KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has again reminded all contractors to exercise care when carrying out excavation works near power lines to avoid damaging electrical facilities which could lead to power supply interruptions and jeopardise safety.
Contractors are also strongly advised to work closely with Sarawak Energy in planning consultation and precautionary actions when working close to electrical facilities to avoid any untoward incidents.
Sarawak Energy’s utility subsidiary, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (Sesco) had been proactively raising safety awareness to the public through local newspapers and engaging relevant third-party contractors on safe work practices near electrical facilities. Despite these initiatives, safety incidents and unplanned supply interruptions continued to happen, Sarawak Energy said in a press statement yesterday.
According to Sarawak Energy, it has recorded a total of 450 cases of damaged electrical facilities since 2016.
“These incidents are mostly caused by third party contractor negligence and have incurred damages of more than RM3 million. This year alone, 141 cases have been recorded with damages costing Sarawak Energy close to RM805,000,” the statement added.
Just last week, an excavator belonging to a contractor came into contact with a 33kV power line while carrying out excavation works in Jalan Bukut, Mukah.
The incident caused a power interruption at Bukut Coal Plant, Balingian Energy Mineral (BEM) and several longhouses near the vicinity, affecting an estimated 100 customers for approximately two hours. The contractor was issued a stern warning and stop-work order.
Sesco chief executive officer Lau Kim Swee said that the incident had inconvenienced customers and he reminded contractors to be aware of the consequences when working near power lines.
“Contractors must have basic precautionary measures in place for their workers as they are exposed to the dangers of working near power lines. There have been cases of fatalities involving contractor staff and this is unacceptable. At the end of the day, we want everyone to go home safely and this is why we are focused on safety as our priority,” said Lau.
Any third-party contractor breaching safety standards when working near live electric cables will be issued with warning letters and stop-work orders by Sarawak Energy.
These letters are also copied to Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) under the Ministry of Utilities, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the project owner to ensure the contractors take safety seriously.
Contractors are urged to comply with the Electricity Ordinance, the Electricity Rules 1999 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 when carrying out works within the vicinity of high-tension cable or other electrical infrastructure to ensure the safety and health of all persons involved.
The basic electrical safety guideline when working close to electrical installations is to keep at least 15 feet or five metres away from power lines.
Contractors may contact Sarawak Energy’s 24/7 Call Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com to notify on works near electrical infrastructure requiring Sarawak Energy’s technical advice.
