St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) has reminded that there is a procedure and safety requirements for the installation of banners, flags and other paraphernalia on its electrical poles. This advisory is issued in response to the increased unauthorized access to LUCELEC poles to install these items and how dangerously close to our energized lines that they are reportedly being placed. LUCELEC highlighted the major safety implications for the individuals in question and the public.
The electricity company insist that only authorized personnel who have been certified by LUCELEC are permitted to climb or attach any items to the company’s electrical infrastructure. While LUCELEC boasts of robust safety measures in place to ensure the safety of its employees and others certified to do so, they say not being aware of these or not adhering to these measures can place individuals at risk when they attempt to install banners and other paraphernalia on LUCELEC electrical poles.
The use of nails to attach banners and other objects to LUCELEC poles, poses a serious hazard to linesmen who use spikes to secure their footing for safe climbing, according to a release from the company. Nails driven into poles may also puncture the insulation of any conductors attached to the poles, which can compromise the safety to those accessing these poles and the proper functioning of the electrical network.
LUCELEC emphasizes that only approved banners for public events should be installed on its electrical poles. These banners are mounted using brackets after obtaining approval from the Development Control Authority (DCA) and are installed by authorized LUCELEC contractors in accordance with all safety protocols that put neither installers nor infrastructure at risk.
With the momentum of political campaigning getting ready to hit top gear, it is anticipated that various entities involved will seek to maximize visibility throughout the island.