Electricity Safety
Electricity is distributed at high voltages and all lines should be treated as live at all times.
Care also needs to be taken around power poles, transformers and switchgear.
If you are trimming or removing trees, cleaning gutterings, replacing spouting, painting, repairing roofs or chimneys, be careful when you’re working near overhead power lines or underground cables where they enter your house. These lines are not safe to touch. For example, a tall ladder accidentally touching an overhead power line can lead to serious injury or death.
Make sure you look up and look out, watch those overheads, and watch where you dig.
Overhead electricity lines are not insulated and if contact – or near contact – is made with them by anything capable of conducting electricity, the electricity will pass through the object with the risk of injuring or killing anyone holding or near to the object.
Follow these safety tips:
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Before starting on any repair or maintenance jobs outside, make sure you locate power lines or underground cables. If you are going to be working near these lines, ask your retailer or TLC to temporarily disconnect your power supply.
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If you are handling tall objects near power lines (like scaffolding or ladders), keep an eye on what is above - don’t let it come into contact with power lines. Keep at least 4m away.
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Watch out for what’s below - make sure you check for any underground gas, power or water services before you dig.
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Use a licensed electrical worker for all electrical repairs.
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Plant trees well away from power lines and keep branches trimmed before they get too close.
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Before installing or repairing a clothesline, TV antenna or other high structures, check for clearance of power lines.
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If you are operating electrical equipment outdoors, always use a Residual Current Device (RCD) or an isolating transformer.
Please do not go near power lines that have been brought down by a storm or any other cause. This would almost certainly result in an electric shock and burns that may be fatal.
