In this case study, we examine a near miss incident involving a Sydney Water crew during a water main construction project in Bondi Junction, Australia. Scheduled between 10:00am and 15:00pm, the operation entailed integrating a 100mm tee into an existing main, part of a new main laid along Waverley Crescent. The incident underscores the vital role of Plumb Guard™ technology in protecting workers from electrical hazards, showcasing the significant advantages of continuous pipe monitoring in ensuring safety during such critical infrastructure projects.

Incident Background

A water main connection project was scheduled for May 8th, 2012, involving inserting a tee into an existing main at 5 Waverley Crescent.

MGP Civil Contractors, the assigned constructor, excavated the designated area, exposing the connection point.

Standard electrical safety protocols were initiated for cutting the cast iron main.

Plumb Guard™ Saves the Day

Upon attaching the Plumb Guard™, the device’s alarm immediately sounded, indicating an electrical current presence in the trench.

This crucial alert prompted the immediate work stoppage and a prompt notification to Ausgrid, the power utility provider.

Investigation and Resolution

While awaiting Ausgrid’s arrival, a collaborative effort by the contractor and Sydney Water personnel traced the current source to a residence on the adjacent street (No. 5 Bondi Rd).

The house’s electrical service lacked a neutral connection, causing the current to flow into the water main.

To ensure safety, the house’s power supply was isolated, eliminating the current in the trench. The Plumb Guard™ was reset, and a subsequent test confirmed no electrical presence.

Ausgrid identified the missing neutral connection as the root cause and rectified the issue.

The water main connection process resumed safely after resolving the electrical hazard.

Importance of Plumb Guard™

This incident vividly demonstrates the Plumb Guard™’s effectiveness in:
Proactive Electrical Hazard Detection: The device’s immediate alarm prevented workers from unknowingly proceeding with the excavation in the presence of a potentially fatal electrical current.

Enhanced Safety Measures: The Plumb Guard™ serves as a critical line of defence, safeguarding personnel from electrical hazards that traditional methods might overlook.

Reduced Reliance on Electricians: Continuous monitoring by Plumb Guard™ eliminates the need for electricians to be constantly present on-site, saving time and resources.

Conclusion

The near miss at Bondi Junction underscores the paramount importance of using Plumb Guard™ technology in water main construction projects. By proactively detecting electrical currents, Plumb Guard™ safeguards workers and prevents potentially fatal accidents. Moreover, continuous pipe monitoring offers a significant advantage over traditional methods, promoting efficient use of resources and improved overall safety on the job site.