Hi 

we have had an incident where one of our operatives has screwed into an electric cable that was tiewrapped close to the roof, is it my understanding that it is the building owner/occupier that has a duty to inform us there is live services in the vacinity of our works? the building owner and Principle contractor are trying to place the blame at our door. 

Thanks 

Chris 

What sort of premises?

Was the cable in a safe zone as defined in BS7671?

If it was your fault your operatives should be aware of the specified safe zones if they are undertaking works on premises.

The premises "controller" should have made you aware of the potential of services there.

Your operative potentially should have checked, however, there are places that cables should not be run, so if it's in one of those locations, then down to the premises people for using idiot cable installers.

OK, safe zones in BS7671 are oonly for buried cables, so that bit is irrelevant.

Would have been better to have a more accurate description in the OP.

The cable should have in that case been visible, or are we talking about an overboarded structural steel construction?  Or are we looking at suspended ceiling?

OK, so the cables should have been isolated, therefore no risk from electric shock, but, the able damage could still have occurred, you need to look at the way the cable was installed, and when.

I might have a get out clause for you, IF, it is within a fire exit route, anywhere, anyhow, and has been installed since 1st July 2015 is only supported by plastic cable ties, no matter what cable it is, telecomms, data, power, if it is carrying electricity of any kind, and in the event of a fire the cable could fall and possibly entrap someone trying to either escape, or gain entry to rescue persons trapped e.g. fire fighters with BA on, then the cable was not installed in accordance with the requirements of BS7671.

If it is above a plasterboard ceiling for example, then it is not in an escape route, another example, if it is supported by steelwork every 3m say and cannot droop, then it is adequately supported, but, if it were cable tied below the steelwork with polymer ties, and if the ties broke the cable could fall and entangle, then it is not in accordance with BS7671.