17 August 2010
It’s one of the ultimate thrills – soaring high over the countryside in a hot air balloon is an exhilarating experience. But what goes up must come down and safety experts from EDF Energy Networks are urging balloonists to be extremely careful about where they choose to land.
First and foremost, they need to be aware of overhead power lines, which can be difficult to spot from the air.
Although detailed aviation maps show major transmission lines, they do not show many high and low voltage lines which are often mounted on wooden poles. These can be difficult to spot on a sunny day and that can sometimes lead to accidents and injuries.
Nick Rogers, head of health and safety for EDF Energy Networks said: “Although such incidents are few and far between, we would urge balloonists to be very aware of the dangers. Accidents like this do happen and we want to help eradicate them.”
With this in mind, EDF Energy Networks has issued some simple guidelines for balloonists to help them come back to Earth safely:
- Although some lines are hard to see it’s sometimes possible to see shadows cast by the lines or the poles themselves
- Always carry a pair of binoculars so you can see clearly before getting too close
- Always presume that an overhead line is carrying electricity and is live rather than hoping it’s a telephone wire
- Remember – even the lowest voltages can be fatal
- Most overhead lines are not insulated
- Electricity can jump across gaps
If, despite all the precautions, a balloon becomes entangled in, or makes contact with, an overhead power line, it is important to do the following:
- Call the emergency services on 999. Give them the most accurate location that you can and ask them to contact the local electricity company
- Keep calm and under no circumstances attempt to disentangle any part of the balloon. Even if you think the power line may be dead it can be switched back on at any time without warning
- Warn others on the ground to keep well away, especially if any of the power line is touching, or close to the ground
- Do not attempt to leave the basket of the balloon unless there is a real threat of fire.
- If you must leave the balloon jump clear and stay clear
It’s also worth remembering that it’s not just the people inside the balloon who may suffer. Depending on the importance of the line, many other people could be affected because the supply may have to be switched off to deal with the problem. These could include hospitals, businesses, and schools as well as homes.
ENDS
For further information, contact Tracey Sparling in the EDF Energy press office on 08701 962504
Notes to editors:
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies, producing around one-fifth of the nation's electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company provides power to a quarter of the UK’s population via its electricity distribution networks and supplies gas and electricity to more than 5.5 million business and residential customers. It is the number one supplier of electricity to major business in the UK.
EDF Energy’s safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK's nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear reactors, subject to the right investment framework. These new plants would generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK’s future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.
Through Our Climate and Social Commitments EDF Energy has launched the biggest environmental and social programme of any UK energy company. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company is also helping its customers and others use energy more sustainably through products and initiatives such as Read, Reduce, Reward and Team Green Britain.
EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. Following the integration with British Energy in 2009, the company employs nearly 20,000 people at locations across the UK.