Utility Strike Avoidance Group
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Request for Strike Data 2019

1/7/2020

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USAG produces an Annual Report on Utility Strikes to highlight trends in asset damage throughout the UK; a concept based on international best practice. The drivers for this are to help all stakeholders improve by recognising best practice, reduce damages and delays and, most importantly, increase the safety of people working near utilities.Please find attached the following for download at the end of this message
·         letter providing more detail
·         strike data collection templates for 2019 and
·         guidance on data categories used in the reporting templates.

All data will be anonymised, and a Non-Disclosure Agreement is available upon request. 
We thank you in advance for your help; the deadline date for return of 2019 information is Friday 14th August 2020.  Your efforts to keep to this deadline are appreciated as it will enable the finalised report to be compiled and made available in the coming months for the good of the whole industry.

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request_for_strike_data_letter_2019.pdf
File Size: 149 kb
File Type: pdf
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strike_data_categories.pdf
File Size: 90 kb
File Type: pdf
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usag_data_request_2019.xlsx
File Size: 629 kb
File Type: xlsx
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Strike to Low Voltage Cable - New Build Housing With Embedded Network - Leicester, June 2020

1/7/2020

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Cable strike to a low voltage distribution network damaged by a third party at Hamilton, Leicestershire resulted in a power outage to residents. This network was installed and owned by another company GTC and is a low voltage distribution network embedded within the wider network footprint of Western Power Distribution.

USAG recommends if you are working in a relativley new build area you should check plans for the presence of low voltage network where there should be. Below is a copy of the plan for this location and you can see missing low voltage schematics from the plan on the eastern edge where new homes are built and occupied. If you come across this situation you should check for further asset owners. The usual distribution network owner for the area should be able to help you identify the network owner if there are no above ground markings or signage on substations.
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'Watch Out, Cables About'

9/6/2020

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'Watch Out, Cables About' Energy Networks Association have issued a press release regarding the dangers of digging near underground cables. Now that there is an increase in excavation works a lockdown restrictions begin to ease it is essential that workers remember the basic safety measures to stay safe. The above document is available to download and distribute to excavations teams to remind them of basic safety procedures.
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watch_out_cables_about.pdf
File Size: 536 kb
File Type: pdf
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National Damage Prevention Day postponed until 5th November

26/3/2020

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Due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the covid 19 situation the day has been postponed unti later in the year to ensure the safety of all guests. You can still purchase tickets here
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USAG Newsletter Feb 2020

2/3/2020

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The February newsletter from USAG is now available. Please take the time to read and share throughout your organisation and teams. A web version is available here and you can sign up for future news by  hitting the contact us button. 

USAG is a not for profit group established by the utility and excavation industries which provides a forum for all sectors of the industry. We promote safe working practices that reduce and prevent damages to essential underground utility services and improve health and safety outcomes for those digging near cables and pipes. 
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National Damage Prevention Day 2020 - June 18th, Birmingham

24/2/2020

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Here at USAG  we are pleased to support the Damage Prevention Day 2020. There is always an excellent turnout from utility owners to contractors, safety managers and personnel. We all have the shared goal of reducing damages and improving safety for those carrying out excavation tasks and keeping the lights, heating, water, internet and other essential services on for the nation. 

Once again LSBUD (LinesearchbeforeUdig) will be hosting the day for the industry in 2020 and we would thoroughly recommend attending. If you have have products and services which you can promote to the utility, construction and safety sectors at their adjoining exhibition then get in touch with the LSBUD team here
Click here for further information and tickets
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PAS128 Revision available for comment

21/2/2020

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For all utility surveyors, contractors, asset owners and health and safety professionals in the construction industry. British Standards Institute have opened for review and public comment the updated version of PAS128 Specification for underground utility detection, verification and location. You will need to register with British Standards Institute and agree to their terms of use. Comments close on March 16th. Click on the following ​https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2019-00727#/section
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Zero Harm Recognition for Damage Prevention

21/1/2020

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USAG was recently invited to attend a buried services seminar near Tidworth Garrison in South Wiltshire run by Aspire Defence Capital Works and MUJV for their staff and contractors.
Particularly impressive how their implementation and supervision of the permit to dig has along with other measures reduced their recent strike rate to zero on their construction sites. A great turn out for the day to reinforce the damage prevention message and to thank all the hard work their staff and contractors have put in to achieving this goal.

​Keep up the good work.
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2017 & 2018 Utility Strike Damages Report - Available Now

5/12/2019

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The Utility Strike Avoidance Group (USAG) 2017 and 2018 Utility Strike Damages Report has now been published and is available to download. The purpose of the report is to highlight what causes the most damages and provide scope and recommendations to:

1. Avoid future damages 
2. Improve the ability to analyse the strike data in future years.

The report is for the benefit of UKPLC including utility companies, contractors, developers, consultants, regulators, government and the general public. 

With many thanks to those that contributed data as part of their commitment to the safe digging charter and a reminder that the process of data collection for damages in 2019 will begin in the second quarter of 2020. Data collection forms for 2019 are already available here. Please take the time to share this report far and wide to all those involved in excavation works that may come in close proximity to essential utility services. Thank You
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Groundworks contractor fined by HSE for 11kV cable strike

28/11/2019

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Health and Safety Executive have fined a contractor after a worker was engulfed in flames and suffered more than 50% burns following an 11kV cable strike whilst installing fencepost holes. 
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the contractor failed to source and refer to the underground services plans prior to breaking the ground to determine the location of any cables within the planned working area. They also failed to provide their operatives with cable identification equipment to further locate any cables within that area'

This unfortunate incident demonstrates the criticality of positively identifying and avoiding utility assets within your worksite to keep your workers safe from harm. More details on the use of best practice to reduce this risk can be found on our website which is free to use. 
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    Author

    Phil Cornforth is a Damage Prevention, Health and Safety professional working in the construction and utility industry.  He sits on the USAG Steering Group.  The USAG has one goal - to avoid utilities and so prevent injury, damage, disruption and raise the standards of our industry.

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