The weather is good and Summer is a great time for children and young people to explore their natural surroundings and have fun. We all use electricity everyday but it has many potential hazards which we all must learn to be careful with. At this time of the year, ESB Networks would like to remind both parents and young people to always be aware of the potential dangers that electricity lines and poles can pose.
Electricity cannot be seen, smelt or heard and is perfectly safe when used in an appropriate manner, but it can have devastating consequences if it is interfered with. There are no second chances with electricity – make sure you know the potential dangers and keep a safe distance away. Here is some safety advice from ESB Networks which is particularly relevant to children and young people, but we should all take heed of his advice:
Electricity Lines: Always be aware of the presence of overhead electricity lines wherever you play or work. Overhead electricity lines are all around us – in the countryside, villages, towns and cities. These lines are very dangerous if contact or close approach is made with them. So remember:
- Never climb an electricity pylon, pole or even a tree that is near an electricity power line.
- Never approach fallen electricity wires even though they may look safe.
- Do not allow anything that you are holding come near to an overhead line as it could cause you serious injury. If you come too close to a high voltage line, even if you do not touch it, the electricity can jump through the air and electrocute you.
- Never fly kites or toy planes under or near overhead lines. Always go to large open spaces.
- Never put up a tent or bouncy castle near overhead lines. Move away to a safer place.
- Do not attempt to get any objects which may have become stuck on an overhead line or on any other electrical equipment. Call ESB Networks emergency number 1850 372 999 to have it removed.
- If you go fishing check that there are no electricity lines nearby before you begin, as a rod or fishing line that hits an overhead electricity line could kill you.
Stay Safe around Electricity Distribution Boxes (Minipillars): In towns, villages and housing estates, electricity is usually brought to houses on underground cables. These cables are connected to the main power supply at metal boxes. These are often positioned on the footpath or beside garden walls and are called Minipillars. They have the yellow triangular ELECTRICITY WARNING sign on the door. Never interfere with these boxes in any way as you could get seriously injured. This sign on the outside means KEEP AWAY.
Electricity Sub-Stations: Electricity sub-stations contain dangerous high voltage equipment and should never be entered or climbed onto.
- Watch out again for the yellow triangular electricity WARNING sign on the outside. Always tell an adult if something belonging to you falls through the fence and call ESB Networks to recover it.
- Never enter disused, derelict buildings or abandoned sites as electricity and other unforeseen hazards may be present.
Remember LOOK UP, LOOK OUT AND KEEP SAFE while you have fun this Summer.
Learn more about staying safe from electricity by playing our internet game ‘AMPVILLE’. Find it at: www.esb.ie/Ampville or check out our Playsafe website at: http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/en/about-us/education/playsafe.jsp |
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