believe they operate safely whilst simultaneously 31% revealed they did not always check for underground cables before commencing the excavation. Data from the Utility Strike Avoidance Group shows most strikes are caused by excavating machines. Furthermore, handheld tools such as pneumatic drills, shovels and crowbars also expose workers to avoidable danger. There is an inherent risk involved with all pipes and cables. Whether they exist to distribute gas, elec-
tricity, water, cable TV, or sewage waste. Add individual property service lines to the mix and you are suddenly standing atop a variety of hazards which, thanks to oft times inaccurate historical maps can leave you in the dark. Where does the solution lie? The abilit y to simultaneously pull decommissioned piping from the ground whilst installing new service pipes using the same bore path sounds like a dream. This is precisely what is on offer with Kobus’ Pipe Puller. With the added mobility and efficiency of the pipe puller tool, work is faster and better for the environment as old piping are removed from the ground avoiding a potential long-term degradation underground and added congestion. It is a trenchless, low-risk alternative that avoids much of the risks previously faced.
Better for the industry, better for the community None of us truly enjoy having workers drilling outside the home. Loss of access, noisy machinery, potential damage to properties or gardens, there are many dangers involved and Ofwat and Ofgem are both increasingly challenging utility providers to improve their cus-
tomer satisfaction when it comes to construction. Community pressure for a more effective solution is just as strong as the need for the industry to innovate from within. Trenchless technologies are already a dominant feature of utility infrastructure maintenance. Needing just two small excavations disruption is minimised, roads can remain open and people are free to carry on with their lives. On the industry side, Kobus is playing its part in driving towards Ofwat target of reducing leakage by 16% in this AMP period. Particularly because the pipe puller machinery removes rather than repairs which the industry is now embracing as the way to go. Utility strikes are avoidable, pre-operation mapping of existing utilities is the first step to a safer future, and a move away from moling towards the simultaneous pulling and laying of new pipes is the next step towards a future without strikes altogether.
For more information please visit: https://kobuspipepuller.com/
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