SCO/115/08 10 July 2008

School's out - stay safe!

News release - Issued jointly by the Health and Safety Executive and Scottish Hydro Electric

Now that Scottish schools have broken up for the summer holidays, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Scottish Hydro Electric have a message for parents to help their children to stay and play safe - beware of the risks from electricity outdoors as well as in the home.

HSE Specialist Electrical Principal Inspector Peter Vujanic said:

"Every year in the UK, around 15 people are killed and 300 are injured when they come into contact with electricity network equipment. These include contact with overhead lines, underground cables and equipment in substations. Over the last 10 years, 4 children have died and 215 children were injured.

"Even if someone survives an electric shock, they can suffer serious burns or even lose a limb"

Scottish Hydro Electric's Head of Operations Lisa Doogan adds:

"Most of us warn our children about the dangers of electricity in the home, but children need to be made aware that there are many potential dangers from electricity outside as well."

"During the summer holidays, we want everyone to enjoy themselves, but it’s really important that children as well as adults understand that electricity is dangerous and they can be seriously injured or even electrocuted."

Remember:

• If you fly a kite and it gets caught in the overhead power lines, live electricity could travel down the string and seriously hurt you. So be careful!
• Never climb a tree that is near power lines. Look up before you climb!
• After a storm if you see some fallen power lines, stay well clear of them. There is a strong chance they are still "alive".
• When fishing, take care to look around you for overhead power lines. Remember that electricity can jump gaps.

We all like to enjoy the outdoors, but there are electrical hazards that we need to know about. Electricity poles and wires are all around us. They can be above us, next to us, and even below us. Whenever possible, children should play in open spaces away from electricity poles, towers and power lines.

"But they also need to be aware that there are many potential dangers outside the home - substations, pylons and overhead power lines are all things people take for granted but which can also be very dangerous if not treated with respect."

Public enquiries

Call HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 08701 545500,
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

Press enquiries (Journalists only)

To: Paul Burgess
Tel: 0131 244 9060
Out of hours: 020 7928 8382

Scottish and Southern Energy Press Office
Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ, UK

T: +44 (0)845 0760 530
SSE emergencies: 0800 300 999.

HSE information and press releases can be accessed on the Internet: http://www.hse.gov.uk

Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR Scotland. tel: 0131 244 9060