FULTON Hogan Hiways have invested in four high technology cable locators to assist in detecting underground power and telephone cables during its road operations.

Fulton Hogan Hiways Knowledge Transfer Manager Danny Poharama said the instruments would be used at their work sites in Suva, Labasa and Savusavu.

“Nineteen of the staff have been trained in the use of the instruments and there are two cable locators in Suva and another two in the North for Labasa and Savusavu,” Mr Poharama said.

“Striking underground live power cables when excavating is a high-risk activity on our work and with the addition of the new cable locator, the crews will find it much easier and safer to do their work.

“Our first point of contact should always be with the Fiji Electricity Authority and once cable plans are checked they will visit the site and mark out the locations of their cable.”

Mr Poharama said using the cable locators was a non-destructive method of giving a depth reading and pathway line of the cables.

New Zealand-based cable locator trainer Arie de Kort conducted specialised training with the workers and said the instruments encouraged safe working practices and protected the workers from hazards on the site.

“We also save downtime and costs of damaging the services,” Mr Poharama said.

“I have always emphasised to my trainees that it’s merely a tool to assist the location of services.

“It’s always advisable to contact the service providers for support before working on an area.”

Fulton Hogan Hiways is working closely with Fiji Roads Authority in building capacity and transfering knowledge within its staffing ranks.