One shock you really don’t want – check before you trim

One shock you really don’t want – check before you trim

The second phase of a new national radio campaign warning about the dangers of trimming trees and hedges near power lines begins tomorrow (Monday 11 April).

The campaign follows concerns from Electricity Networks Association (ENA) members that people are not fully aware of the risks involved in this activity. The adverts, which will air for a month, advise DIYers and gardeners to contact their local lines company for free advice and information before trimming their trees and hedges near power lines.

“We know at this time of year a lot of people are tidying up their properties and gardens in time for winter, which may involve pruning trees or hedges,” Graeme Peters, ENA chief executive says.

“Trimming trees near power lines is hazardous. You and your tools don’t even have to be touching a power line to get a shock. Trees can become live if they touch a line so even indirect contact between the person trimming the tree and a power line can cause serious injury or death.

“The ads are short, simple and straight-forward in the hope the message will get through: trees and power lines are a dangerous mix.”

Additionally, regulations state that if a tree is within four metres of normal residential power lines, the work should be done by an approved professional who is trained and equipped to do the work near live power lines.

Higher voltage lines are more dangerous and the required safety distances are greater than four metres.

The campaign is part of an electricity industry strategy to protect people from harm. The first part of the $100,000 campaign ran last spring.

ENDS

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