Keeping power cable workers safe

SureDuct is a set of modified cutting discs that enable workers to quickly and safely cut ducting to the exact depth needed to expose a cable for maintenance – but no further.

Each hard-wearing, colour-coded anodised disc is fitted with an ‘incision precision’ limiter, set to a specific depth of duct. Workers identify the depth of the duct, choose the relevant disc and then use it to cut through the duct more quickly and more safely than traditional methods.

Following successful trials, SureDuct discs are already in use by hundreds of workers trained at UK Power Networks, which maintains power networks across London, the South East and East of England.

Drew Bartlett, inventor of SureDuct said, “We’ve worked with electrical contractors for a long time, and after several years of research and development, we are proud to launch SureDuct and to see it already in use by the UK’s biggest electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

“The primary reason we developed SureDuct is to keep workers safe. However, it also has significant benefits in increasing the speed, costs and service downtime.

“We believe every contractor who works with cables should be issued with SureDuct, just like they are required to use gloves or a hard hat.”

Luke Perkins, health and safety advisor at UK Power Networks said, “The safety of our employees and the public is our top priority and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to further increase the safety of our operations.

“SureDuct helps our teams to quickly and safely open ducts in the ground with electricity cables running through them. We’ve received positive feedback from our teams.”

SureDuct can provide sets of cutting discs directly to DNOs (Distribution Network Operators) so they can be rolled out to contractors across the workforce. SureDuct can also be supplied to other operators, contractors, and individuals as required.

For more information, visit www.sureduct.co.uk