AT THIS TIME of year, as more people are likely to get out to enjoy the outdoors, the ESB has made an appeal for people to remain vigilant and to be careful of electricity.

Whether it’s children getting out playing, adults working in gardens and cutting hedges, or farmers harvesting crops, everyone should be mindful of overhead wires, and keep a safe distance from pylons and unused buildings.

“Electricity is perfectly safe when used in a safe manner, but it can have devastating consequences if it is interfered with,” said a spokesperson for the company.

Safety tips when outdoors:

• Always look up and watch out for overhead lines and electricity pylons and poles.
• Never fish near overhead electricity wires.
• Never enter an electricity substation or interfere with ESB equipment.
• Never enter a disused building.
• Never climb trees or walls that are near overhead wires.
• Never fly kites or toy planes near overhead lines.

Safety tips for DIY and gardening:

• Take extra care when you use electricity outside, in your garden or for DIY jobs.
• Make sure all sockets supplying electricity to garden equipment, power tools and other outdoor appliances are protected by a residual current device (RCD). This is usually fitted at your distribution board (fuse board), but are available as plug-in devices.
• We recommend you regularly check your RCD by pressing the ‘T’ or ‘Test’ button.

Safety tips for using electrical equipment:

• Always follow the manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Never use in the rain or in wet conditions.
• Use protective clothing, goggles and footwear.
• Keep trailing flexes well clear of lawnmower blades, hedge-trimmers and electric saws – always cut away from the cable, and make sure to keep the flex behind you at all times.
• Unplug all appliances before attempting to make adjustments or clean blades.
• Never leave appliances or tools unattended when they are plugged in, especially if there are children around.

Safety tips for dealing with flexes, plugs and sockets:

• Check all flexes, plugs, and sockets for any signs of damage before use, and never try to repair a damaged item yourself – instead replace it.
• Never extend a flex by jointing or homemade socket assemblies – buy one of adequate length or use approved extension reels.
• Only let a registered electrical contractor install outdoor sockets or lighting.
• When using extension reels, make sure to uncoil them completely to prevent overheating.

If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, please contact the ESB Networks on 1850 372 999.

Read: ESB warns public: don’t swim in reservoirs>
More: ESB workers protest over plans to pay €78.4m dividend to State>