Homeowners and property developers in the UK are set to benefit from a new website that aims to prevent accidental damage to National Grid pipes and cables.
National Grid has launched a new website, www.beforeyoudig.nationalgrid.com, to help prevent contractors and developers from hitting or striking through gas distribution and transmission pipes and electricity cables.
The new site is free to register and open to all contractors, consultants and developers, providing registered users with a fast and accurate interactive mapping service within minutes so that they can accurately mark up a work area to avoid all of National Grid’s under and over-ground assets. Currently National Grid makes a substantial number of claims a year against construction and property companies for the repair of its assets that have been accidently damaged, resulting in significant costs to the property industry.
Once registered, users simply have to complete a short, pre-defined form that details what work is being undertaken and use an interactive map to specify the exact location the work is taking place. The site then automatically provides downloads of detailed maps and drawings for all of the National Grid assets in the vicinity of the site, with scaled asset location maps. Most importantly it provides advice on how to proceed efficiently and safely and tailored guidance appropriate to the specific activities being undertaken.
Mandy Bates, National Grid’s plant protection manager, says: “Accidental damage to our pipes and cables can cause loss of life and damage to property. This new site is easy and effective for everyone to use and aims to eliminate the risk of accidental damage to our assets. Ideally the service should be used by all contractors and consultants right through from planning to undertaking work on site.”
To find out more about the service visit: www.beforeyoudig.nationalgrid.com
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