Pretoria - With South Africans due to cast their votes in the Local Government Elections next week, Eskom has appealed to political parties not to place their campaign posters on electricity poles and mini substations.
“Eskom has noted a very dangerous practice of placing campaign posters on electricity poles and mini-substations. Eskom would like to remind all political parties of the dangers associated with putting up election posters on electrical structures.
“These structures are carrying live electrical equipment and conductors. When someone gets close to them or touches them it may result in a flash-over or electrical contact,” said Eskom at the weekend.
The touching of these structures can cause serious injuries or even be fatal.
The power utility said only authorised personnel are allowed to climb or work on electrical structures.
“Attaching posters to an electrical structure is not only a contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act but also puts the lives of your valuable employees and volunteers at risk.
“Should someone come into contact with electricity while attaching posters to electrical structures, you will be exposed to litigation, both from a criminal and civil liability point of view,” said Eskom.
South Africans will cast their votes on 3 August in the Local Government Elections.
“Eskom cares about your safety and we request you to refrain from attaching posters to electrical structures and in that way avoid injury and loss of lives,” said the power utility. – SAnews.gov.za
