UK’s leading on line search enquiry tool signs up UK’s largest Utility
Finding out what lies beneath has always been a laborious task for those involved in working underground, but when the consequences of not checking before you dig could include cutting into a high voltage electricity cable or a high pressure gas pipeline, it is not something you can afford to ignore. Fisher German offers a solution in the form of Linesearch.org, the leading on-line search enquiry tool in the UK.
After 23 years experience in specialist pipeline management, Fisher German recognised an opportunity to offer a central point of contact for below ground apparatus enquiries. A system consolidating this information would bring considerable benefits to apparatus owners, operators and enquirers. Linesearch.org, a unique, free, on-line utility search enquiry system was born. Linesearch.org now allows enquirers to find out about member apparatus both above and below ground, which could affect any engineering, project works or building work planned on the land.
When National Grid comes on board in February 2008, adding their national transmission network information, the length of apparatus covered on Linesearch.org will increase to approximately 24,000kms. This will include not only in excess of 7000km of national high pressure gas pipelines but also over 700 km of 275/400 kV underground electricity cables
The HSE had the following comment to make on the announcement of National Grid joining Linesearch.org regarding national high pressure gas pipelines;
"HSE welcomes the fact that National Grid has placed the records of their national transmission system on Linesearch. By joining Linesearch, National Grid are making it easier and quicker for anyone carrying out work near to high pressure gas transmission pipelines to obtain current and accurate pipeline information. National Grid’s membership of Linesearch will further reduce the risk of third party damage to their high pressure transmission pipelines and so help to prevent the possibility of a major hazard incident. HSE looks forward to other pipeline operators joining Linesearch so making it even easier for those carrying out excavations or work near a pipeline to get the information they need to safely plan and carry out their work." Quote provided by Steve Wing, Head of Gas & Pipeline Unit, Hazardous Installations Division, HSE
Registration and use of the site is completely free of charge, with an on line demonstration of the process also located on the home page. Searching is simple, utilising postcode, grid references, or street names and then manipulating the map once loaded. Once the extent of the work is highlighted, the search can be confirmed and details are provided regarding the member’s apparatus that is inside or outside the ‘zone of interest’.
Since its inception in 2003, Linesearch.org has gone from strength to strength now receiving in excess of 40,000 enquiries per month from councils, utility companies and their contractors, multi nationals and private individuals alike. There are currently 17 members of Linesearch but this will increase to 20 as Coryton Energy Co Ltd, Premier Transmission Ltd and National Grid come on board.
For further information, visit www.linesearch.org, call 08704 036484 or email enquiries@linesearch.org.
- Ashby de la Zouch
- 01530 412821
- Banbury
- 01295 271 555
- Knutsford
- 01565 757970
- Market Harborough
- 01858 410 200
- Newark
- 01949 851815
- Southampton
- 02380 883150
- Stafford
- 01785 220 044
- Worcester
- 01905 453275
