Play Safe, Stay Safe this Summer

27 June 2013 13:34

As the summer holidays begin, NI Water is issuing a reminder to parents and young people about the dangers of playing near Treatment Works, Reservoirs and Construction Sites.

Michael Bergin, Health and Safety Manager at NI Water explained:

“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; therefore I would urge all parents to explain to their children the dangers of playing in or around these areas.”

NI Water’s ‘Five Safety 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.

Michael 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.”