To sensitise and propagate the message of safe electrical practices, Chief Electrical Inspectorate (CEI) of Maharashtra in association with industry stakeholders including International Copper Association (ICA) India kick-started the Electrical Safety Week in Maharashtra that commenced from 11th January 2019 and will continue till 17th January 2019. The Electrical Safety Week is to create consciousness about electrical safety amongst stakeholders and common people and inform them on how to mitigate electrical risks to ensure the overall safety of the electrical infrastructure in the state.

 

The Government of India has accorded high importance to electrical safety by putting stringent standards and policies in place. 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. However, these gaps exist primarily due to the lack of understanding and education on safety regulation.

 

Sandeep Patil, Chief Electrical Inspector to Government of Maharashtra, was of the view that the safety week provides a platform to discuss the key issues related to electrical safety in the Maharashtra. “Our mission is to propagate high safety practices, the implementation to measure and reduce electrical accidents and create awareness programmes, for both the industry bodies and the common man. Raising awareness about safe practices, safety guidelines and use of suitable wiring material can greatly decrease the number of incidences. It will also help in applying standards and regulations towards the electrical infrastructure in Maharashtra.”

 

The CEI along with ICA India is committed to work towards the awareness on electrical safety and the need for proper safety policies in homes and workplaces. “Electricity is everywhere, and it affects every aspect of our lives. Awareness of electrical hazards is vital in reducing the increasing number of electrical fires, injuries and deaths that occur every year. By understanding key electrical safety principles and following safe practices, many electrocutions and fire accidents can be prevented,” expressed Amol Kalsekar, Chief Manager, Building Wire, International Copper Association (ICA) India.

 

“We, at ICA India, promote the use of right size wiring for safer homes and workplaces through consumer and industry awareness initiatives on the electrical issues and risks, and what better way to reach out to the masses than a platform like Electricity Safety Week,” he added.

 

ICA India has been actively involved in the promotion of Best Building Wiring Practices for urban and rural households. Their building wire programme actively works with policymakers to enhance existing standards, regulations, and policies. It works with major wire manufacturers and other OEMs to influence the availability of quality products towards an electrically safe state.