• ESB Networks is reminding all electricity customers to never take risks with electricity. There are no second chances with electricity.
• Always Watch Out for Your Electrical  Safety.

People can be seriously injured or killed by coming too close to overhead electricity power lines and other electrical equipment. Make sure you know the potential dangers and keep a safe distance away.

In the home make sure your own electrical system is in good shape. Check that your safety trip-switch, called a Residual Current Device (RCD), works by pushing the test button.

Check that there are no damaged plug tops or frayed wires. If in any doubt, get in touch with a registered electrical contractor.

When doing outdoor work around the house make sure that you first check that there are no ESB wires close-by. Electricity is very powerful, that is why you must always keep a safe distance. When you are using electrical tools and equipment outdoors make sure the equipment is suitable and properly rated for outdoor conditions and plug them into a portable RCD device for extra safety.

Safety Tips when outdoors – Always watch out for overhead electricity wires and cables.

Here are a few important safety tips from ESB Networks.

1. Always look up and watch out for overhead electricity wires.
2. Fallen electricity wires are live and extremely dangerous. Never approach or touch.
3. Never use ESB Poles or wires to attach things to.
4. Do not carry out any work near overhead wires or poles.
5. Never climb an electricity pole or pylon or even a tree that is near an electricity power line.
6. Do not allow anything that you are holding come near to an overhead line.
7. Do not attempt to touch any objects which may have become entangled in  overhead wires.
8. Never fly kites or toy planes near overhead lines. Move away to a safer place.
9. Never put Bouncy Castles or tents near overhead wires or poles.
10. Before you go fishing or sailing check that there are no electricity lines nearby.

• Never enter disused, derelict buildings or abandoned sites as electricity and other unforeseen hazards may be present.
• Never sit on or interfere with ESB metal boxes or poke anything into them.

1. Check for frayed wires, loose connections, damaged or cracked plugs and replace immediately.
2. For extra safety, always switch off and unplug appliances and other items when not in use.
3. Always unwind extension leads fully to avoid overheating and don’t overload sockets with adaptors or extension blocks.
4. Test your RCD (residual current device /tripswitch regularly by pushing the Test Button
5. Always use a registered electrical contractor to carry out electrical work.
6. Test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms to ensure they are working.