Cable, pipe detector could keep you out of jail

As we reported last month, if power or gas supplies are cut in NSW, fines of up to $22,000 for contractors and $440,000 for corporations, plus prison terms of up to five years, now await those who interrupt electricity or gas. On top of all this, the service supply company can sue for the cost of total damages incurred. In anyone’s language, it could be a lot of money.
So, what are the safeguards? The gas, electricity and other underground suppliers, have to provide Dial Before You Dig with up-to-date information on service locations. That is now law. Unfortunately this could take time and Energy Australia admits it could be months before it is done.
An operator must contact Dial Before You Dig before starting work and then wait for the information to be provided.
Considering the extreme costs either a company or contractor could be facing due to an accidental cable strike, investing in extra-precautionary cable-detection equipment is an attractive prospect. At the very least it shows clear intention to do the right thing when combined with following the rules.
And the cost? Minimal when compared with what stands to be lost. CR Kennedy is offering an EZiDIG and DigiCat cable detection package from just $7500 + GST.
EZiDIG is a simple magnet-mounted system, for any sized excavator, and can easily be moved between machines. A screen in the cabin alerts the user to the presence of cables both visually and via an audio warning.
The DigiCat is a hand-held cable-detection wand and uses both visual and audio alerts. The two can be bought separately but work extremely well together. Under the circumstances, it makes a lot of sense.
More information: Your local CR Kennedy office or svella@crkennedy.com.au

EZiDIG control panel

EZiDIG in action

DigiCat in action

DigiCat