Safety Advice
SSE owns and operates the largest electricity network of substations, overhead lines and underground cables in the United Kingdom. This equipment is perfectly safe in normal operation if treated correctly. However, if the network develops a fault, or is damaged, or if you are working or playing in nearby, you could be at risk of injury or death. Take a moment to read the following information and advice, it may save your life. If you are a parent, make sure all your family are aware of the risks. If you are an activity leader responsible for other people, make sure they are aware of particular hazards.
Things that 'don't look right'
If you notice anything you think isn't right call your local electricity distribution company. Their emergency number is in the telephone directory, listed under 'Electricity'.
Things to look out for:
- a smell of burning from your electricity meter
- flashes coming from wires, poles or electricity substations
- broken or low hanging wires
- buried cables that have been dug up, even if they don't appear damaged
- any machines or equipment that have come into contact with overhead lines or equipment
- in an emergency dial 999 and ask for the police - they will contact the electrical distribution company responsible for the network in your area.
General advice
Coming into contact with electrical equipment, overhead lines or underground cables can cause serious burns and electric shock which can be fatal. These accidents are avoidable and our purpose here is to raise you awareness of potential hazards:
Overhead lines
In general, overhead electricity lines are uninsulated and if contact - or near contact - is made with them by anything capable of conducting electricity, including fishing rods and lines or kite and model plane control lines, the electricity will pass through the object with the risk of injuring or killing anyone holding or nearby the object. Always survey the area before starting any activity, if there are any overhead lines nearby you should take particular care:
- manoeuvring yachts with tall masts
- flying, including ballooning, gliding, kites and model aircraft
- fishing
- erecting radio or television aerials
- positioning caravans
- erecting tents or marquees
- to carry tall objects horizontally and as low as possible
- working on roofs or working with long ladders.
Underground cables
It is unlikely you will have underground cables under your ground except for the service cable that feeds your property. However, you should always take care when digging, particularly deep holes, for example for fence posts. If you uncover a cable, contact your local electricity company for advice EVEN if you haven't damaged it.
Substations
All substations should be enclosed. Children should be encouraged not to play ball games nearby as the temptation will be to retrieve the ball if it goes in the substation. You should NEVER go into a substation. If you or a child accidentally throw something into a substation, call your local electricity company who will recover it for you.
What to do when someone is in trouble
Keep at least five metres way. Never assume electrical equipment is dead, particularly fallen or broken wires. Remember, a circuit may be switched back on automatically at any time. Resuscitation following contact with electricity should only be attempted if the person is at least five metres away from the electrical source.
For more information
Contact your local electricity distribution company.
