Tips to stay safe around electricity
Safety outdoors
We all like to play outside, but there are electrical hazards that we need to know about. Electricity poles and wires are above us, next to us, and even below us. Whenever you can, play in open spaces away from electricity poles, towers and power lines.
- If you fly a kite and it gets caught in the overhead power lines, live electricity could travel down the string and seriously hurt you. So be careful!
- Never climb a tree that is near power lines. Look up before you climb!
- After a storm if you see some fallen power lines, stay well clear of them. There is a strong chance they are still "live".
Safety around metal
We all touch metal objects every day - turning on a tap, playing with electronic devices like tablets, mobile phones and laptops, toys and even opening the fridge. Because metal conducts electricity, you need to be very careful when you use metal items.
- Never put a metal object, like a knife into a toaster. It's very dangerous!
- Never put anything in a power point that's not meant for it. Electricity will travel right up the metal object into your body
- Be careful when climbing a ladder at home. The power lines connected to our house are usually protected, but they can be damaged by rubbing against the gutter or a tree, or through exposure to the sun. If a person is on a metal ladder and touches the exposed line, the electricity will travel through their body to the earth.
Safety around water
Water and electricity do not mix - so keep water away from electrical appliances. Water can conduct electricity because electrons can flow by hitching a ride on atoms and molecules in the water. Water also contains dissolved substances, such as salt, which greatly increase the ability of water to conduct electricity. That's why electricity passes easily through our bodies - because our bodies contain water and salt.
- Never use any electrical appliance near water
- Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or bare feet
- Never leave an electrical appliance where it can fall into a bath, sink or swimming pool
- Switch off and unplug all portable electric appliances, such as hairdryers, hair straighteners and shavers after use
- If an electrical appliance has fallen in water it must be disposed of immediately
- Do not use extension leads or power leads in wet areas - unless they are specifically designed for that purpose
Electricity substations
You will find electricity substations and power equipment all over the place. They are behind fences, in buildings, or on the side of the footpath, and most have danger signs. Substations transform the voltage generated at power stations so it can be distributed to homes, schools and businesses. Substations are safe, but you must follow the rules.
- Obey warning signs – Danger, Keep Out and High Voltage all mean stay away
- Call us on 13 13 88 if you lose something over the fence of a substation - we’ll get it for you
- Steer clear of green boxes on local streets – they are small substations and contain live electrical equipment
Electrical emergencies
We all hope that we are never in an emergency involving electricity, but if we are, it's important to know what to do.
- Ensure your own safety
- Turn the power off at the power point and remove the plug (if you are able to do so)
- Get an adult
- Ring 000
