A safety message has been issued by the region’s power network operator ahead of the Easter holidays.
Electricity North West is urging parents and guardians to warn their youngsters about the dangers of playing around powerful electricity equipment. And to look out for dangers themselves.
With thousands set to enjoy both the bank holiday weekend and Easter holidays, Electricity North West is calling on people to take note of its overhead lines, electricity substations and yellow ‘danger of death’ signs and stay clear of the power network.
Clive Wilkinson, Electricity North West’s network operations and capital delivery director, said: “As we enter spring and the weather starts to improve, the Easter holidays are a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.
“For everybody’s safety it’s vital that you know what is around, particularly where children are playing or where you’re doing any DIY around your property. People must stay clear of the electricity network, it’s extremely powerful and should be respected at all times.
“The network includes overhead electricity lines, underground cables, substations and many pylons and wood poles and operates at up to 132,000 volts. To help alert the public, we have bright yellow ‘Danger of death’ signs around the network.
“We want everybody to enjoy the great outdoors safely and we ask people to take note of their surrounding at all times. If you’re doing DIY, particularly any digging, you can check for underground cables via our plans on our safety pages on our website. You should also look out for any overhead lines connected directly to your property if you’re working up a ladder.”
People are warned not to use items equipment such as kites or long tent poles near overhead lines as electricity can jump from the lines and travel down directly to the person holding them, causing serious injury or even worse. Anglers are asked to look out for overhead lines when casting and if people lose a ball or Frisbee in a substation, they are urged not to retrieve it.
“If any belongings land in the grounds of a substation or close to the network, we urge you to keep out and not be tempted to go and get it yourself. The danger of death signs are there for a reason,” added Clive.
“All you need to do is call Electricity North West for free on 105 and our engineers will attend and retrieve any objects safely.
“I really cannot stress how powerful the electricity network is, it’s essential that people take note of the signage and of our messages and stay safe.”
Anybody who sees anything dangerous in or around the power network can call Electricity North West on 105. For more safety advice, including a safety game for kids, go to www.enwl.co.uk/safety.
