Wiltshire Family Campaigns for Safety Law Amendments After Electrocution Incident

The relatives of a Wiltshire man, who suffered an electrocution injury during window cleaning, are advocating for amendments to health and safety legislation to prevent similar incidents. Jason Knight, a Westbury resident, sustained the loss of an arm and multiple toes after an electrical current arced approximately two metres (6.6ft) from a power cable to his cleaning pole. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation into the event but determined that no regulatory violations had occurred that would warrant a criminal inquiry. Mr. Knight, along with his father John, is currently leading a campaign for modifications to the materials utilized in the construction of window cleaning poles. John stated that the initial and subsequent sections of a window-cleaning pole are “crucial for survival.” He elaborated that his son’s survival was attributed to the insulation of the section he was gripping to maneuver the pole. “The main problem was every section after the section he was holding is non-insulated,” he informed the BBC. He further explained, “When he reached up and he touched the second section to bring the pole down and reduced the height of the pole, he touched an un-insulated section and earthed himself, causing the electrical current to jump.” The family’s initiative has garnered backing from their local Member of Parliament, Andrew Murrison, as well as a pole manufacturing company situated in Swindon. Craig Mawlam, who owns Ionic Systems, indicated that the advocates are requesting that the handle and the initial section of window cleaning poles be manufactured in accordance with a British Standard established in 2011, which applies to any implement potentially interacting with overhead powerlines. “In doing so, you’re increasing the safe distance from the powerline,” he stated. For updates, follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.