Electrocution Warning After Ten Deaths

Ten people have died from touching overhead power lines since 2001, Northern Ireland Electricity has warned.

The electricity network launched a major campaign today to make farmers, contractors, DIY enthusiasts and others aware of the dangers of felling trees and cutting hedges near lines.

The campaign follows a recent spate of incidents were overhead electricity lines were damaged when vegetation was being cut, NIW warned.

Kevin McDowell, NIE Health, Safety and Environment Manager, said: "Any contact with live electricity equipment may result in injury, or even death. We ask anyone considering this type of work to consult with NIE prior to work starting. This type of damage to the electricity network may also cause local communities to lose their electricity supplies, inconveniencing homes and businesses in the area.

"We know this is a busy time of the year for farmers and agricultural contractors but carrying out a basic risk assessment before starting work could mean the difference between life and death. It's time for everyone working near electricity equipment to put safety first, every time. Our message is clear - look up, look out and stay away from overhead lines."

If you are planning work in the vicinity of the electricity network please contact NIE on 08457 643 643. Do not cut hedges or trees that are directly below live overhead lines if they are within 5m of the line, and do not assume that planned interruptions of supply necessarily mean that all electricity lines in the area will be off.

(NE)