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The ‘power’ of maintenance

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Since the implementation of the Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR) in 1989, a greater responsibility has been placed on owners of electrical networks and distribution assets to ensure that equipment is in good condition and that every conceivable danger is minimised.

With a good percentage of the UK’s High Voltage (HV) network apparatus being made up of legacy equipment over 50 years old, private distribution network owners have the immediate need for expert providers to assess the conditions of equipment and provide the necessary maintenance and renewals.

For private distribution network owners with alternative business functions, bringing in third party experts with a concentrated knowledge of preventative maintenance is essential.

Multi-skilled

One of the few companies which has experience in both rail and high-voltage distribution networks, Sheffield-based Linbrooke Services has the knowledge and the appropriate skills to undertake HV preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis and emergency repairs.

Linbrooke’s continually expanding rail power team provides full turnkey low and high voltage power solutions for on and off track applications as well as delivering power from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for trackside supplies. This is complemented by a thorough knowledge and application of distribution safety rules and operational practice manual regulations.

As a principal contractor and fully licenced Independent Connections Provider (ICP), Linbrooke works closely with Network Rail, its supply chain and all approved equipment manufacturers to deliver exceptional service. With an award-winning safety record, backed up by exemplary engineering practice, the company complies with all present procedures and regulations, effectively providing customers with proof of both aptitude and proficiency.

Drawn from both the rail and power industries, Linbrooke’s workforce has a wealth of experience in planning outages, distributing and withdrawing safety documentation, testing electrical protection relays and commissioning new apparatus – including HV switchgear, DC systems and remote control devices. The company’s teams include a number of Senior Authorised Personnel (SAP) with experience in interfacing with private networks at both operational and management levels and so have the necessary knowledge, training and ability to safely and effectually manage an electrical network.

As a result, Linbrooke has the ability to sustain low and high voltage apparatus while simultaneously adopting all SAP duties and providing a variety of round-the-clock labour resources. In-house power specialists have the capability to deliver maintenance contracts for both rail and value-added services, including jointing teams and all associated civils works.

Further experience in the maintenance of high voltage oil filled feeder cables, pilot cables and associated routes gives Linbrooke the ability to offer a variety of maintenance packages that can be tailored to suit precise site or customer requirements.

Training for the future

This capability is backed-up by the company’s City and Guilds-accredited training schemes – endorsed by Northern Power Grid (NPG) and the National Skills Academy for Power (NSAP) – which deliver effective in-house training. Primarily designed to satisfy the growing demand for skilled labour and to combat the ageing profile of existing workforces, Linbrooke’s training programmes are increasing the company’s capacity for preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis and sporadic emergency repair.

With a right-first-time ethos and a strong belief in collaboration and safety, Linbrooke’s participation, both on and off rail, is assisting clients to deliver projects more efficiently and more cost-effectively in today’s competitive environment.

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