05 May 2005 00:00 Central Networks' innovative CableSafe scheme uses joined up thinking for record success

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the central region, has slashed power cuts caused by the major utilities by nearly 50% thanks to its innovative partnership scheme CableSafe: preventing thousands of customers from losing supply and hundreds of contractors being seriously hurt.

Since the CableSafe scheme began in 2002, Central Networks has developed forums with all the major utilities and local authorities to educate about safe working practices and change contractor behaviours when working near power cables. The company has also developed a successful and popular training programme in cable location and utility avoidance.

And the latest figures show that all that time and effort has started to pay dividends.

Central Networks CableSafe manager Graham Coles said: “We’re delighted with the results. We’ve worked hard to establish strong two-way communications with all the major utilities and local authorities.

“The work we’ve been doing has received an overwhelming response and over 700 contractors have been through our training courses. We’ve received positive feedback and the results speak for themselves.”

As part of the approach, Central Networks encourages workers to change their behaviour by contacting all utilities before they start work and demonstrates the importance of CableSafe by using real life examples of bad working practices that have ended in injury or power loss.

Ferenc Paul Foldvary, Distribution Policy Advisor, from Transco said: “We’ve been working closely with Central Networks damage prevention team, and fully support the programme.

“Gas and electricity apparatus are potentially extremely dangerous if they are damaged. There has been many fatalities and serious injuries where operatives have not excavated in a safe manner. The constant training to promote safe excavating practices amongst workers is key to the safety of our staff.

“Transco has seen a reduction of 46% in cable damages from our own Direct Labour and Contractor workforce in the Central Networks area for the first quarter of 2005. I’m confident the downward trend will continue as Central Networks and Transco continue to share the same enthusiasm for the avoidance of damage to buried plant."

Central Networks is committed to improving its record and avoiding cable damage and is now busy establishing links with property developers and builders.

CableSafe manager, Graham said: “These are an important group for us to target and in the next 12 months we’re establishing a special forum and training for them.”
The forums are an opportunity to share best practice and experiences and seek to challenge the problems rather than the people. Training needs are also discussed and action plans are developed ensuring positive practical steps are taken and lessons are learnt.

Maps of the location of Central Networks cables are available by calling 0121 522 6177 . For further information on the training courses please call 0800 0150927 or log onto www.central-networks.com

Ends

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer