Safety around our Network
You can do your bit by keeping your service lines maintained, including your trees around our lines and reporting damaged network lines and equipment to us.
For more safety information around our network click here.
Safety for DIYers
With the excitement of getting out the tools, gardening gloves or even heavy machinery, it's easy to forget that there are some hidden dangers around your home that could lead to a serious accident.
Here are three simple rules you can follow up to help stay safe.
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Rule 1: Look up
Electricity will always look for the quickest way to the ground so make sure it's not through you.
Look up to avoid touching overhead lines when carrying ladders and other tall objects or machinery.
- Assume all overhead lines are live electricity lines.
- If you are trimming a tree, check first to ensure power lines don't run through or near it. If the tree is within four metres of a network powerline, call us on 0508 VECTOR (832 867) to trim the tree safely (the first trim is always free).
- If you are putting up a high structure like an antennae make sure you check for clearance from lines first. Make sure network powerlines are more than 7.5 metres from where you want to work. When considering things such as a flagpole ensure not only the pole but the flag itself has clearance. If you are working near your private service line then call us on 0508 VECTOR (832 867) and get a free temporary power disconnection or find a contractor to assist you with working safely near electricity.
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Rule 2: Look down
Underground electricity cables and gas pipes are everywhere. They could be under your lawn or driveway.
- Call 0508 B4U WORK (0508 248 967) to find out the location of electricity cables or gas pipes under your property.
- If you have cables or pipes below, make sure you avoid digging in their location. If you are breaking concrete and need equipment such as a rock breaker or excavator to dig but have established that there are cables or pipes nearby, make sure you get a professional contractor to carry out initial digging work.
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Rule 3: Look out
Electricity flows through water, so don't lead it to you. When painting, waterblasting or even just using a hose near a power outlet, make sure you switch the power off at the mains first, or use a residual current device (RCD). These can be purchased from most hardware stores.
- Never let appliances, cords or plugs come into contact with water.
- Be sure to use waterproof exterior power plugs.
- If you're putting up outdoor lights, make sure they are low voltage and safe for outdoor use. Use an RCD so the power is automatically disconnected in the event of a fault.
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