Look Up Look Out

Temporary shrouding — you're not on your own

Please read this carefully. If overhead cables near a job feel unsafe, the safest decision is not to work until the situation is made safe. You can call 105 (free) to reach your local network operator for advice; in some cases they can arrange protective covering (shrouding). This page also helps you draft a clear request.

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

Look Up Look Out: overhead power lines safety sign, Remember Jason

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

Network operators can assess risk and arrange shrouding where appropriate — ask via 105 or their published process

This tool helps you build a proper draft to the right operator, with your photo and location, in minutes.

What this does for you

You’ll need a clear photo of the pole and cables, and a few minutes to confirm location and review the draft message.

  • Builds a ready-to-send request to the right network operator
  • Uses your photo + location to get it right first time
  • Helps you avoid chasing or filling out confusing forms
  • Gives you something you can show customers for compliance

Takes less than 60 seconds

Follow these four steps: capture the site, confirm where you are, check the wording we prepare, then submit via the operator’s channel.

  1. Take a photo

    Photograph the pole and cables clearly so we can see the setup. This image stays on this journey until you hand off — it is not transferred automatically to your network operator. Depending on the organisation, you may need to upload a photo again on their website.

  2. Confirm location

    Save GPS from your phone for operator lookup (required for a normal request). Add site notes. Three words for your message only appear when this service can suggest them from your position — otherwise your draft uses GPS coordinates and notes; you do not need to type three words.

    what3words (optional)

    The button saves GPS for who covers this area (required for a normal request). If the service can fill or suggest three words from your position, they may appear below for your message. If not, leave that field empty — your draft uses GPS plus your notes; you don’t need to type three words yourself.

    Nothing here is fine — your message will use GPS coordinates and your site notes.

    Phone position (for who covers this area)

    For a standard request, tap Use my phone’s location and allow access. Three words may appear from the service after that; if not, leave the field empty.

    How does this look on site?

    If it feels dangerous, stop and use emergency numbers—do not carry on with a normal shrouding request here.

  3. Check the request

    We generate the message for you — edit anything before you send.

  4. Send it

    We guide you to the right place to submit on the operator’s site.

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