Look Up Look Out: A Non-Profit Campaign for Overhead Power Line Safety

Look Up Look Out is a remarkable non-profit public safety awareness campaign that has been making a significant impact in the UK. Founded by John Knight, a retired window cleaner, this initiative was born out of a tragic experience when his son, Jason Knight, survived a 33,000-volt flashover that nearly cost him his life. This incident sparked a mission to raise awareness and promote safer working practices around overhead power lines.

The campaign targets a wide range of individuals and organizations, including window cleaners, gutter-vac and roof-cleaning operatives, solar panel cleaners, householders, employers, and equipment suppliers. Everything on the Look Up Look Out website is free, with no subscription or paywall, making it accessible to all who need it.

One of the key features of the campaign is its comprehensive set of safe working guides, which provide practical advice for various cleaning methods. These guides are invaluable for professionals looking to ensure their safety while working near overhead power lines. Additionally, the campaign offers digital risk assessments, which can be completed quickly to help identify potential hazards.

Another notable aspect of Look Up Look Out is its near-miss reporting tool, which allows individuals to share their experiences without fear of blame or shame. This tool is crucial for raising awareness and preventing serious injuries or fatalities in the future. The campaign also includes a campaign map, which visualizes near-miss reports to help improve safety practices across the industry.

The Look Up Look Out initiative is not just about providing information; it's about empowering individuals and organizations to make safer choices. By promoting the adoption of insulated equipment standards and offering independent equipment reviews, the campaign helps people understand the risks associated with overhead power lines and how to mitigate them.

In conclusion, Look Up Look Out is a vital resource for anyone working near overhead power lines. Its mission is simple: to raise awareness, improve practices, and save lives. By supporting this campaign, we can all contribute to a safer industry and help prevent tragedies like the one that inspired its creation.