal tower on a circuit to the Substation
gantry or anchor blocks, or when an OHL connects to an underground
Downlead
cable, the connection from the crossarms to the cable sealing end
structure (see Figure 1).
Type Registered Drain Earth used in Substations to facilitate work on
Duplex Drain Earth
Downleads and Downdroppers.
Earthing for Induced Drain Earth(s) applied to control and manage the flow of induced
Currents currents on the circuit to be worked on.
Earthing for Induced Drain Earth(s) applied to reduce and control induced voltages at the
Voltages point of work/work zone.
A team led by the recipient of the Safety Document or by a Competent
Person under the instruction of the recipient of the Safety Document to
Earthing Team
apply / remove Drain Earth(s) in accordance with an Earthing
Schedule.
An arrangement of conducting metallic footplates, designed to ensure
that during fault conditions, dangerous potential differences do not
Equipotential Zone
appear across the body of Personnel working near ground based
machinery.
Items such as winches, pullers, tensioners, conductor access platforms,
Field Equipment access equipment and cranes which could be subject to dangerous
induced voltages/currents.
Type Registered connections used for bonding items of Field Equipment
Field Equipment
to earth. The earths are distinctively coloured orange to identify them
Earths
from Drain Earth(s) and are not included on an Earthing Schedule.
Fully Conductive A system used in tension stringing where induced currents are allowed
Conductor System to flow in a controlled manner using Type Registered equipment.
Conditions which could cause dangerous induced voltages or currents,
Impressed Voltage differences in earth potential or voltage differences across any break in
the conductive path.
A series of identical Safety Documents that have the same number but
Multiple Safety
a unique suffix to identify the individual document. The suffix is
Documents
alpha/numerical.
A Senior Authorised Person (NSI 4) or a person with sufficient
technical qualifications and / or experience to assess the Drain Earth
OHL Engineer
requirements for Induced Voltage and Current management when
appropriate.
A pre-determined arrangement of portable OHL Drain Earth(s)
providing adequate protection against inadvertent re-energisation in
accordance with the Management Procedure - NSI2 Earthing High
OHL Primary Earth
Voltage Equipment. (The OHL Primary Earth shall have a National
Grid Portable Primary Earth “No unauthorised interference” notice
affixed to it to ensure it is readily identifiable as a Primary Earth).
OPGW Optical Ground Wire

A Drain Earth Shorting Scheme (DrESS) which provides at a point on
the circuit (e.g. a tower), a low resistance connection between any two
Partial DrESS
phases or between the top phase and the earthwire having a rated
current carrying capacity of 450 A.
Permanently A section of overhead line circuit that has been permanently
Disconnected OHL disconnected from the National Grid HV System but remains under
Circuit National Grid Safety Rules (see TGN 313 Section 5).
An OHL circuit whereby a temporary disconnection(s) has been made in
Sectionalised OHL
order to restore part of the same OHL circuit back into Operational
Circuit
Service (see TGN 313 Section 5).
Short Bridging Earths Type Registered Bridging Earth with a maximum length of 1.5 m
Short Drain Earth Type Registered Drain Earth with a maximum length of 1.5 m
Simple Circuit A Dead circuit that has only one Live circuit inducing current into it.
A Drain Earth Shorting Scheme (DrESS) which provides, at a point on
the circuit (e.g. a tower), a low resistance connection between the
Single DrESS
earthwire, top-phase, middle-phase and bottom-phase having a rated,
current-carrying capability of 450 A.
A tower, gantry or other means of support giving access to exposed HV
Structure
conductors.
A Drain Earth Shorting Scheme (DrESS) applied in a Substation on the
Substation Applied
Downleads or Downdroppers from the terminal tower suitable for use as
DrESS
an OHL Primary Earth.
Items of equipment that have been designed tested and added to a Type
Type Registered Registered List (TRL).
Downlead
Downdropper
Figure 1
NSI 2 / 4 Boundary Information
NSI 5 Boundary Information
NSI 4 Authorisation Applies to the

OHL, and line end conductors /
Insulators
NSI 4 or NSI 5 Authorisation:

The NSI 4 SAP shall consult with the
NSI 5 Substation SAP to manage
induced circulating currents
NSI 5 Authorisation Applies to the

Cable Sealing End (CSE), Busbar and
s/s Equipment.
3 Dangers
The main Dangers to Personnel working on overhead lines and towers are electric
shock and burns arising from:
 Inadvertently infringing Safety Distance
 The application of Earthing Device(s) to Live High Voltage Equipment
 Inadequate precautions to safely manage Impressed Voltage in the

conductors and associated fittings
 Inadequate precautions to provide and maintain an equipotential environment for

Personnel working with Field Equipment or other associated equipment.
 Badly connected, insecure or inadequate Earthing Device(s)
 The Rise of Earth Potential around the base of a tower (R.O.E.P.)
 Inadequate, damaged or missing earth bonding from Terminal Towers to the

Substation main Earth System
 Effects of lightning strikes on towers and conductors
 Inadvertently infringing Safety Distance with objects, tools or access equipment.
4 General Requirements
NSI 4 Rules 4.1 For work on OHL circuits Point(s) of Isolation and Primary Earth(s)
Section 1 shall be established to cover all infeeds.
4.1 to 4.4
A Safety Document can then be Consented to, provided the
following is satisfied:
 That induced circulating currents and voltages at all points of

infeed up to the terminal towers are managed by being solidly
bonded to the Primary Earth for the duration of the outage.
 Where the Primary Earth cannot be used to manage the
circulating current and voltage for the duration of the outage,
an alternative earth path shall be established. A Safety
Document will be Consented to and issued, to apply a
Substation or Tower DrESS for the management of circulating
current and voltage.
 For the application or removal of a Substation Applied DrESS
or Tower DrESS, the circuit where practicable shall be solidly
bonded to Earth via a Primary Earth, up to the point of
application. This may require HV Equipment being locked in
the closed position to establish and maintain the earth path.
Where it is not practicable to satisfy the above, alternative earthing

arrangements shall be applied using an agreed safe system of work,
via an Approved procedure, such as form F1 – TGN 313 – TL
Report.
OHL Safety Document(s) can be issued, which may include

temporary or permanent disconnections, on the OHL circuit provided
that the induced current / voltage issues are managed.
The OHL Senior Authorised Person and Substation Senior

Authorised Person shall consult, agree and record any Safety
Precautions that need to be established and maintained throughout
the course of the work.
4.2 For Complex Circuit configurations, the section of the circuit identified
to be worked on shall be converted to a Simple Circuit, prior to work
commencing, in accordance with a TGN 313 Earthing Scheme.
4.3 Where Charged Equipment may cause Danger, Drain Earth(s)

shall be applied in accordance with an Earthing Schedule that will
be issued along with the Safety Document.
The recipient of the Safety Document is responsible for the control
and safe custody of Drain Earth(s) issued with an Earthing
Schedule.
The Competent Person, or a Person under their Personal
Supervision may apply and remove Drain Earth(s) in accordance
with an Earthing Schedule under a Safety Document.
4.4 If any work is to be carried out on phase conductors within 5 towers

of the terminal tower or on the terminal tower itself, the integrity of
the terminal tower earth tape connections to the Substation main
earthing system shall be verified.
NSI 4 Rules 4.5 For any work on Downleads and Downdroppers, a separate,
Section 1 dedicated Permit for Work shall be issued.
4.5 to 4.7
4.6 When the work requires use of Multiple Safety Documents, then the
Senior Authorised Person shall issue all the Drain Earth(s) for the
work with one Safety Document (the Master Safety Document).
4.7 When working adjacent to a Live circuit, the Senior Authorised

Person shall assess the requirement to switch out the DAR on the
adjacent circuit.
4 General Requirements
NSI4 Guidance 4.1 Consultation should include the OHL Senior Authorised Person,
Section 1 OHL Team Leader, Control Person (Safety), Substation Senior
4.1 Authorised Person and Engineering and Asset Management to
develop an effective scheme, documented via TGN 313 Form F1.
Where alternative earth paths to the Primary Earth(s) are required

for the management of circulating currents, this is done by the
application of a DrESS - which must be appropriately referenced on
the Safety Document.
A Safety Document can be used to manage the earthing

requirements of a circuit to provide a Safe System of Work for other
Safety Documents.
(e.g. PFW ‘A’ is to apply & remove DrESS, enabling PFW’s ‘B’ and ‘C’)
The point a DrESS is being applied to must be connected to a

Primary Earth at the time of application and removal. This can be
achieved on the same document that makes a disconnection between
the point of work and the Primary Earth, provided the sequencing of
work ensures a connection between the point of application and a
Primary Earth is in place at the time it is applied / removed.
Where the point at which a DrESS is required cannot be connected to

a Primary Earth at the time of application (e.g. downed conductors),
an alternative Safe System of Work will need to be established.
Appropriately rated DrESS can be declared to the Control Person

(Safety) as a Primary Earth on cancellation of a Safety Document;
to allow for alternative earthing that can be quoted on further Safety
Documents.
For any disconnections made under a Safety Document, the OHL

Senior Authorised Person shall ensure that the resulting induced
current and voltage issues will be addressed via the application of this
Management Procedure and TGN 313
In the case of Permanently Disconnected OHL Circuits, advice shall

have been sought from Engineering and Asset Management.
(Additional guidance is given in TGN 313 Section 5).
NSI4 Guidance 4.2 Induced currents (up to 900 A) can flow in the Drain Earth(s) applied
Section 1 to a Complex Circuit. The conversion of a Complex Circuit to a Simple
4.2 to 4.6 Circuit can be achieved by the application of DrESS earthing schemes
to sectionalise the OHL circuit or by the local application of a DrESS
earthing scheme at the point of work.
Induced currents (up to 450 A) can flow in the conductors of a Simple
Circuit. The management of this current involves the provision of
parallel paths to enable the current to flow. This will limit the flow of
current in lifting tackle, winch bonds and conductor stockings. The
Senior Authorised Person shall assess the requirement for Drain
Earth(s).
4.3 The Safety Document recipient shall ensure that Drain Earth(s)
when not in use are kept in safe custody – e.g. in a locked vehicle
All earthing equipment shall be inspected and maintained in

accordance with company Management Procedures and Type
Registered.
The Senior Authorised Person may decide it is not necessary to
apply Drain Earth(s) to all phases. This reduced earthing shall not
affect the safety of Personnel.
For Point of Work Earthing, Drain Earth(s) will be applied and

removed in accordance with the Drain Earth Schedule from a position
on the tower steelwork maintaining the maximum distance from the
conductor for practical application / removal of the Drain Earth(s).
Where this cannot be practically achieved, the Senior Authorised
Person shall assess and record the practical application to be utilised.
Following a study carried out by Cardiff University in 2017 it was

calculated that the maximum voltage induced onto an un-earthed
(floating) conductor could be in the region of 22.5kV. This assumes
that the integrity of the Primary Earth(s) could be compromised at
any time and create dangerously high voltages.
Using the ENA guidelines set out in TS43-8 this would equate to a
0.8m clearance to be applied at all times to a locally un-earthed
conductor. (Verified by Asset Engineering March 2019 – worse-case
scenario resulted in 28kV – which still equates to a 0.8m clearance)
Consideration shall also be made of Equipment disconnected from

earth resulting in a floating section which may in itself become
Charged (i.e. when replacing jumpers)
4.4 If the integrity of the earth tape is compromised: -

 the terminal tower earth tape is repaired or by exception
 a Single DrESS shall be applied to the terminal tower, or
between the Point of Work and the terminal tower.
4.5 The dedicated Permit for Work may include other work on the towers
being worked on e.g. replacement of insulators on the adjacent side
of the tower or work on other towers where Drain Earth(s) are applied
which are associated with the dedicated Permit for Work.
4.6 The Master Safety Document number generated shall always be
Safety Document Number - MP – Master – i.e. 12345MP Master.
Multiples will be numbered 12345MP 1 of n, 12345MP 2 of n,…….
NSI 4 Guidance The Master Safety Document shall record the total number of Drain
Section 1 Earth(s) issued.
4.6 Cont.
The Master Safety Document Section 2 Further Precautions shall be
endorsed with;
“Drain Earth(s) shall be applied as directed by the recipient of this
Master Safety Document and in accordance with attached Earthing
Schedule”.
All secondary multiple Safety Documents shall record zero Drain

Earth(s). A copy of the Master Earthing Schedule shall be issued
with each secondary multiple Safety Document.
All Secondary multiple Safety Documents Section 2 Further
Precautions shall be endorsed with;
“Drain Earth(s) shall be applied as directed by the Master Safety

Document recipient and in accordance with Safety Document No.--
----- (master Safety Document number)”
The principles of the use of multiple Safety Documents can be

applied for work under a Limited Access Certificates.
Further guidance to the management of multiple Safety Documents

is within AMBP 130.
Guidance for the management of tower painting works.

One Multiple Safety Document will be issued that covers all work to
be undertaken including Drain Earth(s) application or removal, fall
arrest rope rigging, painting and QA activities.
The Safety Document Section 1, Work to be done: - Carry out tower

painting and associated activities.
The Master Safety Document shall be issued to the contractors

nominated Competent Person who is responsible for setting their
own staff to work. The Master Safety Document has the total number
of Drain Earth(s) issued with it.
All Secondary Safety Documents associated with the Master Safety
Document will have zero Drain Earth(s) issued along with a copy of
the Master Earthing Schedule.
The Master Safety Document Section 2 Further Precautions shall be
endorsed with;
“Drain Earth(s) shall be applied as directed by the recipient of this
Master Safety Document and in accordance with attached Earthing
Schedule”.
All Secondary multiple Safety Documents Section 2 Further
Precautions shall be endorsed with;
“Drain earth(s) shall be applied as directed by the Master Safety
Document recipient and in accordance with Safety Document No.--
----- (master Safety Document number)”
Contractor RAMS shall include how the levels of Competent Persons
will be managed to ensure the appropriate authorisation for the task.
NSI 4 Guidance National Grid QA teams issued with a Secondary Safety Document
Section 1 and a copy of the Earthing Schedule. National Grid Competent
4.6 Cont. to Person shall coordinate with Master Safety Document recipient to
4.7 ensure only towers within Earthed sections are QA checked.
Earthing Schedule(s)
The following statement shall be included on the Earthing Schedule
“A daily check shall be made before work starts that appropriate Drain
Earth(s) are still in place. In accordance with TGN 313.
4.7 Examples of activities that may require the DAR to be switched out:
 Tension stringing of conductors
 Raising or lowering of earthwire
 Raising or lowering of conductors on middle or top phases
 Use of Cranes or Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
The Senior Authorised Person shall ensure that the nominated

Competent Person responsible for requesting the DAR is aware of
their responsibilities to inform all other Working Parties affected by the
DAR outage or its restoration and any associated lightning risk
notifications. See TGN 313.
When contacting the Control Person (Operation) to request a DAR

outage, the Competent Person will convey the following information
to ensure the correct DAR is switched out:
 Circuit Name
 Route Designation
 Outage Booking Reference
 Confirm with CP(O) at the TNCC, that all associated Route
DAR schemes applicable to the requested circuit are
switched out.
In the event of a fault on the adjacent circuit, the Competent Person

nominated as DAR contact shall ensure that all Competent Person’s
in receipt of Safety Document(s) have been notified of the fault. All
work shall cease until further assessment has been undertaken.
The nominated DAR contact shall liaise with the relevant Senior
Authorised Person and NGET Control to ensure that the restoration
of circuit can be managed efficiently which may include
implementation of any actions required to ensure safety of personnel.
5 Application and Removal of Drain Earths
NSI 4 Rules Drain Earthing Schemes for OHL are referenced in TGN 313
Section 1
5.1 to 5.2 Application of Drain Earth(s)
5.1 The earth end connections of all Drain Earth(s) shall be attached
before any conductor ends are connected, utilising an earthing pole.
5.2 When Sparrow Plates are used, all Connecting Bonds and Drain
Earth(s) shall be connected before any Drain Earth(s) are applied to
the conductors, utilising an earthing pole.
NSI 4 Rules 5.3 At tension towers, provided the jumper is connected at both ends and
Section 1 Earthed; the fitting of Drain Earth(s) to the line side of tension
5.3 to 5.6 insulators may be carried out using a 600mm earthing pole, from a
suitable working position at the line end of the insulator set.
5.4 If at any time an earth connection is found to be defective, no attempt

shall be made to touch it until a Senior Authorised Person has been
consulted and assessed the requirements.
Removal of Drain Earth(s)
5.5 At tension towers, provided the jumper is connected at both ends and
Earthed, the removal of the clamps from the line side of tension
insulators may be carried out using a 600mm earthing pole, from a
suitable working position at the line end of the insulator set.
5.6 Conductor end clamps of all Portable Drain Earth(s) shall be removed
first, using the earthing pole. At no time, shall the earth end clamp of
a Portable Drain Earth(s), a Sparrow Plate or a Sparrow Plate
Connecting Bond be disconnected whilst a conductor end clamp is
attached.
6 Control of Drain Earth(s)
NSI 4 Rules 6.1 A register of all Drain Earth(s) that are applied or removed shall be
Section 1 maintained.
6.1 to 6.5
6.2 Immediately prior to the clearing of Safety Document(s), all issued
Drain Earth(s) shall be accounted for.
6.3 If any Drain Earth(s) / earthing equipment are to be left on the tower
as part of the Safety Document clearance process, then the relevant
sections of the Safety Document shall be completed by the
Competent Person clearing the Safety Document.
6.4 Prior to cancelling the Safety Document(s), the Senior Authorised

Person shall ensure that they have all the necessary forms required
to satisfy themselves that all Drain Earth(s) have been accounted for.
6.5 Prior to Return to Service, the Senior Authorised Person will decide
(if any) the extent of any further inspection that is required in order to
verify that all towers are de-earthed prior to Safety Document
cancellation.
7 Control of Drain Earth Shorting Schemes (DrESS)
NSI 4 Rules 7.1 DrESS earthing schemes shall be controlled via an Earthing
Section 1 Schedule or Safety Document Card Safe.
7.1
7 Control of Drain Earth Shorting Schemes (DrESS)
NSI 4 Guidance 7.1 DrESS earth scheme(s) controlled via an Earthing Schedule.
Section 1
7.1 This will normally be carried out when a single Working Party is
carrying out a task(s) during an OHL outage. The Earthing Schedule
shall make reference to the application / removal of the DrESS earth
scheme(s) and the fact that it shall be applied prior to the task(s) being
carried out and removed only when the task(s) has been completed.
DrESS earth scheme(s) controlled via a Safety Document Card Safe.

This will normally be carried out when there is more than one Working
Party of any one company e.g. National Grid, OHL Contractor or
tower painting Contractor etc. The relevant Permit for Work and
associated Earthing Schedule for the application / removal of the
DrESS earthing scheme will be locked in a Card Safe.
All subsequent Permit For Work shall be endorsed in Section 2,

under “Further Precautions”, with the words “DrESS earthing scheme
is applied to tower …… under Permit for Work …..”.
The Card Safe number shall be entered in the appropriate box in

Section 4 of the Permit for Work.
The Senior Authorised Person issuing the Permit for Work shall,
in addition to all other items, issue a Key for the Card Safe holding
the DrESS Permit for Work. This issue will be recorded on the
Permit for Work in Section 4.
8 Access / Egress and Work which Requires Circuit Outages
NSI 4 Rules 8.1 Access / Egress and work where Safety Distance may be infringed
Section 1 shall be carried out under a Permit for Work.
8.1 to 8.2
8.2 During the issue / transfer of a Permit for Work the recipient of the
Safety Document shall confirm that the Circuit Identification
complies with the details in the Technical Data Sheet(s).
8 Access / Egress and Work which Requires Circuit Outages
NSI 4 Guidance 8.2 The Senior Authorised Person issuing the Permit for Work shall
Section 1 also issue to the Competent Person receiving the Permit for Work
8.2 the following items:
 Sufficient Circuit Identification wristlets for each
member of the Working Party
 Sufficient Circuit Identification flags which fit the
sockets or brackets on the towers to be climbed
 Sufficient Drain Earth(s) and an associated Earthing
Schedule, where applicable
NSI 4 Guidance Prior to the issue of the Safety Document the Senior Authorised
Section 1 Person will confirm to the Competent Person all the relevant
8.2 Cont. information from the Technical Data Sheet, highlighting the flag
bracket identification nomenclature. The Technical Data Sheet shall
be issued with the Safety Document.
On notification that a flag bracket is reported as either missing or

incorrect the Senior Authorised Person will take the following action.
 Stop all work immediately at the tower.
If Flag bracket is reported as missing.

 Using operational diagrams and Technical Data Sheets the
Senior Authorised Person shall positively identify the circuit
and instruct the Competent Person to fit a new flag bracket.
Work can then proceed.
If Flag bracket is reported as incorrect.
 Using operational diagrams and Technical Data Sheets the

Senior Authorised Person shall positively identify the circuit
on site to confirm that the flag bracket is incorrect, and then
instruct the Competent Person to replace with the correct
flag bracket. Work can then proceed.
During the work preparation stages the Senior Authorised Person

shall make reference to the available condition monitoring data and
where reasonably practicable rectify any missing or incorrect flag
brackets prior to the issue of the Safety Document.
The Senior Authorised Person may decide it is not necessary to

apply Drain Earth(s) to all phases. This reduced earthing shall not
affect the safety of Personnel.
The Competent Person who has received the Permit for Work shall
ensure that:
 All members of the Working Party are fully briefed on all

aspects of the work, hazards and their roles.
 The Working Party Register is completed.
 A Circuit Identification flag is correctly fitted to the

appropriate socket or bracket at the tower to be worked on.
 Each member of their Working Party is in possession of a

Circuit Identification wristlet.
 Red pennants are fitted to clearly identify limits of the safe

working area
 Drain Earth(s) are fitted by the Earthing Team in accordance

with the Earthing Schedule. A copy of the Drain Earthing
requirements shall be issued to the Competent Person in
charge of each Earthing Team.
NSI 4 Guidance Each Person climbing the tower shall:

Section 1
8.2 Cont.  Check that the Circuit Identification flag is correctly fitted.
 Check the tower nomenclature corresponds with the tower

nomenclature on the Safety Document.
 Wear the Circuit Identification wristlet so that it is readily

visible at all times while climbing.
 Ensure that the wristlet matches the Circuit Identification on

the circuit on which is to be worked on.
9 Access / Egress and Work which does not require Circuit Outages
NSI 4 Rules 9.1 Access / egress and work on towers where there is no significant risk
Section 1 of infringing Safety Distance during the course of the work may be
9.1 carried out with circuit(s) Live.
9 Access / Egress and Work which does not require Circuit Outages
NSI 4 Guidance 9.1 When the Senior Authorised Person decides, it is necessary to
Section 1 confirm these instructions in writing, they shall record the assessment
9.1 and controls to be applied in AMBP 311 RAMS. Where the RAMS
control all Safety from the System hazards there is no requirement to
issue a Limited Access Certificate.
Where contractors are carrying out work near HV Equipment and the
means of achieving Safety from the System is by limiting the work
area, a Senior Authorised Person shall confirm these instructions in
writing by the issue of a Limited Access Certificate. The only
exception to this requirement is where the identified work, and / or work
area, as detailed and controlled in the risk assessment and method
statement are limiting in their own right, thus ensuring there is no risk
from the System.
The Senior Authorised Person shall, in the assessment of the work,

consider that the conductors and insulators may be moved by the wind
from the still air position.
The Senior Authorised Person issuing the Limited Access

Certificate shall also issue to the Competent Person receiving the
Limited Access Certificate the following items:
 Sufficient Drain Earth(s) and an associated Earthing

Schedule, where applicable
The Competent Person who has received the Limited Access

Certificate shall ensure that:
 All members of the Working Party are fully briefed on all

aspects of the work, hazards and their roles.
NSI 4 Guidance  The Working Party Register is completed.

Section 1
9.1 Cont.  Red pennants, in accordance with RAMS, are fitted to clearly
identify limits of the safe working area.
 Drain Earth(s) are fitted by the Earthing Team in

accordance with the Earthing Schedule. A copy of the
earthing requirements shall be issued to the Competent
Person in charge of each Earthing Team.
Each Person climbing the tower shall:
 Check the tower nomenclature corresponds with the tower

nomenclature on the Safety Document.
10 Access / Egress and Work within 300 mm of the Earthwire
NSI 4 Rules 10.1 For earthwire work Short Drain Earth(s) or Short Bridging Earths shall
Section 1 be used to maintain all earth bonding connections or to maintain
10.1 to 10.4 earthwire continuity.
10.2 The Senior Authorised Person preparing the Safety Document

shall define the use of the Short Drain Earth(s) / Short Bridging Earths
in the Earthing Schedule.
10.3 Whenever Personnel are required to access the tower peak and carry
out work which may bring them closer than 300 mm to the Earthwire
i.e. Condition Assessment or Tower Painting, then a Short Drain
Earth(s) shall be applied between the tower steelwork and earthwire
using, as a minimum, a Type Registered 600 mm Earthing Pole.
10 Access / Egress and Work within 300 mm of the Earthwire
NSI 4 Guidance 10.1 Access is permitted for the duration of applying / removal of the Short
Section 1 Drain Earth(s), utilising, as a minimum, a 600 mm Earth Pole.
10.1
Where Short Drain Earth(s) are applied to earthwires carrying fibre
optic wrap, extra care shall be taken when applying the Short Drain
Earth(s) to ensure that the Fibre Optic Cable is not crushed or
damaged. Where possible the Short Drain Earth(s) shall be applied
to the conductor between the earthwire fitting / anchor clamp and fibre
optic clamps or support frames.
On certain towers OPGW extends from the peak of the tower to base
level. If the integrity of the permanent earth bonds fitted to the OPGW
extending down the tower leg(s) is verified, then there is no
requirement to apply a Short Drain Earth to this OPGW to approach
within 300 mm.
Calculations have been undertaken to confirm that the Type

Registered 600 mm Earth Pole, will provide sufficient clearance from
the maximum Impressed Voltage Condition that could be imposed
onto the Earthwire / OPGW.
11 Tower Demarcation
NSI 4 Rules 11.1 The Senior Authorised Person shall ensure the tower is demarcated
Section 1 to clearly define the safe working area.
11.1
11 Tower Demarcation
NSI 4 Guidance 11.1 The work area on the tower shall be demarcated by the use of red
Section 1 pennants.
11.1
The Senior Authorised Person, via RAMS, shall provide specific
instructions and / or a detailed sketch of the demarcation position.
The red pennants shall be applied when working under Safety
Documents before work commences. Where RAMS are used in
place of an LAC, the same standard shall be applied.
The Person(s), whilst fixing or removing red pennants, shall be under
the Personal Supervision of a Competent Person.
12 Adverse Weather Conditions
NSI 4 Rules 12.1 Prior to work the Competent Person shall check the weather forecast
Section 1 and contact NGET Control for lightning risk.
12.1 to 12.4
12.2 In the event of, or near approach of a lightning storm where storm
clouds or lightening is visible, or Thunder can be heard – all work shall
cease until the storm passes.
12.3 When the weather conditions are such that wind induced conductor,
movement could cause Safety Distance from the Live circuit to be
infringed, then the work shall be stopped.
12.4 Work shall also be discontinued if fog or poor visibility prevents
observers from fulfilling their role.
12 Adverse Weather Conditions
NSI 4 Guidance 12.1 Contact may be via telephone or the SafeGrid app.
Section 1
12.1 to 12.2 On receipt of a Lightening Risk 1 notification, the PIC or site supervisor
shall identify any specific risk associated with a Lightening Risk 1 in
the area. Suitable controls shall be implemented, recorded and
communicated to the working party before work continues.
12.2 Personnel are to withdraw to a minimum of 10 metres from any tower
and connected equipment.
Personnel shall be vigilant with regard to lightning and other adverse
weather. They shall inform colleagues and NGET Control immediately
of any adverse weather conditions which may affect the work. NGET
Control shall pass this information as appropriate.
The Senior Authorised Person shall ensure that the nominated
Competent Person responsible for requesting the Lightning Risk
status is aware of their responsibilities to inform all other working
parties that are affected along the route.
13 Actions Following Faults on Adjacent Circuits
NSI 4 Rules 13.1 Where a circuit has been subject to a fault all Earthing Device(s)
Section 1 shall be inspected before further work is carried out.
13.1
13 Actions Following Faults on Adjacent Circuits
NSI 4 Guidance 13.1 Where a circuit has been subject to a fault, the integrity of Earthing
Section 1 Device(s) cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, following a fault on an
13.1 adjacent circuit, all Earthing Device(s) shall be inspected before
further work is carried out.
This shall be in the form of a visual inspection to identify any Drain

Earth(s) that have become detached or severely burnt or if there are
signs of excessive arcing onto tower steelwork as a result of high fault
currents.
14 Installations on Towers including 3rd Party Systems
NSI 4 Rules 14.1 Where items are fitted to overhead line towers that include a third -
Section 1 party system such as low voltage supplies i.e. aircraft warning lights,
14.1 Cellular Installations i.e. radio or microwave frequency transmitters,
a safe system of work shall be implemented.
14 Installations on Towers including 3rd Party Systems
NSI 4 Guidance 14.1 When work is to be under-taken, which could involve exposing
Section 1 employees or contractors to danger from these systems; a minimum
14.1 of industry standard precautions and controls shall be implemented.
These may be in conjunction with the third-party operator and for all
Work on or Near to Cellular installations further information is
contained within a Management Procedure.
15 Control of Objects, Tools and Access Equipment
NSI 4 Rules 15.1 Objects, tools and access equipment shall be stored, moved and used
Section 1 in a controlled manner to ensure that they do not infringe Safety
15.1 Distance.
15.2 The Senior Authorised Person shall ensure that the risks of use of
objects, tool and access equipment are considered and recorded via
a Safety from the System Risk Assessment.
15 Control of Objects, Tools and Access Equipment
NSI 4 Guidance 15.1 Examples of objects could include – tools, ropes, 3rd party equipment,
Section 1 platforms, MEWPs, Drain Earth(s). (not an exhaustive list)
15.1
The Safe System of Work (National Grid or Contractors) shall
specifically identify adequate control measures.
NSI 4 Guidance 15.2 When assessing the risks, Safety from the System shall be
Section 1 maintained. The following information should be considered:
15.1 Cont.
 Wire clearance diagrams or other methods of checking safety
clearances
 The objects, tools and access equipment being operated or
lifted near or on a tower
 The type / scope or manner of work being undertaken
 Weather conditions that could introduce further / increased
risk
 The competence of those using the equipment
 Earthing requirements for the object, tool or access
equipment
(not an exhaustive list)
Further reference to TGN 313 – Section 9 may also be considered.

Risk Assessments could utilise:
 As built drawings
 Wire clearance drawings
 Laser measurement
 LiDAR surveys
 Site confirmation visits
SECTION 2
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUOUS TENSION STRINGING OF

OVERHEAD LINE PHASE CONDUCTORS AND EARTHWIRE
CONTENTS
Page
1 Basic Safety Requirements 25
2 Competency of Staff 29
3 Communications and Control 29
4 Emergency Procedures 30
5 Weather Conditions 31
© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved Section 2 Safety Page 24
Uncontrolled when printed Requirements for Continuous
Tension Stringing of OHL
Phase Conductors and
Earthwire
Section 2 Additional Safety Requirements for Continuous Tension Stringing

of Overhead Line Phase Conductors and Earthwire
This section of this NSI details Safety from the System requirements for the continuous tension
stringing of Phase Conductors and Earthwire, under single circuit outage conditions, on all 275
kV and 400 kV double circuit lattice tower construction overhead lines designed pre-1991. Work
on L3 design towers, ‘T’-off towers, junction and terminal towers, certain large angle towers,
high river crossings, towers of special construction and future designs may need special
consideration and additional documented procedures.
The raising or lowering of complete spans of Earthwire to or from the ground and the handling
of long tails of optical Earthwire are not covered by these safety requirements.
Planning
As a part of the planning process, consideration shall be given to the practicalities of completing
the pull in one day. The length of the pull, number of intermediate angles and access to machine
sites shall be clearly identified in order to estimate the approximate duration of the pull. It may
be necessary to revise the scope of the works if there are insufficient daylight hours during the
winter months preventing the pull from being completed in one day.
Checklists for Key Activities are in TGN 313.
1 Basic Safety Requirements
NSI 4 Rules 1.1 The safety requirements throughout this section shall be fully
Section 2 understood and implemented by a Senior Authorised Person and
1.1 to 1.9 the Competent Person.
1.2 Prior to agreement that the work can be undertaken, the Senior
Authorised Person shall carry out for all sections of the overhead line
an assessment that includes, the effect of Circulating Currents on
temporary joints i.e. use of conductor stockings, reeving ropes and
polyester slings.
1.3 Ensure that the Delayed Auto Reclose (DAR) is switched out during
all Tension Stringing Operations.
1.4 All Safety from the System measures shall be in place prior to the
commencement of Tension Stringing operations and remain in place
until the work has been completed.
1.5 All Earth Bonding shall be in place prior to the Tension Stringing
Operation.
1.6 Drain Earth(s) shall be applied in accordance with the Earthing

Schedule.
1.7 The Senior Authorised Person shall satisfy themselves that any
plant, equipment, crossing protection and associated activity does not
infringe safety distance.
1.8 At the end of the work period before Personnel leave site, the
Conductor section shall be pulled through and secured at around
normal erection tension to prevent excessive sag.
1.9 When tension stringing Earthwire, brushed running blocks shall be

used, throughout the pulling section. When tension stringing Phase
Conductors brushed running blocks are required at the puller and
tensioner tower.
Earthwire
1 Basic Safety Requirements
NSI 4 Guidance 1.1 The Senior Authorised Person shall have sufficient technical
Section 2 knowledge and experience of the work to be undertaken, the
1.1 to 1.2 techniques to be employed and the Safety from the System
implications to enable them to make the necessary arrangements and
decisions for planning the work. They will also issue the appropriate
Safety Document(s). They shall be specifically appointed to NSI4.
The Competent Person shall have sufficient technical knowledge and

experience of the work to be undertaken, the techniques to be
employed and the Safety from the System implications. They shall
be present on site during the work with their attention dedicated to this
task. Their role is to satisfy them self that all appropriate measures are
being taken to maintain Safety from the System. They shall be
specifically appointed to NSI4.
1.2 The Senior Authorised Person shall produce a report identifying

those towers or sections requiring special working arrangements, the
requirements for circuit outages (double circuit on Earthwire work) or
any restrictions on the positioning of plant or on the equipment to be
used for the work.
Pulling of conductors shall be completed within the working day. NB

this statement refers to the actual process of pulling in the new
conductor and does not include all the ancillary preparation or
finalisation works e.g. inserting make-up lengths of conductor,
catching off at tension towers, sagging, clamping in etc. However, at
the end of the working day all conductors shall be left overnight in a
safe and secure state.
Form F10, Daily Check list for key activities, located in TGN 313 shall
be completed on a daily basis
Where work is required on an intermediate tower during a pulling

operation involving insulated links, currents up to 450 Amps may be
present in any set of Drain Earth(s) applied to any intermediate tower
in the section being pulled.
Reeving ropes (non-metallic) can be used to winch in the existing

conductor(s) to the puller under the following conditions:-
 The reeving rope is inspected at every pull to gauge its condition

and integrity
 It shall only be raised up the tower and connected immediately
prior to the pull once it has been agreed that the pull can
commence.
 Under no circumstances shall the rope be left up the tower
exceeding the normal working day, particularly overnight.
Conductor stockings shall not be left in stationary contact with the

running blocks.
Earthwire
NSI 4 Guidance 1.3 Before tension stringing is carried out, the Competent Person shall
Section 2 request the Control Person (Operation) to switch out the DAR on the
1.3 Cont.to 1.6 Live circuit. At the end of the restringing, the Competent Person will
request the restoration of the DAR. This will be carried out and
recorded on the daily check sheet.
In the event of the circuit tripping during the work, the Control Person
(Operation) shall not initiate the re-closure of the circuit until they have
obtained the agreement of the Competent Person on site.
1.4 Tension stringing shall not proceed until agreed by the Competent
Person, who shall be present in the section to be worked on during
the installation of the conductors with their attention dedicated to the
task.
The Competent Person is responsible for ensuring that all

appropriate measures are being taken to maintain Safety from the
System.
A Senior Authorised Person, conversant with the work, shall be

readily contactable and available to deal with any emergencies. These
arrangements shall be agreed by the Senior Authorised Person and
the Competent Person before the Competent Person allows the
work to commence.
During the tension stringing operation, using binoculars if necessary,

the conductors and each running block shall be continuously
monitored by observers in communication with the tensioner / puller
operators. If damaged conductor, joints or repair sleeves are to be
pulled through the running blocks, the puller operator shall be advised
of the progress of the obstruction and the pulling speed reduced as
necessary.
During the tension stringing process Personnel, shall not position

themselves underneath the conductors being restrung.
1.5 At Substation terminal towers, the integrity of the earth connection to

the Substations earth mats shall be checked prior to the work
commencing.
The integrity of the Permanent Earth Bonds on the earthwire shall be

checked at the nearest towers on each side of the sections to be
restrung and on the earthwire that will not be disconnected.
To protect the operators of the tensioner / puller and Personnel

working on the reel winders, drums and associated equipment against
the effects of any rise in potential of the machines and equipment with
respect to the ground they are standing on, an Equipotential
Environment shall be provided. This shall be in accordance with TGN
313. Access to the machines and equipment in the Equipotential
Zones by operators and other Personnel shall be controlled.
1.6 The Senior Authorised Person shall make reference to the tables in
TGN 313 for the correct number of Drain Earth(s) required for sub-
conductors under this section.
Earthwire
NSI 4 Guidance A fully conductive system shall be capable of carrying a combined

Section 2 current of 450A, therefore any swivel / link shall be capable of carrying
1.6 Cont. to 1.7 this maximum figure. This will only apply to bundled conductors i.e.
two or more sub-conductors.
If temporary joints are not capable of carrying 450A, then use shall be
made of insulated links to reduce the current that can pass through
lifting equipment and machines.
If utilising the insulated pulling system, an insulated sheath shall be
applied over the full length of the conductor stocking.
When using the insulated link, at no time shall a section of conductor
between two insulated links be allowed to be Drain Earth(s) free. The
insulated link is designed to withstand the passage of current and
cannot withstand high floating induced voltages.
For this reason, during re-conductoring:-
 At a tension tower when inserting a make-up length of

conductor, only one insulated link shall be inserted per sub-
conductor.
To reduce to a minimum the time that current can flow through
non-current carrying temporary joints, it’s imperative that the
Drain Earth(s) applied on the line side of any temporary joint is
not removed until immediately prior to pulling the conductor.
 If a short single span is located in a long pulling section such
that during the pulling operation that span would at any time
become free of Drain Earth(s), then joints at one end shall be
capable of carrying 450A.
Additional Guidance for Work on Earthwires
Drain Earth(s) shall be applied in accordance with TGN 313. Drain

Earth(s) shall be fitted to all phase conductors on the Isolated and
Earthed circuit at all towers in the section to be worked on and at the
nearest towers on each side of the section.
The Drain Earth(s) shall remain in position for the duration of the work
which will ensure the provision of the maximum number of parallel
earth paths during the stringing operation.
No work shall be undertaken on the phase conductors, insulators or
associated fittings in the section being worked on unless the earthwire
is tensioned and permanently made off at both ends and electrically
bonded to the towers in the section. This will ensure that earthwire
continuity is maintained throughout the route. This statement shall be
recorded in Section 2 of the Permit for Work.
1.7 The Senior Authorised Person may need to refer to the appropriate
overhead line design drawings.
When failure of a component (e.g. a running block or means of

attachment at angle tower peaks) could allow the conductor to move
towards the Live circuit, the method of working shall ensure that in the
event of such a failure, the conductor is restrained and Safety
Distance is not infringed.
Earthwire
NSI 4 Guidance 1.8 The Senior Authorised Person may need to refer to the appropriate
Section 2 overhead line design drawings.
1.8 to 1.9
The earthwire shall be tensioned, as a minimum, to a position where,
under all conditions, Safety Distance from the Live phase conductors
will not be infringed. It shall be terminated at appropriate towers to
minimise the dependence on the temporary joints and the tensioner /
puller machines and to prevent excessive sag. The Earthwire shall be
caught off avoiding any stocking connections being positioned in the
running block. If this is not possible, bridging earths shall be applied to
reduce any burning of the stockings. At all intermediate connections,
a temporary safety clamp shall be placed onto the Earthwire and
secured to the tower with a metallic sling. Drain Earth(s) can then be
applied outboard of the temporary clamps.
1.9 All the conductor running blocks shall comply with the requirements of
TRL 2.2 part 5. All conductor running blocks at machine end towers
shall be brushed.
2 Competency of Staff
NSI 4 Rules 2.1 The Competent Person(s) in receipt of Safety Document(s) for this
Section 2 work shall understand the relevant sections of TGN 313 and have
2.1 completed the applicable TGN 313 E-Learning course.
2 Competency of Staff
NSI 4 Guidance 2.1 The Competent Person(s) shall have read the relevant sections of
Section 2 TGN 313.
2.1
Documented evidence shall be available confirming the Competent
Person(s) in receipt of Safety Document(s) for this work has
successfully completed the relevant sections of the TGN 313 E-
Learning.
The installation, removal or replacement of optical cable using the

wrap technique, will be carried out under a minimum of a Limited
Access Certificate.
3 Communications and Control
NSI 4 Rules 3.1 An effective and efficient communications system shall be in place
Section 2 prior to any work associated with these procedures.
3.1
Earthwire
3 Communications and Control
NSI 4 Guidance 3.1 The Competent Person responsible for DAR outage requests shall
Section 2 also take responsibility for ensuring that communication is established
3.1 between the site and the Control Person (Operation) using an
effective communication channel.
Before the actual installation work is commenced, the site Personnel
carrying out the work shall explain to the satisfaction of the Competent
Person the method of communication, signalling and control that will
be adopted. This communication system shall be checked each day
before the start of work and immediately prior to the stringing
operation. Work shall be stopped immediately if the communication
system is found to be defective.
4 Emergency Procedures
NSI 4 Rules 4.1 In the event of an unplanned action whereby the conductor or any
Section 2 other equipment or material, could potentially come within Safety
4.1 to 4.2 Distance of a Live circuit, the Competent Person shall immediately
arrange for the Live circuit to be switched out in order to recover the
situation.
4.2 The Senior Authorised Person shall have a documented emergency

plan which caters for the interface with all other Utilities, Emergency
Services and the Control Person (Operation).
4 Emergency Procedures
NSI 4 Guidance 4.1 At the planning stage, NGET Control shall consider emergency
Section 2 outages in the possible fault risk category. Following emergency
4.1 circuit switch out, system security standards may not be met and
therefore NGET Control shall implement any planned action to restore
security standards.
Each day before work commences, the Competent Person shall

request the Control Person (Operation) to switch out the DAR on the
adjacent Live circuit. At the end of each day's work, the Competent
Person will request the restoration of the DAR on the adjacent circuit.
This will be carried out and recorded on the Daily Checklist Forms
found in TGN 313. In the event of the adjacent Live circuit tripping
during the work, the Control Person (Operation) shall not initiate the
re-closure of the circuit until they have obtained the agreement of the
Competent Person on site.
Where a circuit has been subject to a fault, the integrity of Earthing

Device(s) cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, following a fault on an
adjacent circuit, all Earthing Device(s) shall be inspected before
further work is carried out.
Earthwire
NSI 4 Guidance 4.2 Personnel carrying out the work shall have a documented emergency
Section 2 plan available on site to instruct all staff in the actions to be taken
4.2 should the conductor or any other equipment or material come within
or have the potential to come within Safety Distance of the Live
circuit. The plan shall include the following:
 All Personnel shall be withdrawn immediately to a distance greater

than Safety Distance from the unsecured item.
 The immediate area shall be secured to prevent access.
 The Competent Person shall be informed.
Should the approved procedures fail, advice shall be sought from the
Senior Authorised Person.
5 Weather Conditions
NSI 4 Rules 5.1 Prior to the tension stringing of conductors, the Competent Person
Section 2 shall contact the appropriate local weather centre to ascertain the
5.1 to 5.4 forecast on wind speed and precipitation and NGET Control for
lightning risk.
5.2 When the weather conditions are such that wind induced conductor
movement could cause Safety Distance from the Live circuit to be
infringed if conductor tension was lost during the stringing, then the
work shall be stopped.
5.3 In the event of, or near approach of, a lightning storm, all work on the
conductors shall cease.
5.4 Work shall also be discontinued if fog or poor visibility prevents

observers from fulfilling their role.
5 Weather Conditions
NSI 4 Guidance 5.1 NGET Control team shall inform the Competent Person of any
Section 2 change in lightning risk that has reached level 1 severity or other
5.1 to 5.3 weather conditions which could adversely affect the work.
5.2 Work on earthwire shall not proceed if the mean average hourly wind
speed is 15 mph or more, measured at a height of 10 metres above
ground level.
5.3 The Control Person (Operation) may request that the DAR be
restored on the Live circuit for the duration of the storm or until such
time as it is agreed work can resume. Personnel shall also keep a
minimum of 10 metres away from the overhead line and the stringing
equipment whilst a lightning storm is in the area.
Earthwire
APPENDIX A
NSI 4 AUTHORISATION MATRICES FOR PERSONNEL
National Grid Senior Authorised Person Authorisations (Core)

Senior Authorised Required theory of Sections Authorised to Section(s) Awareness of TGN 313 Earthing Schemes
Person Authorisation
Senior Authorised Section 1-All Section 1-All
Person Core
Additional Authorisations
Senior Authorised Section 2-All Section 2-All
Person Additional
Authorisations
© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved Appendix A Authorisation Page 32
Uncontrolled when printed Matrices for Personnel
National Grid Competent Person Authorisations

CP Authorisation Required theory of Sections Authorised to Section(s) Awareness of TGN 313 Earthing Schemes
Competent Person Core Section 1-All Section 1-All
Competent Person Enhanced

Competent Person Section 2-All Section 2-All
Enhanced
Authorisation(s)
Contractors Competent Person Authorisations

CP Authorisation Required theory of Sections Authorised to Section(s) Awareness of TGN 313 Earthing Schemes
CP A. (LAC only) Section 1-All Section 1-All

Non-application of Drain
Earth(s)
CP B (LAC & PFW) Section 1-All Section 1-All
Non-application of Drain
Earth(s)
CP C (LAC & PFW) Section 1-All Section 1-All
Application of Drain Earth(s)
(No access onto Conductors)
CP D (LAC & PFW) Section 1-All Section 1-All
Application of Drain Earth(s) Section 2-All Section 2-All
(Work on Conductors)

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National Grid UK Electricity Transmission plc NGUK/PM/ETSR/NSI/04/GN

National Safety Instruction Guidance Issue 9

National Grid UK Electricity Transmission plc

20WORK ON OR NEAR HIGH VOLTAGE

© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved

Issue Date Summary of Changes / Author(s) Approved By

3 March 10 NSI 4 working group SRAT Manager MDE Manager

NSI 4 Working Group

NSI 4 Working Group

8 Feb 2022 Update to Control Electricity Matt Staley

© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved Page 2

3 - Dangers Inadvertent infringement by objects added.

11- Rule Rule amended for clarity.

11 - Guidance Clarification on Tower Demarcation requirements.

© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved Page 3

WORK ON OR NEAR TO HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD LINES

Section 1 Standard Requirements 6

Safety Requirements for Continuous Tension Stringing of Phase

Appendix A Authorisation Matrix for Personnel 32

© National Grid plc 2023 – All Rights Reserved Page 4

WORK ON OR NEAR TO HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD LINES

1 Purpose and Scope 6

2 Definitions and NSI Boundary Drawings 7

5 Application and Removal of Drain Earths 15

6 Control of Drain Earths 16

7 Control of DrESS Earthing Scheme(s) 16

8 Access / Egress and Work which requires Circuit Outages 17

10 Access / Egress and Work within 300 mm of the Earthwire 20

12 Adverse Weather Conditions 21

13 Actions Following Faults on Adjacent Circuits 22

14 Installations on Towers including 3rd Party Systems 22

15 Control of Objects, Tools and Access Equipment 22

1 Purpose and Scope

To provide guidance on National Safety Instruction 4, when applying principles established

Work activities not within the scope of this NSI:

 Work on phase conductors, insulators and fittings of Live circuits.

This demonstration may be evidenced by the completion of a Temporary Sanction, this

Terms printed in bold type are as defined in the Safety Rules.

OPGW Optical Ground Wire

NSI 2 / 4 Boundary Information

NSI 5 Boundary Information

NSI 4 Authorisation Applies to the

NSI 4 or NSI 5 Authorisation:

NSI 5 Authorisation Applies to the

 Inadvertently infringing Safety Distance

 The application of Earthing Device(s) to Live High Voltage Equipment

 Inadequate precautions to safely manage Impressed Voltage in the

 Inadequate precautions to provide and maintain an equipotential environment for

 Badly connected, insecure or inadequate Earthing Device(s)

 The Rise of Earth Potential around the base of a tower (R.O.E.P.)

 Inadequate, damaged or missing earth bonding from Terminal Towers to the

 Effects of lightning strikes on towers and conductors

 Inadvertently infringing Safety Distance with objects, tools or access equipment.

 That induced circulating currents and voltages at all points of

Where it is not practicable to satisfy the above, alternative earthing

OHL Safety Document(s) can be issued, which may include

The OHL Senior Authorised Person and Substation Senior

4.3 Where Charged Equipment may cause Danger, Drain Earth(s)

4.4 If any work is to be carried out on phase conductors within 5 towers