Electricity is a familiar and essential part of everyday life, but negligence can kill, severely injure and cause damage to property. Raising awareness about safe practices, safety guidelines and use of appropriate wiring material can greatly reduce the number of incidences. ICA India has always been committed to work towards building the awareness on electrical safety and the need for implementation of safety policies in homes and workplaces. As a part of this continued initiative ICA India has launched its national awareness campaign “Safe wiring, safer buildings” in New Delhi. The campaign that is organised in conjunction with Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Electrical Authority and Bureau of Indian Standards is aimed towards raising awareness and educate on appropriate electrical safety policies and ensuring the right material and right size of electrical wiring.
According to Central Electricity Authority data, in 2016-17, on an average 13 persons died due to electrical accidents every day in India. Over 13 per cent of all fire related accidents were caused by electrical short circuits. We have seen major incidences of fire in residential and commercial establishments that have needlessly cost lives and scarred people through injury. The need to focus on electrical safety is an urgent need of the day.
Government of India has accorded high importance to electrical safety putting stringent standards and policies in place. However there continues to be a gap in the implementation of the standards in terms of poor industry practices, improper or weak installations design, using undersized and inferior quality of wires and electrical equipment. These gaps exist primarily due to lack of understanding and education on safety regulation. ICA India hopes to empower all electricity users in India by apprising them on the benefits of following the right wiring practices to prevent electrical incidents. The awareness campaign focuses on educating the users on new safety measures, relevant Indian standards, information on international best practices and availability of new technologies to reduce risks. Additionally, Central Electricity Authority & Bureau of Indian Standards share their expert insights to reduce the number of electrical accidents by following existing Indian standards and codes.
Amol Kalsekar, Chief Manager – Building Wire, International Copper Association India (ICA India) said, “Electricity is everywhere and it affects every aspect of our lives. Awareness of electrical hazards is vital in reducing the staggering number of electrical fires, injuries, and deaths that occur every year. By understanding key electrical safety principles and adhering to safe practices, many electrocutions and home fires can be prevented.” He added, “We at ICA India promote the use of right size wiring for safer homes and workplaces through consumer and industry awareness of the issues and risks.”
