Election placards are a concern for power utility
"This includes electricity poles, meter boxes and mini-substations. The risk is that when someone gets close to or touches them it may result in a flashover or electrical contact. This can cause serious injuries or even be fatal," said communications officer, Phemelo Biloane.
BURGERSFORT – During the State of the Nation Address (Sona), president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the sixth democratic general election will be held on May 8.
Eskom in Burgersfort cautioned all political parties against the dangerous practice of placing campaign posters on electrical structures.
“This includes electricity poles, meter boxes and mini-substations. The risk is that when someone gets close to or touches them it may result in a flashover or electrical contact. This can cause serious injuries or even be fatal,” said communications officer, Phemelo Biloane.
She added, “Only authorised personnel are allowed to climb or work on these structures. Section 15 (3) of the Electrical Machinery Regulations states no person shall encroach in person or with an object on the minimum safety clearances prescribed in sub-regulation (1), or require or permit any person to do so except by permission of the supplier or user operating the power line.”
Biloane said putting up posters on an electrical structure is not only a contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993), but also puts the lives of valuable employees and volunteers at risk.
“Eskom cares about your safety and we request that you refrain from putting posters on electrical structures and in that way avoid injury and loss of lives.”
