Special thanks to David Davenport for the kind permission to help promote #AFAD2024
Arc Flash Awareness Day is a focal point for everyone involved with work where arc flash is a risk. The day has been created to drive awareness of the risks of arc flash incidents, and to share best practice on how to avoid and mitigate those risks.
A wide range of partners have chosen to support Arc Flash Awareness Day and Thorne & Derrick International are delighted to help support the inaugural event.
We’re all committed to spreading the safety message and to making sure that everyone comes home safely.
To join the organisations supporting Arc Flash Awareness Day, get in touch.
Join us for the first-ever Arc Flash Awareness Day (AFAD) this summer to:
⚡ Prevent arc flash injuries
🤕 Promote safer workplaces
💪 Save lives
The day will focus on educating and applying best practices to raise awareness broadly among sectors at risk of arc flash incidents – from board-level executives with a responsibility to keep their people safe, to people on the frontline doing jobs directly at risk.
Join in the conversation online using #AFAD24 #arcflashawarenessday24 and follow:
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Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
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ARC FLASH AWARENESS APRIL 30, 2024 An illustration of Arc Flash occurrences, how, why and what causes them, the life and career-changing injuries, fatalities and the catastrophic damage an Arc Flash creates. The responsibilities of stakeholders and engineers and the devastating legal consequences. Tue, 30 April 12:45-13.15 BST The Health & Safety Event, NEC Birmingham
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WHAT IS AN ARC FLASH? JUNE 7, 2024 An overview of what an Arc Flash is, how it occurs, indications & what to be aware of; simple measures to prevent. Presented by David Davenport. Fri, 07 Jun 10:00 BST Online
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PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE JUNE 7, 2024 Partial Discharge Monitoring, a simple way of detecting and preventing potential Arc Flash before it occurs. Fri, 07 Jun 11:00 BST Online
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ARC FLASH STUDIES AND ASSESSMENTS JUNE 7, 2024 Do you know how to undertake an Arc Flash study and assess the risks? Emad Hamadi takes us through this process. Fri, 07 Jun 11:45 BST Online
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ARC FLASH PROTECTION, IS IT ALL THAT? JUNE 7, 2024
The certainty of protecting your workers AND your equipment in the event of an Arc Flash. Fri, 07 Jun 12.30 BST Online
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ON-SITE PROCEDURES TO ENSURE SAFE WORKING JUNE 7, 2024 It’s important that everyone working in an Arc Flash environment understands the On-site Procedures so that they can work safely and not put themselves or colleagues at risk. Fri, 07 Jun 13.15 BST Online
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ARC RATED PPE – THE LAST LINE OF DEFENCE JUNE 7, 2024Â
Although we can take steps to reduce the likelihood and severity of an Arc Flash, it cannot never be ruled out. Understand the protection you need in the event of an Arc Flash explosion. Fri, 07 Jun 14:00 BST Online
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The official information pack that contains all the information you need about Arc Flash Awareness Day and how you can get involved.
To keep up to date please sign up to the newsletter HERE.
Reducing RSI In Cable Crimping Applications
Many cable crimping applications throughout the industry are conducted using manual ratchet tools or hand hydraulic tools. Depending on the number of operations conducted each day and the hand force required to close the handles of the crimping tool, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) can result.
➡ Thorne & Derrick, are leading suppliers of cable crimp lugs and associated crimping tools for Low, Medium & High Voltage Cables and Power Systems.
The average force required to close the handles of a ratchet crimp tool is 22kg, and with many applications in factories and OEM’s requiring 250+ terminations per day, a significant risk is exposed.
Employee health – Less physical effort due to electrically-driven tools
Looking to statistics available on-line, 29% of repetitive strain injuries will result in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This condition is where the Median nerve in the wrist is squashed in the Carpal tunnel, creating chronic pain, pins and needles, and numbness in the fingers and hand of the operator.
In worst cases CTS can only be resolved with surgery, one hand at a time, resulting in employees being unable to work for 6-8 weeks.
Those at risk of CTS are employees where they have a combination of:-
1. Repetitive bending and stretching of the hand
2. High force applications of squeezing or gripping cable cutting or crimping tools
3. Exposure to high vibration (e.g. motor driven saws/ grinders)
The new alternative to manual ratchet crimping tools for high volume, high force applications, is the Klauke Micro tool. This is an electro-mechanical tool suitable for Pre-insulated connectors (up to 16sqmm), Boot-lace ferrules (up to 50sqmm), and Cu tube lugs (up to 25sqmm). The Micro provides a 90% reduction in hand load experienced by the operator to help keep employees safe and maintain high productivity.
Electromechanical Crimping Tool Operation
Choosing the correct electromechanical crimping tools can help reduce workplace injuries and improve site and worker Health & Safety.
The Micro is less than 1kg, completes in excess of 300 crimps per charge in less than 1.5 secs per crimp. As an intelligent tool, it ensures full closure of the jaws on every crimp and comes with the ability to link to Klauke iPress software, where quality records can be downloaded and stored for improved traceability.
Klauke EK 50 ML 0.14sqmm – 50sqmm Electromechanical Crimping Tool
There are more reported cases of CTS in our industry and with better, safer, more productive tool solutions available today, each employer has a duty of care to provide the most suitable tools to their employees.
Electrical Connections, Lugs & Tools for Crimping, Cutting & Punching | LV MV HV Cables
The Klauke ES32SISML-WSH is a battery powered cable cutting tool with a maximum cutting range of 32mm suitable for use with copper and aluminium conductors up to 300sqmm. The Klauke ES32SISML insulated cable cutter has a slim cutting head for Jointers working in substations, switchgear and trenches with confined spaces – this insulated tool provides advanced worker and electrical protection to utility contractors working live in the vicinity of energised Mains and Service cables up to 1000V.
The insulated tool is typically used by UK DNO’s and their ICP Contractors to core cut 185sqmm, 240sqmm and 300sqmm BS7870 Waveform 600/1000V cables.
Klauke cutting tools are available with 10.8V DeWalt Li-Ion Batteries and are fully insulated to the electrical requirements of IEC 60900.
Cable Innovation Tools & Accessories for Low & High Voltage Power Systems
THORNE & DERRICK are Specialist Distributors of LV HV Cable Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV – this includes the most extensive range of Ex Stock Innovation Tooling to facilitate safe and reliable preparation, termination and installation of cables.
MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales
Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls in the Workplace
Safety is a top priority in any industrial setting, fatal work injuries at work up 6% in 2022 shows OSHA some of these could have been avoided implementing dropped object prevention equipment. Building an enduring safety culture can be the most cost-effective and proven accident prevention process in any organisation. Creating, promoting and internalising this culture is the most successful way to minimise costly injuries and maintain a safer, more productive and engaged workforce.
OSHA recently announced that in December 2023 the numbers of fatal occupational injuries by event in the USA for the year 2022. The fatal occupational injuries have increased by almost 6%, which is a significant increase on the year before. The highest number of fatalities at work are found in the transport industry and are often related to controlling a vehicle. The second highest fatal injury for 2022 is slip, trips and falls.
➡ Thorne & Derrick supply the complete range of Safety Tools & Equipment from Cable Safe to enable safe working across all industries. This includes cable safety hooks, self-closing safety gates, confined space entry protection, guard nets and cable stands.
Work-related fatalities due to falls, slips, and trips have increased 1.8% in 2022, resulting in 865 fatalities, up from 850 in 2021. Most fatalities 80.9% in this category were due to falls to lower levels, which had 700 fatalities in 2022.
This was a 2.9% increase from 680 fatalities in 2021.
Drilling down in the causes of these fatalities you find that: slips, trips and falls, also struck by falling object or equipment other than vehicle, is an high risk for employees and contractors. Both of these categories have fatalities resulting from dropping objects and falling from elevated work locations. The list further continues with the 3rd highest categories of fatalities in the industry with exposure to substance or environments.
A lot of these accidents can be prevented with decent housekeeping and well-designed work areas. Therefore special a focus should be on how to keep your workspace safe and clean. The walkways should be well prepared and suitable for work and designed with traffic segregation schemes. Safety standard ISO 14122 teaches that stairs, stepladders and guard-rails should be designed safely.
Adjustable Kick Plate installed to prevent objects from falling
The toe-board, or kickplates are designed as a solid lower part of a guard-rail. It is a upstand on a landing to prevent the fall of objects from a floor level. Toe boards is edge protection for the floor. It prevents that accidents happen when employees kick against a tool that slides off the edge to the work area.
The advantage for using toe board kick plates is that it prevents injuries and fatalities by reducing dropping objects.
Protecting work floors below with toe board kick plates
Guard-railings have openings, these openings in the guard-rail should be closed off and obstructed with safety gates to prevent persons from accidentally falling though an opening, or prevent persons from entering a hazardous area.
Self-closing safety gates are also called swing gates or just simply safety gates. A safety gate is part of the guard-rail is designed with a certified minimum strength and opens easily one-way, when you pass through the safety gate will automatically return to its closed position.
Safety gate, cable safety s-hooks and cable guards keep workspace tidy
Vertical posts and stanchions should be well marked and protected with padding when located in the walkway areas. Height differences in the walking level should be marked and the work environment should have sufficient lighting.
Overhead hanging structures should be designed with steel dropped object prevention safety nets, as secondary retention methods to support the brackets and basic structure.
Dropped object prevention safety net for secondary retention
Walkways must be safe to walk over at all times. Keeping the walkways safe and clean with no clutter does make a difference for a safe and pleasant work environment. Locations for temporary maintenance or installation work should be visible, well-marked and obstructed.
Be critical to work environment, ask yourself the following questions; are your walkways safe and clean to work? Designed in the right place? Being used? Are they available for employees to use? What tasks are performed on this walkway? Is the walkway good visible, are hazards on the walkway visible?
Simple tools are available for walkway clearing and walkway design, according to ISO / OSHA the safety standards in combination with safety tools can reduce these risks and prevent future accidents.
Review and apply safeguards specifically designed to prevent slips, trips and falls. Examples of these safeguards are cable safety hooks or s-hooks and cable guards, they ensure a neat and tidy work environment by removing all tripping hazards from the temporary work spot.
Dropped object prevention equipment and slip, trip and fall safeguards have a positive influence on creating a safe work environment. The bottom line is; it prevents fatal injuries and lost time incidents. These tools help reduce the highest safety risks in your organisation as stated by the OSHA.
Extreme CableSafe Hooks from Stock | Call Thorne & Derrick with your Enquiry.
Safety at work is of utmost important when working on elevated platforms especially if there are personnel or contractors working underneath. Dropped objects are still, unfortunately, a common contributor to severe accidents in industrial facilities across different sectors globally.
The accidental dropping of tools and equipment poses a very real risk to safety of workers operating at elevated heights. It is therefore important offshore development sites have systems in place to reduce the occurrence of such incidents.
Objects known to frequently cause accidents are hand tools or equipment left behind after a task. Also equipment mounted in an elevated location that has the potential to fall due to movement or environmental conditions.
CableSafe® offer a broad array of dropped item prevention tools to protect employees from potentially harmful injuries and accidents in a wide range of working environments within industrial facilities.
T&D are Specialist Distributors of LV MV HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we supply companies in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors with products to enable the energisation, operation and maintenance of underground cables and overhead lines.
LV MV Cable Accessories | Joints Terminations Connectors 600V to 66kV Ex Stock
Thorne & Derrick | 3M Stockists & Key UK Distributor Since 1985
PR | Uploaded by Natalie Lundie | Supply Chain: Marketing Lead at Thorne & Derrick
PADS Network Rail Approved Medium Voltage Cable Accessories
Thorne & Derrick are proud to have supplied 3M Cable Joints & Terminations to the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project. Our partnership with 3M Electrical since 1985 has enabled us to deliver high-quality electrical solutions to various projects.
The TRU project involved the installation of an overhead gantry and the laying of 3km of high voltage cables through the deep Marsh Lane Cutting, which connects Leeds and Neville Hill. To ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations, the project required the use of PADS Network Rail Approved joints and terminations.
By supplying reliable and durable Cable Joints & Terminations, we were able to support the TRU team in accomplishing their goals. This project is crucial for the future electrification of the line east of Leeds, providing the necessary power infrastructure for efficient and sustainable transportation.
The TRU project is a major programme of railway improvements aimed at bringing better journeys to passengers traveling across the Pennines between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.
Stretching across the North of England the 70-mile Transpennine main line serves 23 stations, crosses over and dips under dozens of bridges and viaducts, passes through six miles of tunnels, and crosses over 29 level crossings.
TRU will transform the Transpennine main line into a high-performing, reliable railway, bringing more frequent, more reliable, faster & greener trains. The Transpennine Route Upgrade East Alliance is a collaborative effort between several organisations including Network Rail, J. Murphy & Sons, Siemens, Systra, and VolkerRail. These companies have come together to deliver infrastructure improvements on the eastern part of the route between York and Leeds.
Thorne & Derrick are a Network Rail Approved Vendor, which means we have met the necessary criteria and have been approved to supply our products and services to Network Rail. PADS (Product Acceptance and Design Services) is the product approval process used by Network Rail.
The client contacted Thorne & Derrick requiring PADs Approved Joints & Terminations so the team could carry out planned major engineering works. As part of the TRU project they needed to install an overheard gantry and lay 3km of high voltage cables between East of Leeds Colton & Neville Hill.
The cable joints & terminations provided by Thorne & Derrick will be used to enhance the electrical connectivity and reliability of the railway infrastructure in this area. These components are crucial in ensuring efficient transmission of power and signals along the tracks.
3M cold shrink cable joints require no hot-work permit or special tools for installation – specified for rail cable sealing, insulation and protection and are approved by Network Rail for live rail terminations and inline cable joints for DC track feeder cable applications.
One of the reasons Thorne & Derrick was chosen for this project was our ability to offer the best price and quickest delivery of the cable terminations. The delivery had to be completed within a specific timeframe in order to guarantee that the engineering works could proceed as planned. The terminations were available ex stock, meaning they could be shipped the next day.
The use of high-quality cable joints and terminations in the TRU project aims to minimise signal interruptions, electrical faults, and downtime on the line. Electrification of the line east of Leeds is an important step towards achieving efficient and sustainable transportation in the future. This demonstrates a commitment to delivering a modern, efficient, and reliable railway network. Ultimately, this will lead to improved train performance, reduced delays, and a better overall experience for passengers.
⚡️ November: The TRU team installed an overheard gantry and laid 3km of high voltage cables through the deep Marsh Lane Cutting between Leeds and Neville Hill.
These will provide the power for future electrification of the line east of Leeds. pic.twitter.com/Y7q19tdrh6
— The Transpennine Route Upgrade (@theTRUpgrade) December 31, 2023
The project’s investment in the latest technologies and partnerships with trusted suppliers like Thorne & Derrick aim to provide a safe and seamless travel experience for passengers in the East Leeds Colton and Neville Hill area.
As a Network Rail Approved Vendor, Thorne & Derrick is proud to serve the rail industry as a reliable and trusted supplier, helping to contribute to the efficient and reliable functioning of the national railway infrastructure in the UK and meeting the demanding requirements of the rail industry.
With our extensive range of PADS Approved Medium Voltage Joints & Terminations available from stock, T&D is well-equipped to support the Transpennine Route Upgrade and other railway projects in the future.
Thorne & Derrick’s experience and expertise in the electrical distribution industry, combined with our strong relationship with 3M Electrical, have allowed us to contribute to significant infrastructure projects like the TRU. We remain committed to delivering reliable and innovative solutions to our customers in the UK.
3M Cold Shrink technology ensures quick, easy and safe installation of the QTIII Termination Body by pulling and unwinding the plastic support core in counter clockwise direction. Specialist cable jointing tools are not required. Included with each kit are installation instructions for the 3M QTIII Series Terminations.
3M 95-EP631-2 uses innovative Cold Shrink Technology combined with Network Rail (NR) and PADS Approval to meet the requirements for the installation on medium voltage electrical infrastructure – forming part of rail cable joints & terminations range by 3M Electrical.
3MCold Shrink High Voltage Termination Kit QTEN is suitable for application up to 72.5 kV (U_max) single-core copper wire-screened cables. The silicone cold shrink insulation body provides an easy and secure solution for cable termination.
The 3M 95-EP620-1R cold shrink cable termination, with PADS Approval for used on high voltage power networks at Network Rail, is suitable for the connection of 52kV single core polymeric insulated cables with copper wire screens
Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute a wide range of cable accessories and electrical equipment for rail applications. These accessories are used by contractors who work on various aspects of the rail system, including low voltage power distribution, high voltage electrification, substations, DC traction and networks, OLE (overhead line equipment), and track feeder cable renewals.
Our product range includes cable terminations, joints, cable repair products, and connection products that are approved by Network Rail PADS. These products are suitable for medium voltage cables and can handle voltages up to 66kV.
The cable accessories provided by Thorne & Derrick include options like heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on, and slip-over varieties. These accessories are used to joint, terminate, and connect medium and high voltage power cables to various equipment such as oil, air, or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors, and overhead lines including 3M Cold Shrink, Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold products.
To view the full range of PADS approved rail equipment that Thorne & Derrick can offer click here –Â Rail Cable Accessories LV HV
STRATA Workwear Arc Flash Protective Clothing Range
Thorne & Derrick are the UK’s Leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Safety Equipment to clients working in the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – we supply arc flash clothing from a range of brands including STRATA® Protection.
STRATA® Protection a the leading Arc & Flame Protective Clothing brand in the Energy Sector including arc flash switching suits for the protection of workers.
Arc flash switching suits are required in situations where electrical systems pose a risk and are specially designed suits that are used in situations where electrical systems have the potential to release intense energy in the form of an arc flash event. These suits are commonly worn by professionals working in electrical, utility, and industrial sectors.
Switching suits are specifically designed to provide multiple levels of protection against the hazards associated with arc flash events. These suits are categorised based on their ability to shield the wearer from thermal energy, flames, and other hazardous elements.
Wearing the proper arc flash suit is essential in high-risk work environments, where electrical equipment or systems may be subject to faults or malfunctions that could result in an arc flash event. These environments include power plants, substations, electrical maintenance and repair, and other industrial settings – protecting utility workers against arc flash dangers posed during maintenance on underground electric cables, overhead line conductors or electrical equipment.
Thorne & Derrick understand how critical it is to have reliable, highest quality personal protection equipment (PPE), clothing and arc workwear available from stock at competitive prices
The arc flash kit typically consists of:
All these components work together to provide comprehensive protection against the hazards associated with arc flashes and electrical incidents. It is crucial to select items that meet relevant safety standards and are tested and certified for arc flash protection. Regular training on the proper use and maintenance of these components is also essential to ensure workers’ safety.
You are required to wear your arc flash switching suit whenever you are working on or near electrical systems or equipment that pose a potential arc flash hazard. This includes situations where there is a risk of electrical faults or when you are working with energised electrical systems.
It is essential to wear arc flash suits to protect yourself from the thermal and electrical hazards associated with arc flashes.
The specific requirements for wearing arc flash suits may vary depending on your local regulations, employer policies, and the level of hazard present. It is crucial to follow industry standards and guidelines to ensure your safety.
Here are some examples of situations you would consider wearing one:
Arc Flash Clothing Kit 40 Cal
It’s important to note that while periodic non-destructive testing is not required for arc flash suits, it is still crucial to adhere to industry standards, guidelines, and manufacturer recommendations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the suits.
However, the frequency of testing may vary depending on the usage, condition, manufacturer’s recommendations, and relevant industry standards or regulations. Additionally, suits should be inspected prior to each use for any signs of damage or wear and should be replaced if necessary.
However, there are recommendations out there for maintenance:
It is important to note that the effectiveness of arc flash clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) depends on various factors such as the level of risk, the specific tasks involved, and the hazard analysis conducted.
While layering other items of arc flash clothing and PPE can provide adequate protection, it is crucial to ensure that each layer is properly selected and compliant with relevant safety standards. The layering should also not compromise mobility or restrict the wearer’s ability to perform their tasks safely.
Providing a variety of options for engineers to choose from can certainly contribute to their comfort and well-being. It is important, however, to prioritise safety and effectiveness in selecting the appropriate arc flash clothing and PPE. Regular maintenance and inspection of these items should also be carried out to ensure continued protection.
Further Reading: STRATA Workwear | Skanwear Arc Flash Clothing & Protection
We protect substation engineers, asset managers, SAPS, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and safety equipment: this includes insulating gloves, arc flash clothing, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing to ensure worker safety when carrying out repair and maintenance on LV-HV switchgear, transformers, substations and turbines.
All of our Cable Connection & Energisation Accessories including Medium & High Voltage joints, terminations, connectors and cleats are tested to the latest international standards and supporting ranges of professional installation tools are stocked to reduce incident, accident and downtime to plant and people.
Published 02 Sep 2026
Celebrating Charlie & Ella’s Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeships At Thorne & Derrick International, we are proud to champion talent development and recognise the dedication required to achieve professional growth. We are therefore delighted to congratulate Charlie Baines and...
Published 11 Aug 2026
Thorne & Derrick will be Exhibiting at Solar & Storage Live UK 2026 at the NEC Birmingham from 22nd–24th September, showcasing our support for HV Cable Accessories, Joints, Terminations, Separable Connectors, Cable Tooling and Grid Connection Products used across...
