Backing a campaign by Energy Networks Association, Craig is urging DIY and garden enthusiasts to turn Big Brother on the look out for overhead power cables, and to follow some top tips to stay safe.
Tragically, over the last year, 14 people have died coming into contact with overhead power lines, for example while cutting hedges, working up ladders, and even cleaning windows.
Overhead power lines hanging on poles and pylons can be out of sight, hidden behind hedges and trees or even mistaken for traditional landline telephone cables.
For anyone going up ladders, putting up scaffolding or using tools that reach high places, then make sure you know what’s around you and watch out for electricity power lines and cables.
You can stay safe by following our top tips:
- Always note the location of overhead power lines, and don’t carry out lifting or loading within five meters of power lines.
- Look out, look up. Never touch overhead power lines and be aware electricity can jump. Always assume lines are electrical and live.
- If you think that you’re going to be working close to an overhead electricity cable, or if you’ve got any safety worries or concerns about the cables then contact your local electricity network company for advice.
Craig Phillips said:
“If you’re doing any work around the house, or gardening where there’s a chance you could be near powerlines, then make sure you stay safe. Plan your work ahead and look out and look up. If in doubt, then contact your local electricity network company.”
For more information about how you can stay safe visit energynetworks.org/LookOutLookUp.
About us
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.
Press contacts
You can contact ENA's press office by emailing press@energynetworks.org. For urgent or out-of-hours enquiries from journalists, please call 0204 599 7691.