Free service which can saves lives

Serious injury or even death could be the result of failing to use a free Horizon Energy service to identify underground cables before digging, says Horizon Energy general manager network Derek Caudwell.

“Horizon Energy has a free service to identify underground cables and we urge anyone considering any work that involves digging, such as for urban or farm fences, orchard structures or buildings, to make use of the service.

“If underground cables are struck, not only could it lead to electrocution – it can end up costing those who cause the damage thousands of dollars in reparation,” says Derek.

Recently, a rural contractor received a nasty fright when he realised the post holes his team where digging for kiwifruit supports where dangerously close to 11,000 volt underground cables.

“He was very upset when we marked out the cable location, which showed how close his workers and their machines had come to the cables,” says Horizon Energy’s Marius Bezuidenhoudt, who located the cables on the orchard.

Close call

Horizon Energy staff had previously visited the orchard to identify other cables but the posts were being installed in an area where vegetation had only just been removed and the contractor didn’t request a cable location service until after work had begun.

Derek says that is just one example of close calls that happen all too frequently across the industry involving underground cables or overhead power lines.

“We want to keep the public informed about safety and for them to maintain a safe distance away from our infrastructure at all times.

“Anyone looking to work near powerlines should be familiar with the codes of practice (NZECP34) which sets the minimum safe distances.”

Horizon Energy requires just two days’ notice of the need for an inspection, but its staff can respond more quickly if required.

Horizon Energy’s free advisory service will locate underground network cables supplying electricity to the boundary of private property. This free service includes the on-site mark up of network cable routes.

A charge applies for locating privately-owned underground cables. Costs may also be recovered if a Horizon Energy representative is required to be present as a standover observer during works for high risk assets.

Overhead lines

Derek says care must also be taken around overhead powerlines “because even though the powerlines are more obvious than cables we still find that there are close-calls involving the felling of trees or operation of plant and machinery around the lines”.

The minimum safe distance for any person, plant or equipment to overhead powerlines is at least four metres. This includes the boom arm and bucket attachments of hydraulic diggers. To work within the 4m zone a Close Approach Consent from Horizon Energy is required.

“We encourage people to contact Horizon Energy first with at least two working days’ notice prior to starting work to discuss the necessary safety aspects and work methods.”

For more infromation, see: www.horizonenergy.net.nz

Horizon Energy is the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s electricity distribution company. Other energy providers have similar services. Eastland Network is the electricity lines company for Gisborne, Wairoa and the East Coast; Powerco is the provider for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty district, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and South Waikato districts while Unison is the provider for Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Taupo regions.


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