Children taught about electrification

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 21, 20 October 1987, Page 5

Children taught about electrification

Senior promotions officer for Railways Colin Wright was in Ihe Waimarino last week visiting schools in the area and alerting school children to the potential dangers of the Railways electrified overhead wires which will carry a lethal current of 25,000 volts. The main trunk line between Taihape and Taumarunui is scheduled for electrification on 11 January 1988. The children visited by Mr Wright saw a short fxlm about the electrification project and were encouraged to ask questions. The information kit released by iailways is suited to children, with big colourful poste rs showing dos and don'ts when near electrified lines. A series of photographs associated with the project are included which illustrate hazards such as lighting fires close to and flying kites near overhead wires. One of the most. vital messages stressed by Mr Wright is that you can be electrocuted without directly touching the wires. The current can travel through a stream of water from a garden hose or a child's water pistol, or through the string of a kite. It can also jump a considerable distance - up to two metres. Hence the golden rule "two metres - too close". The maximum clearance height of loads on public level crossings (5.24 metres) and private level crossings (4.25 metres) were outlined by Mr Wright. Farmers who have

crossings on their properties are of particular concern to Railways because the size of their loads, whether it is hay bales or machinery, might exceed safety limits. Therefore it is crucial that farmers take special care that their loads do not exceed 4.25 metres. Drivers of trucks or vehicles whose loads exceed 5.24 metres on a public level crossing can obtain a permit and arrangements can be made to move loads safely. Although there are dangers associated with any form of electricity, people still use it in safety with a * little common sense. Cont'd onp. 11

Children taught about electrification

ConX'd from p. 5 With the electrification of the line the public will still be able to: • safely use a level crossing, either in a vehicle or on foot • travel by train with no danger from the electrified wires • touch the railway line • stand on a railway station platform • stand on a bridge above the wires, providing of course they don't touch

them. Things that absolutely MUSTN'T be done include: flying kites or model aeroplanes near live wires; carrying high loads that are unchecked for the maximum safety height; throwing objects or directing liquids at the wires; lighting fires under or near wires (smoke and hot gases cause the wires to flash over); touching broken wires and being closer than

two metres to live lines. A poem written for the campaign warns would-be careless individuals of the dangers of electricity: BEWARNED Electrical power is more cunning than thee, It lays there in waiting, there's nothing to see, To approach it, it dares you, To test out its might, But to do so means death, shocking burns or your sight.