'New rules needed' after window cleaner electrocuted

There are calls for tougher rules around the use of window cleaning equipment after a man was hit by a 33,000-volt shock.

Jason Knight, 36, from Westbury in Wiltshire, said he thought he was going to die when the deadly current jumped two metres (6.6ft) from an overhead cable to his cleaning pole in light winds last April.

Now, the MP for South West Wiltshire, Dr Andrew Murrison, along with Mr Knight's family are urging the British Standards Institute (BSI) to implement stricter guidance.

Scott Steedman, director general of standards at BSI, confirmed that new guidance on the use of long poles was under discussion.

But during a parliament debate on Thursday, Disability Minister Stephen Timms said new rules were unnecessary as in the specific case of a 33kV line, the Energy Networks Association advises a clearance distance of three metres (9.8ft) to be maintained.

He added: "I should perhaps also point out that the federation provides a training course on using water-fed poles and portable ladders, which is approved by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health."

Mr Knight was thrown about two metres (7ft) across a garden and airlifted to a Bristol hospital after the incident, in which he was described as "lucky to be alive".

At Southmead Hospital, doctors performed 17 operations, which included his forearm and toes being amputated.

The dad-of-three, who is losing his sight, is now attempting to adjust to life with a prosthetic arm.

His father John warned the type of cleaning pole used could be a "potentially lethal piece of equipment".

He told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "The danger is present and real - and for the sake of everybody we need to address this."

John, who lives in Warminster, vowed to keep campaigning for change for his "amazing" son whose life has been forever changed.

In parliament on Thursday, Dr Murrison called for authorities to "design danger out of tools".

"It should not have mattered that he [Mr Knight] was close to a power line, because the pole should have been fully insulated, but it was not.

"This debate is not about banning water-fed poles.

"This debate is about designing danger out of tools in the first place, not just warning people to be careful while continuing to sell sub-optimal equipment," he said.

Following the debate, Mr Steedman said the BSI's national committee, which is responsible for technical standards, will consider new guidance on long poles.

"We will confirm the timeline for any update in 2026," he added, "Jason's story underlines the need for robust safety standards."

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