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06/06/2003
NIE urge ‘be aware’ of overhead power cables
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) have urged contractors to be aware of overhead electricity lines.
The warning message from NIE follows a serious incident in the Ardmore and Tullyalley areas on Wednesday June 4, when the bucket of an excavator working at a landfill site hit and damaged a high voltage overhead line, causing the loss of electricity supplies to over 680 customers.
Engineers had restored power to the majority of customers within an hour, but a small number of customers in the area were not reconnected until 4.50pm while engineers made a permanent repair.
NIE Customer Relations Manager for the area, Christine Baker, said the incident could have had fatal consequences: “Our safety equipment activated as soon as the bucket of the digger made contact with the overhead line and luckily no-one was injured or killed. However, we would urge anyone working in the vicinity of overhead lines to take the necessary safety precautions – our message is clear – Look up, look out and stay a safe distance away when working near overhead lines.
“With good working practices the number of faults of this sort could be radically reduced. It is NIE that people look to when their electricity goes off and we feel it is appropriate that the worst offenders are held up to account for the problems they cause for our customers and us.”
NIE said that contractors should phone 08457 643 643 to report any damage to electricity equipment or to seek information about working in the vicinity of overhead or underground cables.
(SP)
The warning message from NIE follows a serious incident in the Ardmore and Tullyalley areas on Wednesday June 4, when the bucket of an excavator working at a landfill site hit and damaged a high voltage overhead line, causing the loss of electricity supplies to over 680 customers.
Engineers had restored power to the majority of customers within an hour, but a small number of customers in the area were not reconnected until 4.50pm while engineers made a permanent repair.
NIE Customer Relations Manager for the area, Christine Baker, said the incident could have had fatal consequences: “Our safety equipment activated as soon as the bucket of the digger made contact with the overhead line and luckily no-one was injured or killed. However, we would urge anyone working in the vicinity of overhead lines to take the necessary safety precautions – our message is clear – Look up, look out and stay a safe distance away when working near overhead lines.
“With good working practices the number of faults of this sort could be radically reduced. It is NIE that people look to when their electricity goes off and we feel it is appropriate that the worst offenders are held up to account for the problems they cause for our customers and us.”
NIE said that contractors should phone 08457 643 643 to report any damage to electricity equipment or to seek information about working in the vicinity of overhead or underground cables.
(SP)
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NIE warns fliers to stay clear of powerlines
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has said that it has written to a number of flying clubs throughout the province to warn amateur pilots to stay clear of overhead powerlines.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
