Don’t use electricity structures for campaign posters

WITH South Africans due to cast their votes in the Local Government Elections next week, Eskom has appealed to political parties not to place their campaign posters on electricity poles and mini substations.

“Eskom has noted a dangerous practice of placing campaign posters on electricity poles and mini-substations. Eskom would like to remind all political parties of the dangers associated with putting up election posters on electrical structures. These structures are carrying live electrical equipment and conductors. When someone gets close to them or touches them it may result in a flash-over or electrical contact,” said Eskom.

The power utility said only authorised personnel are allowed to climb or work on electrical structures.

“Attaching posters to an electrical structure is not only a contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act but also puts the lives of your valuable employees and volunteers at risk. Should someone come into contact with electricity while attaching posters to electrical structures, you will be exposed to litigation, both from a criminal and civil liability point of view.”