The increase of cable theft opens up possibilities of electrical shocks.
According to Eskom’s electricity safety tips, electrical shocks could come from exposed cables, illegal connections, vandalized equipment and exterior overload.
Government said back in February 2024, that Transnet reported 1,121km of cables stolen in the 2023 financial year alone. This is an eight-fold increase in just five years.
The February report also indicates Eskom copper theft thus far, is estimated at R5-7 billion a year.
What to do should a person get an electric shock
The Mediclinic InfoHub suggests, to call the ambulance emergency line immediately.
The person in shock cannot be touched, or moved whilst under an electrical current, unless they’re in danger of additional injuries.
Mediclinic InfoHub list of action
# Break contact between the person and the current source as quickly as possible: The best way to do this is to shut off the current at the main fuse box.
#It is not recommended to use a wooden stick or similar to separate the person from the appliance: Some power sources are 8 meters long.
#A person who has been struck by lightning poses no danger to the rescuer.
#Check the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), start CPR if necessary and call an ambulance.
#Check for signs of shock (the life-threatening condition which occurs when blood flow is too low to serve the vital organs. Major burns cause loss of body fluids, which can lead to shock.)
With high voltage, the person may have been thrown into the air and may have sustained back, head or neck injuries. Internal body damage is not always obvious.
Eskom’s preventative measures
#Always check the state of your electrical cables. If they are damaged, cut or broken, you need them fixed by a trained electrician.
#Never run any wires through doors and windows.
#Don’t run extensions to other buildings.
#Don’t connect a neighbour through your personal meter or electricity distribution board.
Picture: Creative Experiment