Family of electrocuted man call for changes to law

The family of a Wiltshire man who was electrocuted while cleaning windows are trying to get health and safety laws changed to stop it happening again.

Jason Knight from Westbury lost his arm and several toes after electricity jumped about two metres (6.6ft) from a power cable to his cleaning pole.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) made inquiries into the incident but concluded there was no breach of regulations that would lead to a criminal investigation.

Mr Knight and his dad John are now campaigning for changes to the materials used in window cleaning poles.

John said the first and second sections of a window-cleaning pole are "crucial for survival".

He explained that the reason that his son survived was because the section he was holding to operate the pole was insulated.

"The main problem was every section after the section he was holding is non-insulated," he told the BBC.

"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 have the support of their local MP Andrew Murrison and a pole manufacturer in Swindon.

Craig Mawlam, owner of Ionic Systems, said campaigners were calling for the handle and first section of window cleaning poles to be produced to a British Standard introduced in 2011 for any tool that may come into contact with overhead powerlines.

"In doing so, you're increasing the safe distance from the powerline," he said.

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