Campaign to encourage anglers to stay safe near electricity network

An electricity distribution network operator is hooking up with the national governing body for angling to educate about the dangers of fishing when near overhead power lines, cables and poles.

The ‘Look Up It’s Live!’ campaign from Northern Powergrid encourages anglers to ‘look up before they hook up’. If fishing equipment comes into contact, or too close with overhead power lines, it can cause horrific burn injuries or even death.

With power lines on wooden poles carrying voltages up to 132,000 volts, anglers are being urged to always plan ahead when fishing, and tackle safety before they set off.

Gareth Pearson, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Health, Safety and Training said: “We’ve renewed our partnership with the Angling Trust to educate anglers to help keep them safe.

“High voltage currents can pass through almost all fishing rods and poles, so we ask anglers to tackle safety before they set off and look up before they hook up, to make sure fishing equipment does not contact our power network.

“If anglers do make contact with electricity, take leaping strides, move away from the area and ensure one foot is off the ground at all times.

“Warn others to stay away, maintain a five-metre clearance and call us on 105 for assistance. Always dial 999 if it’s a medical or fire emergency.”

The not-for-profit Angling Trust is recognised by the Government as the National Governing Body for angling in England.

Jamie Cook, CEO of the Angling Trust, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Northern Powergrid.

“Their support and expertise has enhanced our ability to warn anglers of the dangers of fishing near powerlines.

“It’s a simple message but a hugely important one and Northern Powergrid is leading the way in their industry to ensure that safety messaging gets out to grass roots anglers with our help.”

A list of tips for fishing safely has been produced:

• Look Up It’s Live! Power lines on wooden poles carry voltages up to 132,000 volts.
• Carry your rod horizontally.
• Take a good look around you, behind you, and above you.
• Unpack, set up and pack your rod away at the water’s edge.
• Stay away from the electricity network and change your route to avoid power lines.
• Observe all warning signs and obstructions if they instruct you not to fish in that area.
• Power lines can be more difficult to see at night and against a dark or bright backdrop. Be more aware.
• Remember: you don’t need to make contact with power lines to receive an electric shock – electricity can jump gaps.
• Always report any near-misses with the electricity network. Call 105 to let Northern Powergrid know and also report to the fishery owner – you could save a life.
• Power lines which have been damaged can stay live or automatically become live again without any warning – always treat overhead cables or power lines as live and keep away.
• The campaign will see Angling Trust share Northern Powergrid’s ‘Look Up It’s Live!’ safety leaflet directly with its members, a joint social media campaign, emails and blogs to its members and website and newsletter features.