When working or playing outdoors, be aware of potential safety dangers.
- Take care with portable electric tools. Ensure a safety switch is installed on your switchboard or use a portable safety switch for added safety.
- Remember water and electricity don't mix. Always wear synthetic or rubber-soled shoes when using electrical equipment in the laundry or outdoors. Turn off and unplug appliances after use.
- Keep appliances away from swimming pools.
Safety switches
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Ensure your home has a safety switch.
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You should test your safety switch every 3 months. Simply press the ‘test’ button once and the switch should automatically trip.
Powerlines and tree safety
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Check with your local nursery to ensure that you’re planting a powerline friendly tree.
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Before planting, always check for overhead powerlines and consider how tall and wide your tree will grow.
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Don’t attempt to trim trees or branches near powerlines. Always call a professional tree trimmer to trim any vegetation that may be close to powerlines.
Powerlines - overhead and underground
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Be aware of overhead powerlines when moving equipment and ladders around your property. This includes cleaning and painting, planting or pruning trees, cleaning pools, moving boats, farming equipment and heavy machinery.
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Stay at least 3m from the service line and attachment point - the one that connects power to most homes.
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Stay clear of fallen powerlines, warn others to stay away and call Triple Zero (000). Any electrical faults, including brown outs, might be caused by fallen powerlines. Always assume fallen powerlines are live. Stay well clear and warn others.
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Don’t fly kites or model aeroplanes anywhere near overhead powerlines.
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Know where underground cables are. Call Dial Before You Dig on 1100 or request your plans at www.1100.com.au.
