By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The BEDC Electricity Plc has cautioned Nigerians to exercise a high level of caution while handling electrical appliances particularly in this rainy season to avoid electrical hazards.
The company has also demonstrated its commitment to reducing electrical accidents by providing safety sensitisation for members of the public, as well as in-house to engender safety consciousness among staff.
BEDC Head of Branding and Corporate Communications, Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, in a statement, quoted the Head, Safety, Health and Environment, BEDC Electricity Plc, Mr. Gilbert Nweke who said that the “safety enlightenment are on electrical safety and energy management aimed at educating the public on the dangers of unsafe practices, such as tampering with electrical installations, living and trading under high tension over-head lines, overcrowded electrical sockets, touching/stepping on lines (electrical wires).
Customers were also urged to avoid using electrical appliances during thunderstorms, steer clear of power lines and never to use wet appliances or turn on or off switches with wet hands.
It warned against dampness or water leakages inside, while windows should be shut near plug points when it is raining. Customers should also avoid standing around electrical poles and other installations.
“Heavy rainfall can cause lines to fall, making them extremely dangerous”, the company said, warning that in such incidents, residents should keep a safe distance and report immediately to the company.
Saying that accidents occur when people disregard electricity safety tips, Nweke drew the attention of the public to the high risk of electrical accidents during the rainy season.
He said BEDC is out to make customers happy, not just through the supply of electricity, but safeguarding customers and ensuring they remain protected from harm at all times.
Hence, he recommended that the safety tips be vigorously applied at home, offices, workshops and public places, especially when using electrical appliances, noting that this would eliminate hazards that lead to electrical accidents.
While assuring that the safety sensitization will be continuous, he said that BEDC is committed to bridging the knowledge gap in the consumption end of the industry, by educating the public on the entire electricity value chain.
On safety awareness for technical staff and other workers of the electricity company, he emphasized that BEDC puts their health and safety first so as to make them function optimally, just as he urged staff to apply the knowledge acquired especially while on the field, in line with BEDC’s commitment to serve customers better.
