Avoiding accidents outdoors

Staying safe when close to electricity is all about common sense. The three potentially hazardous areas to consider are overhead cables, underground cables and the point of attachment, where these cables connect to your home or business property.

 

Ladders

Avoid using metal ladders anywhere near cabling or the point of attachment.

 

Gutters

Steer clear of wires and connections when replacing or cleaning gutters. Use a wooden stick or pole to move leaves or obstacles at least half a metre from the point of attachment.

 

Painting

Keep brushes and rollers clear of wires.

 

Aluminium cladding

Aluminium cladding within 25mm of the point of attachment must be earthed to the electricity authority's earthing system. Contact Integral Energy or your local electricity authority to make arrangements for this safety connection.

 

Digging

Digging near underground cables can cause both personal and financial injury. Whether in public places or private premises, use Dial Before You Dig and talk to the free advice service on 1100.

 

In the garden

• keep the areas below, or near, powerlines clear of combustible materialslike dry garden waste
• keep your gutters free of twigs and leaves, especially near the attachment point
• regularly check that trees or shrubs can't contact overhead powerlines, especially in windy conditions, as this can cause sparking - a potential fire hazard - or electrical blackouts
• don't plant trees or shrubs that can grow to 3.5 metres or more, anywhere near overhead powerlines. Species that grow taller than 5 to 6 metres should be avoided altogether
• if trees or branches near powerlines need pruning, please call a licensed tree trimming professional.

 

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Integral Energy has produced a variety of brochures that provide safety tips and recommendations. You can download copies here.