Take care around powerlines – electricity can be dangerous

Friday, 7 January 2022

Electricity distribution company Jemena is urging members of the community to be aware of the potential dangers of powerlines and other energy infrastructure, following a recent life-threatening incident at Brimbank Park, after two members of the public tried to free a drone using a crane.

Executive General Manager of Jemena Networks Shaun Reardon wished the men involved as swift a recovery as possible.

“Powerlines and other related equipment are dangerous – people may get complacent about them because they’re part of our urban landscape and something we see every day,” Mr Reardon said.

“However, at any given time, enough electricity to power homes, business and industry in whole suburbs is running through them, which means making contact with powerlines, or even in some circumstances, getting close to them is potentially life-threatening

“If you are in a situation where something of yours gets stuck in a powerline, or you lose it near a powerline, do not, under any circumstances, try to retrieve it.

“If it’s something important to you or your work, or you think it might have an impact on the electricity network, please contact your energy distribution network or emergency services.

“Additionally, with increasing numbers of people flying drones, if you have one, please make sure you keep them clear of powerlines and familiarise yourself with laws around where you can fly them.”

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) advises that under the Energy Safety Act Victorians cannot fly drones, weighing less than 2kg within three metres of powerlines. Cranes are also prohibited from coming within 6.4 metres of powerlines without additional safety measures in place.

For more information about laws about flying drones near powerlines and other important safety information, including the Look Up and Live campaign, visit ESV’s website.

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Jemena Media Contact
0428 742 804