Electricity network operator shares important advice as outdoor safety incidents spike across its operational areas 

Recent research commissioned by SP Energy Networks has revealed that less than a quarter (23%) of people in the UK are aware of the location of power lines when enjoying outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, flying a kite or using a drone.

The findings have prompted the leading electricity network provider to raise awareness of the key safety advice to follow when planning outdoor adventures and activities, which many families will be doing for the October school holidays.

There were eight serious electrical safety incidents across SP Energy Networks’ licence areas last year and the company’s research has found that less than a third (29%) of people feel confident in their ability to avoid electrical hazards while they enjoy these activities in the great outdoors, with almost 1 in 5 (17%) not feeling confident at all.  

Concerningly, less than 40% of UK campers familiarise themselves with dangers like overhead power lines when they setup in a new location and when it comes to fishers, only a third (33%) of people consider the electrical dangers around them.

Given these findings, SP Energy Networks is on a mission to enhance safety awareness among families preparing for the upcoming October break and is sharing key safety advice and guidelines to ensure they can enjoy their outdoor adventures while minimising the risks associated with power lines. Health and Safety Director, Derek Bell, has detailed crucial tips to keep the UK population safe whilst enjoying these outdoor activities:

• Never pitch a tent or caravan directly under or close to an overhead power line. Always assume power lines are live.
• If fishing or taking part in water sports on or near water and if there’s overhead power lines in the area, where possible, enjoy your activity elsewhere.  If not, keep at least 30m away and cast fishing rods with care.
• Don’t light fires or BBQs beneath overhead lines and avoid carrying tent poles, ladders or other long objects near overhead wires. Only carry long objects horizontally.
• Don’t play ball games or use kites near substations and overhead powerlines. Never retrieve lost items from the enclosures around substations – they’re there for a reason.
• Call the free national 105 number in a case of an electrical network emergency.
• If anyone is injured, please call 999 for medical attention.

Derek said: “We want to make sure that people have the information that they need to make the most of an outdoor adventure in the UK while minimising the risk of electrical dangers. By staying clear of power lines and using caution around electrical equipment, you’re protecting yourself and your family.”

For further information and details of SP Energy Networks safety advice, please visit https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/safety.aspx