Keep away from low hanging power lines and avoid the dangerof electrocution or death, says Eskom. Low hanging power lines are one of the major causes of injury and death in communities and have cost the lives of many people in the last two years, says Eskom’s Public Safety Division.
Keep away from low hanging power lines and avoid the dangerof electrocution or death, says Eskom. Low hanging power lines are one of the major causes of injury and death in communities and have cost the lives of many people in the last two years, says Eskom’s Public Safety Division.
“Besides the loss of life that has resulted through people coming into contact with power lines, hundreds of people and animals have suffered electrica lburns or been maimed through electrocution.
“The tragedy is that 50 lives would have been saved, and 84 injuries avoided in 2008 alone if basic precautions had been observed,” said Moniwa Mahlangu, Distribution Safety, Health and Environment Manager.
As the Eskom power line network covers the entire country, crossing urban and rural areas, it is inevitable that some of these lines are impacted on by events such as veld fires, vegetation growing under power lines and storms that damage installations and leave lines hanging near, or even touching, the ground, he said.
“These low hanging lines present a real danger to people who accidently go near or touch them including children who play near electricity installations.
We are committed to reducing the level of electricity related deaths and injuries and urge people living near power lines that could become low hanging due to circumstances beyond Eskom’s control to observe the following basic rules.
•Stay away from any low hanging power lines or wires lying on the ground.
•Warn children of the dangers of lectricity and do not allow them to play near cables, installations or powerlines. This includes throwing objects at power lines or flying kites near them.
•Never build dwellings or shacks below power lines. If a cable is dislodged it could fall on your roof or in
your yard and cause injury or death.
•Never erect or remove metal aerials or similar structures below power lines for the same reasons. “Eskom has several initiatives in place to educate communities and children about the use and abuse of electricity.
It is vitally important, however, that parents reinforce education about power lines and warn their children about electrical hazards they may encounter.
“Children should also be encouraged to tell their parents about power lines or installations that are damaged or present a danger so that these can be reported to Eskom,” Mahlangu concluded. In case of emergencies, Eskom can be contacted on 08600 37566.
More information on electricity safety can be obtained by sending an email to safety@ eskom.co.za.
