KUCHING: The public are urged to be cautious and alert at all times when working near electrical facilities such as overhead power lines.
Sarawak Energy’s utility arm, Syarikat Sesco Berhad chief executive officer Lau Kim Swee, said they must not be complacent when it comes to safety.
“Electricity can kill. Practise extreme caution when working near any electrical installations, especially high voltage power lines and substations to avoid getting hurt by electrocution or electrical flash-over,” he said in a statement today.
He said electrical flash-over occurs when electricity “jumps” without direct contact with power lines or conductors and can result in serious burns or tragic loss of lives. The safety clearance from overhead lines is at least 4.6m (15 feet).
“Safety is Sarawak Energy’s top priority. Tragic incidents can be avoided if everyone is aware of electrical hazards and the potential threat to lives. We do not want anyone to get hurt,” he stressed.
It has already been stressed that one accident or fatality is one too many no matter what the circumstances are. As such, staff and contractors are required to comply with a set of mandatory safety rules.
SEB contractors have been reminded to take precautionary measures before proceeding with their work at locations where there are overhead and underground power lines.
This is because there have been cases of heavy machinery and tall vehicles getting entangled with high voltage overhead power lines while excavators have damaged underground cables, causing unnecessary power interruptions.
SEB will continue to raise awareness of and deploy safety officers to carry out safety briefings and provide contractors with relevant underground cable maps to prevent damage to cables.
Sarawak Energy has issued constant reminders through the print media, radio campaigns, exhibitions, distribution of leaflets. Its officers have also gone to schools to educate students and the public on the danger of electrical infrastructure and facilities.
Sarawak Energy advised the public to call their 24/7 Customer Care Centre at 1-300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com if they have any doubts.
Reports of any concerns relating to electrical facilities such as overhead lines can also be logged into SEBcares, Sarawak Energy’s mobile app.
