Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) has formally integrated the Look Up and Live tool alongside the underground plan service, providing a one-stop resource for Australians planning work near above-ground and underground utility infrastructure.
Originally developed by Ergon Energy Network and Energex in 2017 to promote safe work practices near Queensland’s electricity network, the Look Up and Live app has since expanded to include overhead networks in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
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Contact with overhead powerlines remains a significant safety risk in Australia. Over the past 20 years, more than 135 people have tragically lost their lives due to contact with overhead powerlines, with many more suffering life-altering injuries, including permanent disabilities.
The Look Up and Live app equips those working near power networks with essential tools and resources to ensure their safety. The app provides users with real-time access to powerline locations and imagery, free of charge, via an interactive geospatial map. It allows for real-time location searches, map overlays with third-party mapping programs, and the option to print maps as needed.
Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) CEO Mell Greenall said, “As part of our unwavering commitment to safety, BYDA is dedicated to making it as straightforward and practical as possible to work safely near utilities. By integrating Look Up and Live with Before You Dig, we are simplifying the process of accessing utility plans and essential safety information, empowering workers to operate safely around utility infrastructure.
Related article: Ergon launches Look Up and Live app
“Through BYDA’s established education framework, we will seamlessly integrate aboveground utility safety into our existing underground safety messaging, which we already deliver successfully to over 15,000 people each year.
“This integration will enable us to enhance the Look Up and Live app by expanding its reach to include all utility network operators with above-ground infrastructure. This means that gas, water, and telecommunications aboveground assets will be viewable alongside the existing power infrastructure, providing a more comprehensive safety resource.”
