In a recent media release Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks highlighted a recent trend of increased damages to electricity network cables. Over the past 2 months they have seen 445 damages which represents an increase of more than 20% over the same period last year. Some of this increase is seen in damages to cables on domestic properties with construction activities such as fencing and laying new driveways driving some of this increase. In line with best practice SSEN have issued the following advice:

• Obtain up-to-date underground cable record plans.
• Be aware that underground cables can be found at any depth, even just below the surface.
• Ensure a competent person uses a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT)
• Mark the location of cables on the ground surface and dig trial holes to determine the exact position before using a mechanical excavator.
• If you find an underground cable embedded in concrete do not attempt to break it out. Contact us for specific advice.
• If you damage an underground cable, vacate the excavation immediately, call 105 and keep everyone clear.

This advice is applicable to all #uk electricity distribution network operators, read the full release here

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.

'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.

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

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. 

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

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

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.

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