24 September 2003 00:00 SAFETY TIPS FOR A SAFE BANK HOLIDAY

With the August Bank Holiday this weekend and weather forecasters promising sunny skies and warm temperatures, East Midlands Electricity (EME) is sending out a special safety message.

Dave Welbourne, Operational Safety Engineer at EME, said: “This weekend is the perfect opportunity to tackle those little jobs around the house or to simply get out and about.

“However, accidents can happen and we want everyone to be aware of the dangers that we all may come across both in and out of the house”.

Electrical accidents are rare but can have serious outcomes so EME is urging people to keep in mind some key points:

Anyone doing a spot of DIY around the house and who is not really sure what they are doing should STOP.

• Call in an approved electrician for any wiring or electrical work – it’s cheaper than the cost of your life;
• Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands;
• Never try to fix radiant heaters, electric towel rails or mirror lights above a bath or shower.
Anyone out in the garden having a tidy up, TAKE CARE.

• Always use an RCD (Residual Current Device) when using any electrical equipment such as electric lawn mowers or strimmers – these should give you some protection from electric shock should anything go wrong;
• Always cut away from the flex of electrical equipment;
• Never use electrical equipment when it’s raining or damp.

Anyone out and about near overhead power lines should LOOK OUT-LOOK UP.

• Keep kites or model aircraft away from power lines – electricity can travel down the string and electrocute you;
• Watch out if you are fishing using a carbon fibre rod – if you accidentally hit a power line with it you could be badly hurt.

Finally, parents should keep an eye on their children.

Make sure they know how dangerous it is to climb up or into electricity structures and substations. If they lose their ball or kite, they should leave it and contact EME. We will switch off the power if necessary and safely return their belongings.

Remember, the Bank Holiday is a time for fun and not fatalities. Keep your eyes open and keep you and your families safe.

For free information and advice please call EME on 01332 393838 or see our website www.eme.co.uk. Also get your kids to have a look at our special website created just for them www.powerdiscoveryzone.com
In the case of emergency call EME on 0800 626555.