Summer sees more people attempt home renovations, but tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts are being advised to think before they dig due the risk of ‘life-threatening injuries’.
Northern Powergrid said that every year people across the UK are seriously injured from striking an underground electricity cable whilst digging, causing an explosion leading to severe burns or even death. Houses, offices, shops, factories and street furniture all have electricity cables supplying them and even domestic voltage cables, carrying 132,000 volts, can be fatal.
As a result, the electricity distribution network operator is supporting the Energy Network Association (ENA)’s national Safe Digging Week this week, and reminding everyone to ‘think before you dig’. Northern Powergrid offers a free safe dig platform, which means people can find locations of underground cables before undertaking any work.
Gareth Pearson, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Health, Safety and Training, said: “Underground cables can be buried outside homes and in driveways which could put people at immediate risk of life-threatening injuries if they’re accidentally hit whilst doing renovations.
“By working in partnership with the ENA, together we can share vital key messages to prevent accidents and encourage everyone to Think Before You Dig! and always check for underground cables before starting any work.
“If a cable is accidentally struck, ensure everyone remains clear, seek emergency services’ help and call us on 105 to report the incident.”
Gunavathy Gunavathy, Energy Network Association (ENA) Health and Safety Advisor added: “It’s more important than ever that when carrying out any excavations or work that involves breaking ground, you are aware of how electricity is supplied to a property and prepare to stay safe. Plan, scan, and of course: Think Before You Dig.”
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Tradespeople and DIY workers are urged to:
Plan
- Plan any excavation work carefully.
- Locate utility equipment beforehand. Use Northern Powergrid’s Safe Dig platform.
- Complete a risk assessment before starting work to identify dangers and hazards.
Scan
- Ensure everyone looks for electrical wires, cables or equipment near where they are going to work.
- Check for warning signs of dangers from electricity.
- Remember: electrical cables may be buried in walls, floors and ceilings (especially when drilling into these locations).
- Find out where the main fuse box or consumer unit is located and how to switch off the electricity in the event of an emergency.
Think Before You Dig!
- Do not move or tamper with electricity supply cables or any electricity network equipment.
- Always assume that underground cables are live even when damaged.
- Operate power tools with caution.
- Dig by hand with caution where you expect underground electricity cables to be laid and look out for electricity marker tape or tiles.
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To access free Safe Dig plans, download a free ‘Careful Around Cables’ pack and read safety information, visit www.northernpowergrid.com/safety. For more information on underground power lines and how to work safely near them, visit the ENA website: www.energynetworks.org/thinkbeforeyoudig.
To report an electricity network safety issue contact Northern Powergrid on free-phone 105. In an emergency, dial 999.