Safety regulations

TenneT performs its activities in a socially responsible manner. We work carefully and pay a great deal of attention to working conditions, safety and the environment. Anyone who works with high‑voltage electricity must therefore adhere to strict safety regulations, whether they are permanent TenneT employees or work for companies contracted by us. Strict regulations also apply to people who work in the vicinity of high‑voltage electricity. Our rules for working safely can be found in various TenneT publications. 

Are you about to work near a high-voltage connection?

Working near high‑voltage pylons or lines can be dangerous. That is why anyone who needs to perform activities near high‑voltage connections, must obtain prior written permission. You must do this at least one month in advance. Your written request must be accompanied by drawings and maps (at a customary scale). You can e-mail your request to grondzaken@tennet.org. If you wish you can contact TenneT by phone.

TenneT will then indicate whether you can perform the work and under what conditions. TenneT's conditions and regulations for working near high‑voltage connections can be found in our Dutch brochure Safety regulations. 

Are you planning to perform work at a high-voltage substation or building site?

Companies (i.e. contractors) that work at high‑voltage substations or building sites of TenneT must adhere to strict safety regulations. TenneT has published two brochures that describe the general safety rules, safety regulations for working below and above the ground, unfortunately in Dutch available only. To guarantee the safety of everyone involved, TenneT only works with contractors that hold a VCA certificate. The so‑called TenneT‑Specific manual contains instructions for contractors who work for TenneT in high‑voltage environments. 

VCA certification
TenneT wants to show that we attach great importance to working safely: since 2005, the Transmission Operations business unit has held a VCA certificate. The VCA certificate (a Dutch acronym for 'Safety Checklist for Contractors') applies to safety, health and the environment and also imposes requirements on the safety aspects of company policy and organisation. The VCA Manual contains procedures for the management of hazardous substances or for the introduction of new staff, for example.       

Many companies that perform hazardous activities are VCA-certified. TenneT requires all its operational contractors to hold a VCA certificate.

TenneT-Specific manual
The TenneT-Specific manual is based on the NEN-EN 50110 standard and provides specific instructions for working on or near electrical installations, for instance for safely switching high-voltage connections on and off. The Manual provides general as well as station-specific guidelines. All TenneT's contractors working in high-voltage environments must hold a registration pursuant to NEN 50110 and/or the TenneT-Specific manual. 

All the safety regulations you can find under the tab TenneT/Publications/Safety Regulations.