Warning: Low-hanging electrical cables can cause fatal injuries

Eskom has warned the public to be careful of any low-hanging electrical equipment or wires, which can result in serious or fatal injury.

The company announced in a statement that people have lost their lives or sustained serious burns after being electrocuted when making contact with electrical structures that have been vandalised or where lines are close to or on the ground.

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Overhead power cables are always suspended out of reach of people, but when the poles collapse or fall over, the wires can touch or hang close to the ground, putting people and animals in danger.

Eskom urged people to remember that although a pole has fallen over, it is likely that cables are still live and must therefore not be touched.

Eskom’s corporate occupational health and safety operations manager Alex Stramrood said, “The kind of unfortunate incidents where people get harmed after making contact with electrical equipment could happen to anyone, especially children. We urge parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children about not touching or playing anywhere near electrical structures, cables or wires. There have been instances where children have been injured after touching such structures which have been vandalised while playing, oblivious to the danger they pose.”

Members of the public are urged to always consider all equipment, lines and conductors to be energised. People must contact the Eskom office or their local municipality if they notice downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment.

Details: Report any unsafe conditions or connections by calling 086 003 7566.

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