DANGER OF CONTACT WITH ELECTRIC LINES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2865, 31 March 1925, Page 4

DANGER OF CONTACT WITH ELECTRIC LINES.

Tlie Minister for Public Works liiis issued tho following eireulnr to members of nil building trade

“I would point out the possibility of danger to any one coming in contact with outdoor electric lines o| any voltage. Several accidents have occurred, and there is an impression that because a wire is covered it is quite safe to handle. The covering on outdoor electric wires has its uses, but it should always be recognised that the wires may be dangerous, due to the effect of weather on the covering, faulty material or workmtanship. NTo amount of inspection will entirely remove this danger, and covered wires should always be looked upon as a possible of danger. They should never be touched intentionally, and care should alwnvs be taken not to make accidental contact. Where it is necessary to work in the vicinity of live wires, due precautions should be taken, and if it is impossible to work near them without coming in contact, the supply authority should be communicated with and requested temporarily to disconnect the wires, or otherwise ensure that there is no danger of shock until Hit work has been carried out. In this connection 1 would point, out that a thoroughly clean dry sack wrapped round the wires is an effective safeguard against accidental contact with voltages up to 250 volts to earth. A sack that is NOT thoroughly clean and dry should never lie used.