Published Sunday, 11 February, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
DANGERS LURK NEAR OVERHEAD POWERLINES
The Electrical Safety Office is urging Queenslanders to check carefully to ensure that there are no overhead powerlines that they could touch or come near while they are working or playing outside.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said that every year people are injured and killed, and property damaged, after coming into contact with overhead powerlines.
He said the warning was particularly relevant for Atherton and Far North Queensland where earlier this year a man died in an electrical incident involving powerlines. Cyclones and high winds also worsened the problem.
“Powerlines are dangerous. They should be treated with extreme care at all times,” Mr Mickel said.
“Since 1999, nine people have been killed, and many more injured after coming too close to powerlines. Those deaths and injuries could have been prevented if more care had been taken.”
The Electrical Safety Office’s General Manager Peter Lamont said that overhead powerlines were such a part of the landscape that people often forget that they were there.
“It is important to understand that you are at risk if you are moving ladders, augers, high vehicles or other tall equipment near overhead powerlines,” Mr Lamont said.
“It isn’t only work equipment that can be a risk; activities such as climbing trees or moving sailboats on shore with the mast raised can also bring you into contact with electricity.
“The best way to prevent contact is to take a few moments to have a good look around to see where the danger is.”
Handy tips to stay safe near powerlines:
• Treat all powerlines as live and dangerous
• If you need to move equipment near powerlines plan out a route that will keep you well clear of them
• Assess the risk of injury to yourself and others
• If you are in any doubt contact the local electricity company for advice
• Remember that you do not need to be touching the powerline to receive an electric shock – under some conditions high voltage electricity can jump gaps.
Contact the ESO on 1300 650 662 or visit www.deir.qld.gov.au
Media inquiries: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
11 February 2007
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said that every year people are injured and killed, and property damaged, after coming into contact with overhead powerlines.
He said the warning was particularly relevant for Atherton and Far North Queensland where earlier this year a man died in an electrical incident involving powerlines. Cyclones and high winds also worsened the problem.
“Powerlines are dangerous. They should be treated with extreme care at all times,” Mr Mickel said.
“Since 1999, nine people have been killed, and many more injured after coming too close to powerlines. Those deaths and injuries could have been prevented if more care had been taken.”
The Electrical Safety Office’s General Manager Peter Lamont said that overhead powerlines were such a part of the landscape that people often forget that they were there.
“It is important to understand that you are at risk if you are moving ladders, augers, high vehicles or other tall equipment near overhead powerlines,” Mr Lamont said.
“It isn’t only work equipment that can be a risk; activities such as climbing trees or moving sailboats on shore with the mast raised can also bring you into contact with electricity.
“The best way to prevent contact is to take a few moments to have a good look around to see where the danger is.”
Handy tips to stay safe near powerlines:
• Treat all powerlines as live and dangerous
• If you need to move equipment near powerlines plan out a route that will keep you well clear of them
• Assess the risk of injury to yourself and others
• If you are in any doubt contact the local electricity company for advice
• Remember that you do not need to be touching the powerline to receive an electric shock – under some conditions high voltage electricity can jump gaps.
Contact the ESO on 1300 650 662 or visit www.deir.qld.gov.au
Media inquiries: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
11 February 2007