Several people have been injured or killed by shocks from overhead power lines when erecting tents, parking caravans or moving long objects around caravan sites. Some simple precautions can reduce the risks.
Things to remember
Before setting up camp, always look up and around you and try to avoid pitching your tent or caravan directly under or close to an overhead power line. Be particularly aware when erecting TV aerials or radio masts. If there are any lines near you, stay well away from them. If you carry long objects (metal poles, fishing rods, yacht masts, etc) under lines, always hold them horizontally, parallel with the ground.
- overhead power lines are often uninsulated (bare) and can carry high voltages
- don't assume that wires on wooden poles are telephone wires
- the lowest voltage overhead lines can produce 10,000 times more current than is required to kill a person: even 230 volts (domestic voltage) can be lethal
- it can be fatal to touch electricity wires, and people or things touching the wires, even at the lowest voltages
- never assume electrical equipment is dead, even if wires have fallen or broken
- power can be switched back on at any time, without warning
- electricity can jump gaps
- metal and carbon fibre tent poles, guy lines, TV aerials and almost any long object can conduct electricity
- rubber boots won’t protect you
Never attach or tie anything to the wooden poles or pylons for overhead lines, or any other electrical equipment. Never light a fire under an overhead line, as the heat could cause the wires to sag dangerously low or break. And it’s very difficult to judge the height of lines, so don’t attempt it!
Look for signs
Electricity poles and pylons are usually fitted with yellow 'Danger of Death' notices, and lines should be too. Information specific to your site may be available from the site reception. Take note of any warning signs and stay well away from the marked area. Occasionally signs get knocked over or vandalised, so always check for lines yourself.
If in doubt, stop
If there’s a line near where you’re setting up your tent, awning or caravan, keep away. Don’t assume that it’s a telephone wire, but that it carries live electricity. If you have any doubt, contact your local electricity company or the site owner.
What to do in an emergency
If an overhead line touches your caravan (or tent or mobile home) or if you come within 5 metres of a damaged wire:
- move away as quickly as you can and stay away
- always assume the lines are live, even if they’re not sparking
- remember wires may re-energise at any time without warning (this can happen automatically after a few seconds or remotely after several hours if the electricity company isn’t aware of the situation)
- remember that if a wire’s on the ground you don’t have to touch it to be killed: current may travel a long way through the ground and even further if the wire falls on a fence or other metallic objects
- if you’re inside the caravan, stay inside until emergency services arrive
- if you have a mobile phone with you, contact emergency services – they know how to undertake rescues near to damaged overhead lines
- warn others to stay well clear
- never touch a tent, awning, frame or caravan, or any post or fence that you suspect might be touching an electricity line – even if you think the line’s dead
If this isn’t possible or the caravan catches fire:
- jump well clear – don’t climb down
- don’t touch the ground and the caravan at the same time
- run well clear with leaping strides, at least 10 metres away
- stay clear
Site owners
You have a responsibility to warn people using your facilities of any dangers that may exist. You should make sure that signs highlighting the dangers are in place and maintained. If you’re in any doubt, or if you need further advice, contact your local electricity company or refer to Health and Safety Executive’s Guidance GS6.
Call the network operator: 0800 587 3243†
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