It’s one of the most overlooked safety checks while being on the tools.
But for tradies, gardening gurus or DIY novices, knowing the dangers of what’s above could mean the difference between life and death should things go wrong.
One of the biggest safety risks when getting on the tools in Australia is contact with overhead powerlines.
More than 135 Aussies have tragically lost their lives as a result of coming into contact with live lines over the past two decades.
Thousands more are considered the “lucky ones” – left with permanent, life-changing injuries and disabilities instead.
However, the launch of a must-have safety tool for those planning work near above-ground powerlines could soon see those dark numbers demolished.
The Before You Dig Australia Look Up and Live app equips those working near power networks with essential, easy-to-use tools and resources to ensure their safety and potentially save lives.
The app update, launched in time for this year’s National Safe Work Month, provides users with real-time, free access to powerline locations and imagery via an interactive geospatial map, allowing for real-time location search map overlays with third-party mapping programs.
Before You Dig Australia CEO Mell Greenall says integrating overhead safety with their underground asset location tool will make jobs even safer for both tradies and DIY lovers.
“As part of our unwavering commitment to safety, BYDA is dedicated to making it as straightforward and practical as possible to work safely near utilities,” she told Build-it.
“By integrating Look Up and Live with Before You Dig, we are simplifying the process of accessing utility plans and essential safety information, empowering workers to operate safely around utility infrastructure.”
“This further embeds BYDA as a trusted source for utility safety information and simplifies safety planning for the construction sector and broader community.”
BYDA’s integration with the Look Up and Live tools will allow users to view other utility locations via the software, enabling users to check all the required safety resources in one place
“Through BYDA’s established education framework, we will seamlessly integrate above-ground utility safety into our existing underground safety messaging, which we already deliver successfully to over 15,000 people each year.”
“This integration will enable us to enhance the Look Up and Live app by expanding its reach to include all utility network operators with above-ground infrastructure. This means that gas, water, and telecommunications above-ground assets will be viewable alongside the existing power infrastructure, providing a more comprehensive safety resource.”
Initially developed by Ergon Energy Network and Energex in 2017 to promote safe work procedures near Queensland’s electricity network, the Look Up and Live app has since expanded to include overhead networks in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
More than two million square kilometres of powerline data is viewable on the award-winning app – pinpointing 5.2 million poles and towers and 791,387 km of powerlines.
There are 220,000 uses of lookupandlive.com each year and over 80,000 downloads of the app.
Community Safety Specialist for Energy Queensland, Glen Cook, says using the Look Up and Live tools should become a vital part of ensuring works are safe to commence.
“The lookupandlive.com app is an essential lifesaving planning tool, free for everyone to access,” he said.
“I am proud that the lookupandlive.com app is protecting people from harm and is reducing community power disruptions.”
