Vector launched its public safety campaign today.
 
The annual summer campaign encourages people to look out for overhead lines and to think about the location of underground services before they dig.

“People tend to do more DIY projects over the holiday period when the weather is ideal for getting out and working around the house. Also with the current economic environment people may opt to do the work themselves rather than get an expert in,” says David Worsnop, Vector Group GM Service Delivery.

“We’re reminding people to always look up and check for electricity lines, especially when carrying ladders, painting, waterblasting or trimming trees, and to also watch out for underground cables and pipes.”

Accidents have occurred in the past not only from ladders coming into contact with an electricity line, but also by the person up the ladder accidentally taking hold of the line or a tool they’re holding that comes into contact with the line.

Electricity can also arc to a person or tool they are handling, so you have to keep a safe distance of at least 0.5m from service lines (the lines that connect a house to the network pole in the street).

It’s not just overhead lines that are potentially fatal said Mr Worsnop.

“Underground cables are just as deadly. People often forget about their gas pipes too, which when ruptured can ignite. Escaping gas can also accumulate in adjacent buildings and explode.”

“You should always get reference maps before you start digging. Those cables and pipes might not be where you think they are and changes to the soil cover can also alter the depth. So if you’re planting, laying fence posts or doing any excavating - don’t take any chances; the results could be explosive or shocking!” Vector and UnitedNetworks customers can call 0508 B4U WORK (0508 248 967) to get reference maps.

Before working near overhead electricity service lines Vector recommends that you arrange a temporary disconnection of the electricity connected to a house or building before doing any work close by.

Vector Auckland customers can phone 0508 VECTOR (0508 832 867), while in the UnitedNetworks areas (the North Shore, West Auckland and Rodney) customers can arrange the same service by phoning their electricity retailer.

And because Christmas is just around the corner we’d like to share some safety tips with our customers so they stay safe when decorating their homes this season -

• Carefully inspect each electrical decoration. Cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire

• Don't staple or nail through light strings or electrical/extension cords

• Don't overload extension cords or allow them to run through water on the ground

• Before using any light strings or other electrical products outdoors, make sure the product is marked "for outdoor use"

• Don't use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch coverings. This could create an electrical shock

• Turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed

• Whether artificial or freshly cut, a tree should be kept a safe distance from all sources of heat.

Further electricity and gas safety tips and advice are available on the www.vectorelectricity.co.nz and www.vectorgas.co.nz websites.