Look Up Look Out

RequestShrouding

Get help making a job safer.

Use this tool to prepare a clear shrouding request using your site photo and location. The website helps you create a draft and find the likely relevant electricity network operator. You must complete the operator’s own process yourself.

Look Up Look Out: overhead power lines — national safety campaign

If the situation feels dangerous, stop work and call 105. In an emergency, call 999.

If this looks dangerous

If cables are:

  • very low
  • damaged
  • sparking
  • or feel unsafe

Stop immediately. Do not continue.

Call National Grid: 0800 096 3080

If you’re in Northern Ireland and need help with overhead power lines—whether it’s shrouding requests or an emergency—call NIE Networks on 0345 7 643 643. They’re available 24/7 to help keep you safewhen a job feels unsafe.

If cables are damaged, low, or an immediate danger, call 999.

Electricity can arc — you do not need to touch the wires to be seriously injured or worse. Carbon fibre poles conduct; never treat partial insulation as permission to work unsafely.

This guide helps window cleaners, roof cleaners, solar panel cleaners, scaffolders, and contractors understand how to request temporary overhead cable shrouding through the UK 105 service before starting work near power lines.

Before you ring 105 or NIE Networks on 0345 7 643 643 If you’re in Northern Ireland

The easiest way to contact the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) is to first complete the Look Up Look Out Request Shrouding Form below. This gives you all the information, photos, dates, and job details the DNO is likely to ask for anyway.

You can then either:

  • Use the completed form information to contact the DNO by phone through 105 UK only
  • Or use your draft to contact the DNO through their own website or process if requested

Think of the form as your preparation sheet. It helps avoid missing information and speeds the process up.

Request shrouding — four steps

  1. 1
    Take a Photo
    Site photo is required.

    Take a clear photo of the pole, cables and the work area. Make sure the issue is easy to see.

    Site photo (required)

    JPG or PNG. Max size 10MB.

  2. 2
    Confirm Location
    Help us get the location right.

    Use your phone location or enter the address manually.

    or

    How should this be treated?

    Let us know how urgent this feels.

  3. 3
    Check the Request
    Review and add any notes.

    Check your photo and location. Add any notes about the site to help us understand the situation and prepare a better request.

    500 characters max.

    We'll use your photo, location and notes to create a draft request for you to review before sending.

  4. 4
    Use Your Draft
    Contact the operator yourself.

    You’ll see a preview of your request. You can then use it to contact the relevant electricity network operator by phone through 105 or through the operator’s own website.

    Work through Check the request above: create your draft, detect your operator, then use the handoff button under your message.

Why ring 105 in UK or 0345 7 643 643 in Northern Ireland?

  • Overhead power lines can be dangerous even without touching them directly.
  • Electricity can arc if poles, ladders, scaffolding, gutter vac poles, or water-fed poles get too close.
  • Your local electricity network operator may be able to install temporary protective shrouding.
  • 105 connects you to your local electricity network operator anywhere in the UK.

What to expect when you ring 105 or 0345 7 643 643 in Northern Ireland

Step 1 — Explain the job

Tell them what work you are carrying out and explain that overhead power lines are close to the working area.

Step 2 — Mention the form

Tell them you have already completed a Request Shrouding Form with photos and job details ready to send if needed.

Step 3 — Give your details

Be ready with the address, postcode, your contact details, and planned work dates.

Step 4 — Send photos

Most DNOs will ask for photos showing the overhead lines, pole location, and working area.

Step 5 — Wait for assessment

Some network operators state that assessment and shrouding can take up to 15 working days, so plan ahead where possible.

Step 6 — Follow instructions

The DNO may install temporary shrouding, recommend safe distances, or advise alternative safety measures.

Step 7 — Continue to work safely

Even with shrouding installed, all normal electrical safety precautions still apply.

Important things to know

  • Do not leave requests until the last minute if possible.
  • If cables are damaged, low, or an immediate danger, call 999.
  • Never assume overhead lines are insulated or safe.
  • Keep copies of emails, photos, and reference numbers.
  • If in doubt — stop and ask.

Simple example when ringing 105 or 0345 7 643 643 in Northern Ireland

"Hi, I'm carrying out external cleaning or maintenance work near overhead power lines and I've completed a Request Shrouding Form with photos and job details. I'd like the lines assessed for temporary shrouding or safety protection before work starts."

Sources & references

  • 105 — UK National Power Cut and Electricity Network Service
  • UK Power Networks — Temporary Shrouding Guidance
  • Northern Powergrid — Working Near Overhead Lines
  • SSEN — Overhead Line Safety Guidance
  • HSE GS6 — Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electric Power Lines
  • Energy Networks Association (ENA) Safety Guidance

Look Up Look Out — National Safety Campaign

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No shame. No guesswork. Just a safer way to ask.