Frightening facts and scary stats ...as Halloween looms
As many prepare for Halloween this week, UK Power Networks is reminding people about the very real dangers of coming into contact with electricity equipment.
The power firm delivers electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East, and the East. With a network spanning almost 30,000 square kilometres, and 170,000 kilometres of overhead and underground cables, electrical infrastructure is part and parcel of everyday life - and is safe unless tampered with. If you touch power lines which range from 230 up to 400,000 volts, the consequences can be devastating.
So far in 2024, when people have come into contact with the high voltage network:
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34% of incidents have happened at their own homes
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27% of incidents have been attributed to builders
Safety is the company's top priority, and safety advisor Ros Forbes said: “We are seeing that a lot of accidents happen at home, and service cables are hidden away for good reasons. They enter properties at roof height or underground and can be concealed in cavity walls or behind cladding – so please do request cable plans from us before doing any DIY work.”
Wooden poles can carry telephone or electricity wires, so never assume it is a telephone wire, it could contain live electricity. Electricity can arc from overhead lines, if machinery or equipment gets to close, even if it does not physically touch them.
If your vehicle comes into contact with an overhead line – stay inside and call for help. Any contact with yourself, the vehicle and the ground can be fatal. If you do need to get out, JUMP WELL CLEAR and move away with LEAPING STRIDES.
This year alone, UK Power Networks’ public safety team has communicated with 540,000 members of the public through the media and social media, while events have attracted 20,339 people.
In addition, 2024 has seen 30,000 safety leaflets and stickers distributed to firms working near the electricity network and the recently updated PowerUp website (PowerUp your education | UK Power Networks), which is designed for young people to learn about electricity and safety has seen over 133,000 visits.
Published 21/10/24
The power firm delivers electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East, and the East. With a network spanning almost 30,000 square kilometres, and 170,000 kilometres of overhead and underground cables, electrical infrastructure is part and parcel of everyday life - and is safe unless tampered with. If you touch power lines which range from 230 up to 400,000 volts, the consequences can be devastating.
So far in 2024, when people have come into contact with the high voltage network:
-
34% of incidents have happened at their own homes
-
27% of incidents have been attributed to builders
Safety is the company's top priority, and safety advisor Ros Forbes said: “We are seeing that a lot of accidents happen at home, and service cables are hidden away for good reasons. They enter properties at roof height or underground and can be concealed in cavity walls or behind cladding – so please do request cable plans from us before doing any DIY work.”
Wooden poles can carry telephone or electricity wires, so never assume it is a telephone wire, it could contain live electricity. Electricity can arc from overhead lines, if machinery or equipment gets to close, even if it does not physically touch them.
If your vehicle comes into contact with an overhead line – stay inside and call for help. Any contact with yourself, the vehicle and the ground can be fatal. If you do need to get out, JUMP WELL CLEAR and move away with LEAPING STRIDES.
This year alone, UK Power Networks’ public safety team has communicated with 540,000 members of the public through the media and social media, while events have attracted 20,339 people.
In addition, 2024 has seen 30,000 safety leaflets and stickers distributed to firms working near the electricity network and the recently updated PowerUp website (PowerUp your education | UK Power Networks), which is designed for young people to learn about electricity and safety has seen over 133,000 visits.
Published 21/10/24