The number of incidents involving young people playing close to live electricity has surged by almost 50% in Edinburgh and the Lothians in the past year, SP Energy Networks has revealed.
The startling rise has led to the electricity distributor launching a new drawing competition for school children in the region aimed at educating them to the potential threats of live power.
The competition, run in partnership with the capital’s interactive safety centre The Risk Factory, is asking young people to depict what danger around electricity looks like to them. This could range from flying a kite outdoors near to an overhead electric power line or entering into a substation.
In the last year, more than 8,000 young people have been given the opportunity to visit The Risk Factory free of charge. SP Energy Networks has been working with the centre, which is located in the Slateford area, for almost 10 years. It recreates everyday risks in a safe environment to teach young people how to deal with or avoid risks altogether.
SP Energy Networks’ ‘scenario’ involves a life-size substation and overhead
electric power line to show the potentially devastating effects which can occur
when touched.
The safety competition is the latest partnership between SP Energy Networks and The Risk Factory to educate more young people about the increasing risks of playing, working and living close to electricity.
Students can pick up entry forms at The Risk Factory during their school visit; forms will have top tips highlighting the potential dangers, guidelines on what the drawing should look like and space for their drawing. The winner will receive an iPad Mini Air for their school.
Guy Jefferson, director at SP Energy Networks, said: “It’s worrying to see incidents on the rise, which is why we want to get the message across to young people that they should not ignore the risks that can be associated with live electricity. By encouraging them to draw potential dangers, we hope to get a serious educational message across in a fun and engaging way. We’re really looking forward to seeing how well the young people demonstrate this in their entries.”
Caroline Wilson, officer at The Risk Factory said: “The Risk Factory is hugely grateful to SP Energy Networks for its ongoing support and commitment to the delivery of safety education. The funding from our partners has allowed us to engage with over 72,000 young people through our P7 safety and life skills education programme since opening in 2007. We are looking forward to viewing the competition entries and seeing how these communicate the risks of playing, working and living close to electricity and being safe.”
Schools and organisations such as Girl Guides, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts are able to apply. Applications are open now and will close at 12 noon on Friday, 19 May.
All entries should be submitted by email or post to: Team Public Safety, Stripe Communications, 86 Commercial Quay, EH6 6LX, or publicsafety@stripecommunications.com.
Forms can also be handed into The Risk Factory.
