Udaipur: The Institution of Engineers (India), Udaipur Local Centre, organised a workshop on “Electrical Safety Awareness, Prevention and Protection” to create awareness about electrical hazards, safety practices and preventive measures.

At the beginning of the programme, Centre Chairman Er. Purushottam Paliwal welcomed the guests and said that electrical energy is the foundation of modern life, but negligence and disregard for safety standards can result in serious accidents. He emphasised that electrical safety is not merely a technical issue but also a social responsibility linked to the safety of people and property.

Honorary Secretary Er. Piyush Javeria said electrical safety is a collective responsibility. Awareness, adherence to safety rules and proper preventive measures can help avoid many electrical accidents.

Chief Guest Er. Yevanti Kumar Bolia, Chairman of the Udaipur Chapter of the National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety and former Chairman of the Institution of Engineers (India), Udaipur Local Centre, explained the role of the federation. He said the organisation works to promote electrical safety, prevent accidents, encourage safe electrical installations and maintenance practices, and spread public awareness. It brings together engineers, inspectors, consultants, utility professionals, industrial safety experts and other professionals associated with electrical systems.

Key speaker Er. Gaurang Shah, Executive Member of the National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety, Udaipur Chapter and former AVP and Global Head of Secure Meters, Udaipur, explained that electrical safety involves implementing appropriate rules, practices and protocols to protect people, property and the environment from electrical hazards.

Discussing workplace safety, he stressed the importance of proper installation and maintenance of electrical equipment, worker training, regular inspections and the use of appropriate safety gear. He advised people not to connect loose or damaged wires to extension boards and to ensure that extension boards have essential safety features, including fuse protection against overcurrent.

He warned against overloading extension boards by connecting one extension board to another or using multiple outlets from a single socket. He also advised consumers to use electrical plugs carrying the ISI mark, ensure that flexible supply cords are not twisted internally and check that their outer insulation is not cut or damaged.

Speaking about protective devices, he recommended using properly rated MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) to protect against overloads and short circuits. He also stressed the importance of installing RCDs (Residual Current Devices) of the appropriate rating and testing their operation regularly.

Shah also highlighted safety concerns related to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. He explained that solar panels can continue generating electricity even when the grid supply is switched off. Residential solar systems may generate around 300–600 volts DC, making proper precautions essential. He noted that DC electricity can be particularly dangerous because it can cause sustained muscle contraction, making it difficult for a person to release a live wire.

He advised installing MCBs to automatically trip during overloads or short circuits and using RCCB/ELCB protection to detect leakage currents and help prevent potentially fatal electric shocks. He cautioned against using multiple multi-plug adapters or extension strips on the same wall outlet.

He further advised that heavy appliances such as air conditioners and geysers should be connected only to suitable 16A sockets. Consumers should purchase certified wires, preferably those with Flame Retardant (FR) or Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) properties.

He urged people to immediately investigate warning signs such as flickering lights when heavy appliances are switched on, buzzing or crackling sounds from switches, the smell of burning plastic, or unusually hot wall plates.

The programme was conducted and concluded with a vote of thanks by Honorary Secretary Er. Piyush Javeria.