electricity poses a potential danger to everyone of us, but certain groups are more susceptible to the dangers, usually because of the environments in which they live, work, or spend their leisure time.

Anglers are one of the most vulnerable groups as overhead electricity cables may be found near to fishing waters and because fishing equipment such as carbon- fibre rods and poles make excellent conductors.

All electricity companies take precautions to help ensure the public's safety. Ground-mounted equipment is surrounded by enclosures and warning signs are posted on the equipment and fences.

In addition, overhead cables are installed at a height normally not accessible to the public.

However, manufacturers now routinely market carbon-fibre poles that are in excess of ten metres.

These are extremely popular with anglers, but because of their size, create the opportunity for direct contact with overhead cables. Consequently accidents still occur due to a lack of awareness of the dangers involved with electricity.

All anglers need be aware of the dangers involved when fishing near electricity lines in order to minimise the risk of accidents.

While it is commonly understood that when casting a fishing line, direct contact between the rod or line and the cable will enable the transmission of electricity, it is not widely known that electricity may jump across air to lines when casting. Unfortunately this can be fatal.

I can't emphasise enough how important it is to look out for overhead lines before even approaching the fishing area.

Lines can cross over access routes to fishing pools or car parks so it is essential that rods are carried horizontal to the ground.

It is not always easy to estimate heights and distances of overhead lines, which is why I advise that you should fish at least 30 metres away from all power lines.

Please follow these points to stay safe:

Always look out and look up for overhead lines before approaching the fishing area (including car parks and access routes) and assembling your fishing rods/poles;

Fish at least 30 metres away from any overhead lines (this may be different if you have had a formal site risk assessment and they have stated otherwise);

Look out for warning signs around the fishing area;

Avoid any contact or near contact to the overhead lines with any object;

Don't mistake electrical lines for telephone lines;

Remember that most fishing rods will conduct electricity, especially those containing carbon fibre;

Should you come across a fishing line entangled with a power line, report it to the Electricity Company or the landowner.

If you own, lease, or make fishing waters available where overhead lines are present, ensure that anglers are made aware of the dangers by erecting suitable safety signs.

Safety signs/warning notices are available from your local Electricity Company. They will be provided free of charge (in reasonable numbers).

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Updated: 08:55 Friday, July 11, 2003