As many parts of the UK prepare to enjoy mild weather over the bank holiday weekend, some people may take the opportunity to work on their gardens or homes. Energy network operators are offering some top tips to make sure you’re safe.
Help keep yourself and anyone working with you safe, by following these rules:
- Working outside? Look Out, Look Up! for overhead power lines. Always assume power lines are live and do not touch or get close to them, particularly when using ladders or similar equipment. Remember, electricity can jump through the air.
- Digging in the garden? Dial before you dig. Check for underground cables and pipes first. Plan your work carefully and contact your local energy network operator if you aren’t sure. Find out who they are by entering your postcode at energynetworks.org/postcode.
- Felling trees? If you are felling trees and there are lines within two tree heights, or you are cutting back within two branch lengths of an overhead power line, you must contact your local electricity network operator for advice before starting work.
- If you are doing any work or moving anything and there is a risk that contact could be made with overhead power lines, you must contact your local electricity network operator for advice before starting.
- If you see damage to power lines, keep well clear. Call 105 for free or, if there's an immediate danger to life, dial 999.
- Remember that if you’re working close to gas pipes, safety rules and regulations apply. You can find more at energynetworks.org/customers/building-works-gas-pipes-need-to-know.
Jamie Reeve, Head of Safety, Health and Environment at Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network operators, said:
“Bank Holidays can be the chance to finally tackle that DIY project that’s been waiting over summer – but the same safety rules apply whatever the date. Safety is the top priority of the UK’s network operators, and by following these simple rules, we can help everyone avoid any accidents.”
Press contacts for journalists
Philip Baker
Media Relations Manager
ENA Press Office
Notes to editor
Background information
- For more safety information, please visit https://www.energynetworks.org/campaigns/look-out-look-up and https://www.energynetworks.org/campaigns/thinkbeforeyoudig
- As part of our safety programme, ENA are hosting our first ever ‘Public Safety' conference - We're aiming to engage with people from across the sector and beyond to raise awareness of the latest safety issues and discuss the best ways to reduce harm. Find out more and register here: https://bit.ly/3Q5wOIG
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.