Logan Water is implementing a new device that will help water industry workers to safely conduct repairs on supply systems, with the Logan City Council (LCC) relinquishing all intellectual property rights to enable wide distribution of the device.
Logan Water has developed a lock for water valves, in partnership with Downer, to prevent stored energy from being released during repair work.
The device comprises a steel plate that is placed inside a valve box and locked in place with an individually-keyed lock. It also contains a warning tag that signals to workers whether water is, or is not, isolated.
Logan Water and Downer began working on the lock after a brainstorming session in which they discussed strategies for avoiding the type of stored energy incidents that have caused numerous trench collapses overseas.
LCC’s Infrastructure Chair Councillor, Teresa Lane, said she was pleased that water industry workers across Australia would benefit from the safety technology.
“This is our way of making the Australian water industry safer for workers,” Cr Lane said.
“This economical device provides operators with confidence that hazardous stored energy is controlled while repairs and maintenance are carried out on a water network.
“In addition to its safety aspect there’ll be benefits from fewer network isolations that can disrupt supply and lead to lost productivity.”
The valve lock received the Australian Water Association’s Water Industry Safety Excellence Award and will now be distributed online by Mass Products.
Feature image: Cr Lane, Provided by Logan City Council
