Why Do Utility Strikes Still Happen?
How can on-site utility strikes be avoided?
A recent report in New Zealand estimated there to be around 850 incidents a week of damage to electricity, gas, telecommunications, water and sewer cables and pipes with the cost to the economy up to $60,000 NZD. The vast majority of utility strikes that occur during the excavation process are completely avoidable.
Utility network structures such as electricity, gas, telecommunications and water are an important part of the economic growth of any country.
Accurately locating buried utilities is crucial for the safe expansion and/or intensification of any modern town or city.
Buried utilities are detected by the electromagnetic signal they radiate as the current flows through them. Detection technology is dependent on two main factors; the utility being conductive (metallic) and the availability of signals (current).
The limitations of electromagnetic locations are; balancing high voltage cables (3 phase power) and non-metallic utilities such as clay, concrete pipes and fibre optic cables without a trace wire.
Therefore, how do we avoid utility strikes on-site?
Follow the safe systems of work practises
Use the correct cable detection equipment and accessories
Ensure safe digging practices
Safe Systems of work:
The safe systems of work practice is set-out by the Occupational Safety & Health Service Department of Labour for New Zealand.
The safe systems of work has three key elements:
Plans and Mark-Outs
Cable and Pipe Locating Devices
Safe Digging Practices
Utility strikes are caused by failing to undertake one or more of these key steps.
Nulca NZ
National Utility Locating Contractors Association (Nulca NZ) is the industry association representing underground service Locators and those involved in locating and protecting New Zealand’s underground infrastructure. Nulca provides excellent guidelines and resources that are available on their website
Nulca created the Competency Standard for training utility locators, which has become the industry guideline and basis for accreditation. BuildMax is proud to join Nulca, improving access to crucial information with cutting-edge technologies in locating and marking underground facilities before ground is broken.
BeforeUdig
beforeUdig is a FREE online service which enables anyone undertaking excavation works to obtain information on the location of cables, pipes and other utility assets in and around any proposed dig site, helping to protect themselves and valuable assets during these works.
Whenever you are digging, no matter if your job is big or small you must follow the Five key rules of safe digging in order to avoid striking and damaging an underground cable or pipe. You can download a simple guide to safety and lodge your enquiry for free at www.beforeudig.co.nz