Safety Checks when Painting Your Home

[ Last Updated 3 July 2007 ]

Always check where overhead power lines and cables are situated before using a ladder when painting your home.
For example, metal ladders are excellent conductors of electricity. Anyone touching a ladder when it is touching a power line could be electrocuted. Wind, uneven ground or reaching to the side while on a ladder could cause it to shift position and you could come into contact with an overhead power line.
Keep in mind clearance requirements when undertaking house extensions and renovations, such as painting, installing new windows or building a deck.
Before you do any work near power lines or underground cables, arrange with your power company to identify any problems or disconnect the supply.
Never touch overhead power lines, underground cables or the bare conductors that connect them to the house as this could be fatal.