Underground mapping News & views

Reports from the BBC show yet again how underground services can cause major issues to the public when workmen unexpectedly cut through power lines.

The brief report details how 2,844 homes were affected by the severing of an underground high voltage cable.  Southern electric hurriedly re-routed power to try to restore supplies to locals, but could not return power to about 600 customers who were left without electricity until the early hours of the following day. 

The report does not make it clear if the service had been mapped or traced, or whether there were any injuries to the workmen or individuals in the vicinity of the actual cable break. 

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/8652891.stm 

 This report echo’s a similar incident in Hull which occurred only 2 days earlier. 
Businesses claimed to have lost hundreds of pounds in income as power was suddenly cut off by contractors installing guard rails on pavement.
The 220 properties on Princes Avenue were thought to have lost power, but Yorkshire Electricity suggested the number was nearer to 70 properties affected.

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/Power-cut-costs-businesses-hundreds/article-1949735-detail/article.html

As in previous occurrences such as these the local electricity suppliers repeat the message telling contractors and consultants of the importance of requesting utility plans before planning the work, using Underground mapping companies as well as following HSG47 guidelines when undertaking excavations to minimise the dangers and consequential issues such as these occurring and causing problems for the public an businesses alike.