ENERGEX has warned people working in their yards this summer to be aware of underground and overhead electrical dangers around their property.
According to Energex Safety Advisor Chris Rose, digging, cutting and pruning trees in the yard is common for thousands of Queenslanders in summer, but these jobs should always be done with electrical safety in mind.
“Whether digging a new garden bed, drilling a hole for a fence post or planting a new tree we’re asking people to be aware of underground and overhead power both in the yard and on the footpath,” he said.
“For those digging within their property boundary they can organise the services of a certified cable locator who can come out and identify all underground services within their yard.
“By doing so the homeowner can not only save a costly bill by accidentally striking an underground service, the information could also save their life.”
Mr Rose said if anyone was digging outside their fence line or footpath they could contact the Dial Before You Dig free service to locate nearby cables.
“The Dial Before You Dig service can assist property owners with plans and advice of any registered underground utilities outside a property boundary,” he said.
According to Mr Rose, electrical hazards were not just underground and he urged people to also stay aware of the powerlines above them.
“There are very few second chances when coming into contact with any electricity so if someone’s doing any work such as trimming trees, working on their roof or carrying tall objects around their property they must always look above for overhead wires,” he said.