TIRUVANANTHAPURAM : On Thursday, a 26-year-old man was electrocuted at Venjaramoodu while using a fruit picker near a high-tension power line. He was the fifth person in the district to die similarly this year.Somukumar, hailing from Punalur, died at his sister’s residence in Venjaramoodu. Quoting eyewitnesses, officials said the youth used the fruit picker made of aluminium, ignoring onlookers’ warnings.
Officials of the Department of Electrical Inspectorate (EI) said use of metal rod or metal ladder near electric lines was a major cause of electrical accidents in the state. As many as 35 persons died in 60 such accidents reported in the state in 2017-18.“Despite our repeated warnings, people are reluctant to use safe picking tools on trees near power lines. In our public campaigns, we advise people to use dry sticks and avoid usage of rods and ladders made of iron, aluminium or any other metal,” said Dileep Kumar M G, district’s Deputy Chief Electrical Inspector.
The official said accident often happens when the rod goes out of control of the user. “The user will be helpless when the rod bends and move towards the power line, especially if he is on top of a tree. High-tension lines have the magnetic power to pull metallic objects,” he adds. In 2017-18, the total number of electrical accidents in the district was 33. As many as 22 persons died and seven were injured in these incidents. Four animals were also electrocuted during the period. According to the officials, families should ensure that all members know about the precautions against electrical accidents, rescue and first aid.
Monsoon
It’s monsoon and time for some extra precautions to avoid electrical accidents. EI officials advise people not to venture out on roads during heavy rains, except in unavoidable circumstances.
“The warning is to prevent electrocution from snapped power lines on public roads. Even if the KSEB makes their best efforts, power lines get snapped owing to a tree fall or some other reason,” Dileep Kumar said.
Faulty wiring can lead to electric shocks on walls, especially wet walls. On Wednesday, a woman at Edava died after being electrocuted from the wall of her cattle shed. The EI advises people to take four major precautions - to install an ELCB, ensuring proper earthing, proper wiring and avoid taking multiple connections directly from a power plug.