A lack of basic precautions around low-hanging power lines is causing unnecessary deaths and injuries in our communities, costing the lives of many people in the last year; this is according to Eskom’s Distribution Risk Management Department.

“Besides the loss of life caused by people coming into unsafe contact with power lines, other community members have suffered electrical burns or been maimed by coming into contact with electricity. The tragedy is that these lives and injuries could have been avoided if basic precautions were observed,” says Moniwa Mahlangu, Manager of Safety, Health and Environment at Eskom Distribution.

Mahlangu said environmental conditions, accidents, vandalism and theft account largely for the damage sustained to power lines. According to him, Eskom is committed to reducing the level of electricity-related deaths and injuries and relies on people living near power lines to observe rules.

He emphasised that people must not touch any low-hanging power lines or wires lying on the ground. “Always assume that wires lying on the ground are still live. Warn children, who are the vast majority of those injured, of the dangers presented by electricity and do not allow them to play near cables, installations or power lines. Never build dwellings or shacks below power lines. If a cable is dislodged, it could fall on a metal roof and cause injury or death," he added.

“Never erect metal aerials or similar structures below power lines for the same reasons. Immediately report low-lying power lines so that Eskom teams can respond and remove the danger,” said Mahlangu. “In most cases, installations or infrastructure is numbered for reference. Having this reference number makes it easier for Eskom technicians to identify a particular site and respond more quickly,” he said

Mahlangu said Eskom has several initiatives in place to educate communities and children about the safe use of electricity.

“It is vitally important, however, that parents reinforce education about power lines and warn their children about electrical hazards they may encounter. Children should also be encouraged to tell their parents about unsafe conditions on installations or infrastructure that is damaged or presents a danger, so that these can be reported,” he added.

Mahlangu says Eskom is also continually improving the effectiveness of monitoring the infrastructure and is presently examining ways of introducing technical innovations that will be connected to the system and enable these challenges to be tracked.

All power lines and infrastructure are also subjected to a maintenance schedule, with many being replaced before they are considered having reached the end of their useful lives. “However, vigilance by people living near lines and a commitment to reporting low hanging lines as soon as they are noticed are still the most effective ways of solving the problem,” said Mahlangu..

People wishing to report damaged poles or overhead lines that could pose potential dangers in their communities should call Eskom on 08600 ESKOM (37566) or e-mail [email protected] for assistance.