GARDENERS are being urged to take care while carrying out DIY after a rise in the number of accidents involving electricity.
The number of electrical safety incidents recorded in gardens has risen by more than 80 per cent in the past year, according to new statistics from SP Energy Networks due to people spending more time at home.
SP Energy Networks’ top safety tips include:
•Before carrying out any DIY in the garden, request free network plans and safety advice that SP Energy Networks can provide.
•Always assume powerlines are live – even if they have fallen to the ground, broken or aren’t sparking.
•Select machinery and equipment in relation to safe working distances and ensure it can’t come into contact with overhead power lines.
•Carry long objects at a low level and horizontally when passing under overhead cables.
•Do not attempt to rewire or tamper with the electrical components of appliances, leave this to an expert.
•Use cable locators before carrying out any work.
Residents can also call the emergency helpline on 105.
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