The Wellington drilling company whose employees received burns after striking an underground high-voltage power cable in Dunedin says it had the plans of where the cables were supposed to be, so the cable they struck must have been unexpected.
But lines maintenance company Delta says all its underground cables are clearly identified on its records, and would be included on any cable layout plan provided to any company requiring such work be done.
Both companies say it will be up to the Department of Labour to determine what happened.
The two men received burns, one serious, from an electrical arc that was caused when a penetrometer they were using to test soil density in a council reserve at Willowbank, North Dunedin, connected with 6600-volt power cable 600mm underground.
Griffiths Drilling managing director Mel Griffiths said yesterday the men were recovering well, with one discharged from hospital last night.
He said they wished to express their gratitude to the people from nearby businesses and the Willowbank Fire Station who tended to the men until an ambulance arrived.
Establishing the location of power cables underground before commencing work was an essential part of its business as a drilling company, and one it took seriously, Mr Griffiths said.
"In 45 years, no employee of the company has ever struck a power cable."
Before commencing the contract work, the company had received from its client the underground cable plans and a ground penetration radar (GPR) report. A GPR identifies buried objects in an area.
He declined to identify the client.
As far as he could see, the only explanation for the men striking the cable was that it was in an unexpected location. However, what had happened was now up to the Department of Labour to determine.
Delta general manager of assets Adam Fletcher said all underground cables were clearly identified on Delta's records, which would have been supplied to any company seeking to do such work in that area. He would not say if plans had been requested, or who had requested them.
All cables were appropriately installed, he said, including having protective shields on the cables.
He said he could not comment further while the Labour Department was investigating.
