As hardware stores report a boom in house-bound customers purchasing goods for DIY jobs, Ergon Energy is warning people not to risk their lives by attempting electrical work.
Ergon safety advisor Kevin Hore said while DIY home improvements are perfect for beating the boredom, electrical work carries serious safety and legal consequences.
“With so many of us keeping within the confines of our yard, it makes sense to dust off the toolbox and get stuck into jobs that have been niggling at us for ages,” Mr Hore said.
“Sure, have a go at a bit of timber work, painting or landscaping, but electrical work is one task that has the potential to kill you instantly, burn your house down or you could be prosecuted and hit with a hefty fine.
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“Don’t put yourself and your loved ones at risk – only ever have a licensed electrical contractor do electrical work in your property.”
Just as it is vital to take electrical safety at home seriously, it is important to steer clear of Ergon’s power network, from the service wire that supplies your home and other powerlines, to poles and substations.
“For the absolute majority of the community it is common sense never to touch our high and low voltage electrical equipment,” Mr Hore said.
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“Unfortunately though, in recent times some people have had a go at vandalising our equipment, which can result in serious injuries or death.
“For this reason we have significantly beefed up security measures, including video surveillance, around the state’s power network, depots and worksites, and this has already helped police catch thieves, trespassers and vandals.
“Increased security is about more than catching crooks, it’s about electrical safety and saving lives.”
