3 people die from electrical accidents monthly: Zera

AT least three people die every month in electrical accidents caused by illegal connections, vegetation encroaching on power lines and other factors, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has reported.

In a public notice, the energy regulatory authority urged the public not to cross, tamper with, or touch low-hanging or fallen electricity cables and lines, even if they appear harmless.

Zera emphasised that any connections or reconnections not authorised by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) are illegal.

“Zera is concerned about the increase in electrical accidents, with at least three fatalities reported every month. These incidents are caused by low-hanging power lines, vegetation encroaching on power lines, substandard workmanship and illegal connections,” reads part of the notice.

Regarding vegetation encroachment, Zera stated that it is the responsibility of property owners to cut or trim trees that grow within the wayleaves of power lines.

“This provision also applies to vegetation outside the prescribed wayleave distance but likely to interfere with power lines, potentially causing unnecessary inconvenience or interruptions to electricity supplies,” Zera said.

The notice also warned farm workers to avoid transporting metal irrigation pipes or other conductive materials under overhead electric lines.

Many electrical accidents are attributed to human error, including negligence, carelessness, forgetfulness, experimentation, shortcuts, or ignorance.

Equipment commonly involved in electrical accidents includes distribution networks, motor-driven equipment, control devices, portable electric tools and switches and panels.

Other hazards include open conduits, switch boxes, damaged or worn connections and exposed live wires, all of which fall under the category of equipment defects.

Wiring defects are also a significant cause of residential and workplace fires. -chronicle