Look up before you DIY, Powerco reminds Kiwis to stay safe around overhead lines

Powerco is reminding homeowners and DIYers to look up before starting outdoor work around their homes, as everyday projects near power lines can quickly turn dangerous.

From painting and gutter clearing to tree trimming and fence building, everyday jobs can put people at risk if they are working too closely to overhead power lines. To stay safe, people should always keep themselves, their tools and equipment at least four metres away from overhead lines.

Powerco’s Head of Health and Safety, Craig Stewart, says many people underestimate the risks around overhead electricity infrastructure.

“Overhead power lines are easy to overlook when you’re focused on getting a job done but they can be much closer than they sometimes appear,” he says.

“Power lines carry high voltage electricity and can be deadly, even without direct contact. Electricity can arc or jump through the air to tools, equipment and people if they get too close.”

The safety reminder forms part of Powerco’s latest public awareness campaign encouraging people to ‘Look up. Know what’s above before you start work.’

Powerco says common DIY activities linked to incidents include using ladders, trimming trees, carrying long materials, installing scaffolding and roofing work.

“A quick pause to look up can save a life. We want people to safely enjoy working on projects around their homes, but no DIY job is worth risking serious injury or death,” says Craig Stewart.

More information about staying safe around overhead lines is available on Powerco’s website.