Safety first all the time

THE article “A life cut short by electrocution” (Starlifestyle, Sept 29) was a sad read.

Yes, electrical accidents can happen. Consumers ought to pay attention to electrical safety at all times, especially in floodprone areas. It is for their own good and that of their families. Please also pay heed to pointers issued from Tenaga Nasional – it could save lives.

In recent days, our caring national electrical company Tenaga Nasional has come up with some safety pointers, especially now with floods and rains expected on the East Coast.

Among the pointers is to stay away from TNB’S substations due to risk from electrical shocks and high voltage. Kids should avoid swimming and fishing in lakes near high voltage lines. This also includes kids not playing near the electricity poles, be it flying kites or remote control airplanes and drones.

It is also important that they not touch any broken cables due to fallen trees especially when it rains. They should also be told to never touch a fallen power line. Electrical equipment must be handled with care.

If I may add few more thoughts on electrical safety, what troubles me is the lack of safety around electricity and electrical equipment in many Malaysian homes/offices. This is worrying.

To begin with, I see the use of too many adapters. This is a bad and dangerous practice. It can lead to overheating of cables. Please, it should stop as it can cause electrocution and lead to fatalities. So do be aware of that.

Wire extensions must be spread out to avoid overheating while in use. If possible, try not to use them. Have sufficient plugs in the initial stage of wiring.

Consumers should exercise extra care in handling electrical appliances. And please protect power points from the probing of children. Replace worn electrical leads, particularly those on electric irons and don’t use any extension cord or appliance cord that is cut or frayed.

And don’t allow electrical cords to come in contact with water. It pays to play safe when it comes to electricity.

BULBIR SINGH Seremban