UK Power Networks - Think before you drill

Think before you drill

Posted on 26 August 2016 09:19 AM by PALME1E

Over the last few months we’ve been busy contacting trade associations and accreditation bodies to help raise awareness of the risks when working near electricity. We especially want people to look out for electricity cables that are buried underground and in the walls of buildings.

Sadly, life can be lost within seconds or terrible life-changing burns inflicted, if you come into contact with electricity. That’s why we want to help.

Taking a moment to locate cables
It can be all too easy for busy trades people to be in a hurry, get distracted or not bother to check for high voltage electricity cables when working on site. I’m sure at times we all just zone out for a few seconds, or plain forget things. But the simple step of taking a moment to accurately locate electricity cables before starting work can avoid all this. Ultimately, it means you return home safe that night to your family and friends!

Think before you drill
That’s why we’re running a 'Think before you drill' initiative, reminding workers, to work safe, use cable locating tools and think electricity!

We deliver more than a quarter of the UK’s electricity making sure the lights stay on across London, the South East and the East of England. We’re proud of our strong safety record and want to raise awareness in other industries about the risks of working near electricity.

We work with everyone from farmers to crane drivers to electricians. Everyone has the right to go home safe to their families at the end of each working day. Please take the time to read the safety advice on our website and leaflets, and most importantly, think before you drill.

Safety resources
Download our digging safely underground leaflet
Download our general safety leaflet
Visit the HSE website