Play Safe, Stay Safe

30 July 2010 13:05

PLAY SAFE, STAY SAFE

As the summer holidays begin, Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) is issuing a reminder to parents and young people about the dangers of playing near Treatment Works, Reservoirs and construction sites.

Hugh Curley, Health & Safety Manager at NI Water, explains:

“Understandably some children are drawn to these sites as exciting places to explore, but they are not playgrounds and fooling around at them can have dangerous consequences.

“It’s important to spread this message and I would urge all parents to explain to their children the dangers of playing in or around these areas.”

NI Water’s ‘Five Water Wise’ rules are a simple way to spell out how to stay safe:

1. Don’t climb on barriers and fences - They are there to protect you from serious injury and accidents when NI Water construction work is going on.
2. Stay away from trenches and open manholes - They are dirty, deep and dangerous. They may also contain hazardous gases.
3. Be careful near roads - Never run out from behind parked cars, vans or lorries as you could be knocked down and injured.
4. Keep clear of equipment - You may see diggers, lorries, pipes and other equipment, but don’t be tempted - steer clear and don’t touch!
5. Obey ‘Danger’ signs - Reservoirs and Treatment Works can be dangerous places, so stay well away and always obey the warning signs.

Hugh continued: “NI Water is spending millions of pounds repairing and replacing water pipes and updating treatment works in order to improve our water systems and ensure the water we provide is of the highest standard. This work may result in necessary construction sites for a period of time and we would ask parents and young people to continue to be vigilant at all times, so everyone can enjoy the summer holidays safely.”

ENDS