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CWU Updates Branches On Openreach Plant Safety CWU's Assistant Secretary Ian Cuthbert issued details to Branches via LTB1079/09 of the latest meeting update from it's discussion with BT Openreach regarding Plant Safety. The LTB provided the slides from the meeting and notes on the following main issues: Low Drop Wires and D Poles The aim is to have all backlogs of Low Wires and D Poles (decayed or damaged) cleared by the end of March 2012 so that thereafter it will only be necessary to deal with the annual find rate. Currently it is estimated that around 99% of wires are put up correctly. The trial of repairing damaged poles rather than replacing them. The methodology was reported in LTB 303/2009 issued in April [2009]. It is estimated that around 40% of damaged poles could be repaired. For ‘new finds’ this will become business as usual and carried out by Pole Testers who will be suitably trained. Discussions are ongoing on how to deal with the backlog. Pole Testing – QUETRA For some considerable time, experiments have been going on using a piece of equipment which can ‘test’ poles using sonic waves. Some 2000 poles have been tested with a number of these being subsequently chopped up to verify the QUETRA result. Analysis of the findings is still being done using Herriot Watt University. The next steps are likely to result in a more focused trial using 25 units in the New Year. If this is successful, then full roll-out would rapidly follow. The CWU has urged that any efficiencies gained from the new equipment will be used to catch up on the back-log rather than reductions in resource. Northern Ireland The CWU has long been concerned regarding the difference in practice and policy regarding plant safety between Openreach and Northern Ireland. The Union has argued that there needs to be consistency of approach. We therefore welcome the fact that Openreach will be working with BT Ireland to achieve this. Source: CWU |
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