SP Energy Networks has issued a safety warning to everyone attempting DIY to plan appropriately and follow safety advice to reduce the growing number of DIY-related electrical safety incidents in the home.

Figures from the Energy Networks Association (ENA) show that last year there was 1218 reported safety incidents due to people undertaking DIY tasks around their homes and gardens.

The spike in domestic incidents is up by almost 20% from 1032 reported incidents in 2020, as more and more people have tackled odd jobs around their property, unaware of the electrical hazards involved.

Derek Bell, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "Many of us have been spending a lot more time at home and that's led to lots more DIY projects being undertaken.

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"However, there are some very real dangers associated with doing tasks by yourself and not involving experts or following the correct safety precautions.

"It's vital that people pay consideration to these risks as there are lots of electrical hazards within the home and garden that can cause serious injury if people don't follow relevant safety advice."

• Before you are carrying out excavation works, or installation of fence posts request free network plans and safety advice from SP Energy Network

• Always assume powerlines are live – even if they have fallen to the ground, broken or aren't sparking.

• Select your machinery and equipment in relation to safe working distances and ensure it can't come into contact with overhead power lines.

• Avoid walking under overhead cables with long objects and only if required, carry long objects at a low level and horizontally when passing under overhead cables.

• Do not attempt to rewire or tamper with the electrical components of appliances, leave this to an expert.

• Use cable locators before carrying out any work. Check plans by tracing cables and marking their position and always scan the area you intend to excavate before you start to dig.

• Always ensure that electrical items are turned off at the mains after use.

• You can call the 105 number in a case of an electrical network emergency. If anyone is injured, please call 999 for medical attention.