The focus is on electricity safety

Eskom continues to invest millions of rand towards public awareness and educational programmes in an effort to curb incidents related to unsafe use of electricity.

“Safety around electricity is something that everyone should consider, especially now as we celebrate the National Electricity Safety Week (NESW) which started on August 11 and ends on August 17,” said Ntombifuthi Hlophe, Eskom Ekurhuleni Zone communications practitioner.

Eskom’s main focus this year will be to embark on various campaigns aimed at highlighting the dangers of the unsafe use of electricity, such as cable theft, illegal connections and vandalism of Eskom’s network, which often result in serious injuries and even death.

“Safety is something that should also be taught to children, who should be warned not to play near electrical installations or touch wires lying on the ground,” said Hlophe.

The following communities in the Ekurhuleni area will be visited to create awareness: Tsakane, Vosloorus, Katlehong, Duduza, Daveyton, Wattville and Etwatwa.

Other external role players will be school principals, educators, SAPS, Metro Police, emergency services and community leaders.

In addition, the public should be careful around their homes.

You must at all times be aware of exactly where power lines are and the height between the power lines and the ground.

Anything that interferes with a power line has the potential of being fatal.

Accidents can happen if you are carrying something on a roof, or installing a TV antenna without taking note of power lines in the vicinity.

“It is essential that electricity is treated with respect,” said Hlophe.

“Making sure that you and your family are aware of its dangers will ensure that it remains a friend that can add value to your life.”

In case of an emergency, contact Eskom on 08600Eskom (37566) and, for more information on electricity safety, send an email to safety@eskom.co.za.