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Electrocution hazard – Eskom warns transporting agencies of what to look out for

Eskom warned all delivery vehicles and trucks to steer clear of electricity lines.

August 21, 2018

Sjani Campher 2 minutes read

Eskom’s sudden spell of concern stems from four separate incidents that occurred between May and June. The incidents involved delivery vehicles which came into contact with electricity after snagging electricity lines while offloading their freight at shop outlets.

#ChooseDay : #JoinTheSafetySide and Say NO to unsafe electricity practices. Please report electrical emergencies to @Eskom_SA national call centre 0860037566 with a clear description of the hazard and full street address. #EskomLimpopo #ElectricitySafetyMonth pic.twitter.com/Uz1laFmf8k

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) August 21, 2018

An investigation following these incidents has led Eskom to two critical factors contributing to the cause of the accidents: Lack of supervision and negligence by the driver and assistants.

Eskom would like to alert trucking/transportation agencies of the safety risk involved during the loading or offloading process in the vicinity of power lines and electrical installations. Trucks are made from steel and metal which easily conducts electricity. Any contact with electricity poses a risk and may result in serious injury or death.

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Eskom would like to urge all trucking companies to be safety-wise and to be aware of the risks in their areas of operation.

Eskom would therefore like fellow South Africans, especially those in the trucking business to note the following life-saving tips:

•Never park any vehicles, including trucks, delivery vehicles or forklifts under power lines.
•Never operate cranes or cherry-pickers under power lines.
•Never offload any goods, including building material or beverages, under or near power lines.
•Never carry steel rods or pipes under power-lines. If there is no other way, make sure that the pipe or rod lies horizontally as far away from the power-line as possible.
•Never build a house or plant trees under power lines.
•Teach children not to throw objects (chains, slings, shoes, kites, toys, etc.) onto power-lines.
•Teach children not to play near any transformers or to climb any electrical structure.
•Treat all electrical cables as live and never touch it.
•Report any vandalism of Eskom property, illegal connections and electricity theft to Eskom or to the police.

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Companies are also requested to alert Eskom of any risks or dangers that they may identify in their area of operation.

#ChooseDay : Choose to keep your community safe and report emergency situations, illegal connections and vandalised equipment to @Eskom_SA customer services on 0860037566. Watch: https://t.co/9myaZaqxUt #ElectricitySafetyMonth

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) August 21, 2018

Eskom regards the safe use and handling of electricity by its customers, contractors and employees very seriously, hence Zero Harm is one Eskom’s values and key priorities.

•Customers are urged to report electrical faults at 08600 37566 (24hrs) or text their query and account number / meter number to 35328. Please report electricity theft anonymously to the Crime Line: 32211 (R1/SMS).