LEISURE PURSUITS: HANG GLIDING, PARACHUTING, PARAGLIDING, BALLOONING AND MICROLIGHTS

Extreme sports are rising in popularity and for parachutists and gliders the location of the electricity network is important when planning safe flying and landing routes.

The overhead electricity network is an indispensable part of everyone’s day to day life and Northern Ireland Electricity works with gliding and parachuting clubs to help ensure the safety of members and to make them aware of the dangers of flying or landing too close to overhead lines.

Coming into contact with an overhead line can cause serious burns and electric shocks which can be fatal.

• Where possible, clubs should display maps showing the location of lines and NIE’s Customer Helpline number 08457 643 643
• Navigate from a map, if practicable, on which all overhead lines have been marked
• Look out for and keep well away from lines. Electricity lines, especially those on wooden poles, are not easily seen from the air.
• Instruct club members in rescue and first aid procedure
• Stay put, if you collide or become entangled with a line until help arrives.

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