Mate that’s one shock you really don’t want

“Mate that’s one shock you really don’t want”

September 17 2015.

Lines companies launch national radio campaign warning DIY-ers of tree trimming near powerlines.

Members of the Electricity Networks Association (ENA) have launched a national radio campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of trimming trees near powerlines.

“You, or your tools, don’t have to touch a powerline to get a shock,” explained Graeme Peters, Chief Executive of the ENA. “Even close contact can cause serious injury or death, to you or others near you. Trees can also become live if they touch a powerline.”

For safety reasons, regulations say that if a tree is within four metres of normal residential powerlines, the work should be done by an approved professional who is trained and equipped to work near live power lines.

Higher voltage lines are more dangerous and the required safety distances are greater than four metres.

“Despite the possibly serious consequences, we don’t think people are aware of the very real danger trimming trees near power lines presents. That’s why we’ve kicked off this campaign.”

Mr Peters said the ads encourage people to contact their local lines company for free advice and information about trimming trees near powerlines.

“The ads are short, simple and straight-forward in the hope the message will get through: trees and powerlines are a dangerous mix.”

The campaign is part of an electricity supply industry strategy to protect people from harm.

“Surveys of our members highlighted concerns about public understanding of the dangers of trimming trees around powerlines. ENA members therefore agreed that we wanted more people to be aware of the risks associated with tree trimming,” Mr Peters said

The $100,000 campaign, which began this week, will run for a month in spring and a further month in autumn.”

MP3 versions of the advertisements are on the ENA website. www.electricity.org.nz

ENDS

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