Safety Advisor at Energex, Kevin Hore says several Queensland homeowners are lucky to be alive after the trees and vegetation they were cutting down contacted powerlines.
The incidents have prompted Mr Hore to urge people to Take Care and Stay Line Aware before they undertake any tree trimming, especially in areas with overhead power.
“We understand people are trying to beat the Coronavirus boredom with do-it-yourself projects but safety must still be front of mind,” Mr Hore said.
“In the past couple of weeks our crews have been to three incidents around the State where the homeowners were cutting vegetation too close to powerlines causing trees to fall into the high voltage.”
He said in two of the cases bamboo being cut touched high voltage powerlines sending a shock down to the to the person doing the cutting. Power was also cut to a neighbourhood when a homeowner brought trees into powerlines outside their property.
“So our message is clear: Never cut trees, tree branches or other vegetation anywhere near overhead powerlines because you can kill yourself or others instantly. Either call a professional tree trimmer or Energex 13 12 53,” Mr Hore said.
He said that while everyone should keep a lookout for overhead powerlines, underground power was also a serious safety concern people should be aware of when digging around their property.
“People looking to do a bit of digging who live in an area with underground power should know where cables and other services run beneath the surface before they begin,” Mr Hore said.
“In yards with underground power, cables will generally run in a direct line from the green pillar box on the footpath to the home’s meter box, but if there is any doubt on the location of the underground cable a licensed electrician will be able to find the exact position.”
He said anyone digging outside the fence line must call the free Dial before you Dig service on 1100 where specially-trained staff would give the details of the cable and other service layout near the property.
