With Bonfire Night celebrations planned around the UK this weekend, the UK’s energy operators have reminded people of some simple safety advice to help ensure bonfires and fireworks don’t ruin your evening by damaging electrical equipment or powerlines.
The Fire Brigade’s safety advice for Bonfire Night should be followed in full and these tips should help you avoid risks that might be difficult to spot in the dark.
- Plan ahead: Plan your celebration in advance, preferably in daylight. Take some time to check your surroundings first and make sure you're well away from our overhead power lines and other electrical equipment
- Look out, look up: Building bonfires and lighting fireworks anywhere near overhead powerlines can be extremely dangerous so make sure you’re aware of any potential hazards overhead
- Keep your distance: Wind can blow debris, flames and sparks onto overhead powerlines so make sure you’re in a safe location to enjoy the celebration. Remember that electricity can also jump gaps so always keep a safe distance
Jamie Reeve, Head of Safety, Health and Environment at Energy Networks Association (ENA) which represents UK energy networks operators said:
“Every year we see otherwise responsible people getting caught out as they don’t ‘look out, look up’ and end up with their bonfire night celebrations causing damage to infrastructure hanging overhead. Please follow our three tips to help ensure you have a safe night: plan ahead, look out and look up, and keep your distance from overhead powerlines and other electrical equipment.”
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.