Contractors Cause Waterside Power Cut

19/06/2007

Over 2000 homes and businesses in the Waterside were left without power yesterday when two careless contractors cut underground high voltage electricity cables.  
 
The first NIE cable was accidentally cut by a contractor carrying out road widening work on the Crescent Link whilst the second cable was cut by a company laying a gas pipeline in Knockwellan Park.  
 
The damage occurred at around 11.00am. Northern Ireland Electricity engineers, who were on site within twenty-five minutes, were able to restore blocks of customers by re-routing local electricity supplies and all customers restored to power by 1.40pm. Permanent repairs were carried out later the same day without further disruption of electricity supplies.  
 
Ken McCracken, NIE Customer Relations Manager for the area, warned that strong action would be taken against contractors who flout safety regulations. He said: “This disruption to electricity supplies has caused great inconvenience to local residents and business. It is bad enough having to deal with the problem left by one careless contractor but two incidents on the same morning and in the same area, is a very worrying coincidence.  
 
“I cannot stress strongly enough the need for caution when working near electricity equipment - electricity can kill if it is not treated with respect and safety procedures followed.  
 
“Every contractor should familiarise themselves with all services, electrical, water and telephone present at a work location. Contractors should contact NIE on 08457 643 643 in good time requesting information about electrical equipment in the vicinity of their work. NIE will issue a ‘mark up’ drawing free of charge, detailing all the information we have on underground electrical equipment in the area. Contractors should ensure this document is on site when working and that all sub contractors have been fully briefed.”  
 
Ken added: “Contractors should exercise extreme caution when working near underground cables, using safe working practices such as digging trial holes and digging by hand to avoid any damage to or alteration of the location of the cable. There is also a financial penalty for anyone who ignores safety guideline and NIE will continue to seek financial recompense from contractors and individuals who damage the electricity network.”  
 
Over 90,000 customers lost electricity supplies in the last year because of third party damage to the electricity network. There were over 1,780 incidences of third party damage to both the overhead and underground electricity network since April 2006. Although there has been a slight decrease in the number of damages, the number of injuries received as a result of contact with the electricity network has increased.  
 
NIE currently offers contractors a wide range of advice and assistance to help them avoid overhead and underground cables including advice leaflets, videos, cab safety stickers, maps and diagrams of the underground electricity network. Contact NIE on 08457 643 643 or for additional safety advice check the NIE website www.niesafety.co.uk  
 
Further information can also be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland - HSE guidance notes GS6 (Avoidance of danger from overhead electric lines) and HSE booklet HS (G) 47 (Avoiding danger from underground services).  

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