Santa Catarina is the 6th state with the highest number of deaths from electric shock in the country, with 33 records in 2022, according to the Brazilian Electricity Hazards Awareness Yearbook compiled by Abracopel (Brazilian Electricity Hazards Awareness Association). .

South Carolina is among the states with the highest number of electrocution deaths – Credit: Julia Schaefer/ND

According to the survey, most of these are the result of deaths that could have been avoided by simply being careful when using household appliances.

The country as a whole is dominated by deaths occurring in air distribution networks (262 cases) and at home (149). The biggest victims are adults: 160 people aged 31 to 40 and 127 people aged 41 to 50 died. In 2022, 55 deaths of children and adolescents aged 0 to 15 years were recorded.

Celesc launches advertising campaign

Celesc launched last Monday (13) an awareness campaign to prevent power outages.

“In order to avoid accidents, it is important to follow certain daily habits,” says Ricardo Furlanetto, Head of Safety, Health and Wellbeing at the company. “Electricity is odorless, colorless and can be fatal if handled unsafely.”

The manager stresses that double caution is required when using equipment such as scaffolding, ladders, rebar, cornices or metal materials near the power grid. “Mere contact with a live wire can be fatal,” he says.

Higher wattage appliances such as air conditioners, electric showers and microwave ovens have their own circuits to avoid accidents, but it is important to properly size outlets for each type of appliance.

According to Fabio Raffaelli, Health and Safety Engineer at Celesc, “Houses should have an electrical design that facilitates maintenance and even the assessment of increased consumption on the same network.” It specifies that any electrical maintenance should be performed by a specialized electrician to avoid electrical problems.

Rafaelli notes that if any maintenance is required on the electrical network, it is important that the circuit breaker in the house is turned off to avoid accidents.

Network Vegetation Alert

In a state with regions where eucalyptus and pine forests are widespread, the dangers and damage caused by vegetation to the power grid are alarming.

Celesc says it is stepping up its cleanup and tree trimming efforts in these areas, but the problem remains the main cause of power outages in Santa Catarina.

Trimming and mowing of public areas within the safety lanes (15 meters on each side) is the responsibility of the energy distributor, and the correct assignment of the cut material is the responsibility of municipal administrations.

Pruning vegetation on private property is the responsibility of the owner. Thus, upon noticing that the branches are growing too much, the property owner or his representative should organize preventive pruning.

Maintenance must be performed by a qualified and safely equipped person. In the event of a power outage caused by vegetation on private property, distributor access to the site is permitted even without prior notice or consent from the owner.

Here are some tips for preventing accidents

• Celesc must be informed when large trees are cut down near the power grid. The service can only be performed by a specialized team authorized by the mayor’s office;
• If the wire breaks and falls, it should be assumed that it is energized at all times, isolate the area and do not allow anyone to approach it. The owner should also contact Celesc for assistance by calling 0800 048 0196.
• It is extremely important and careful operation of agricultural machinery. Whenever maintenance is performed near the mains, make sure that no moving part of the machine can touch the mains wires.
• Burning near the grid is also definitely dangerous and should not happen. Even if the fire does not directly reach the pillars or towers, the heat can cause a short circuit.
• The owner of the reforestation site may be subject to legal action for non-compliance with the law and may be liable for damages to third parties and Celesc.

outdoor safety

• Consider that the network is energized even when the power is off;
• Do not hang or throw anything into the electrical network;
• Do not set up decorations or set off fireworks near electrical outlets;
• Releasing balloons is a crime and can cause serious damage to the power grid, as well as start a fire;
• Never rescue a kite or other object entangled in electrical wires;
• Do not touch broken or loose wires outside and notify Celesc immediately on 08000 48 0196;
• Remember that electrical tampering and theft, in addition to being a crime, can cause electric shock, short circuit and fire.
• Be careful when using agricultural machinery near an electrical outlet;

home security

• When purchasing electrical equipment, check whether the wiring supports the power of the equipment;
• Before any repair of the electrical installation, turn off the general switch (knife switch) on the electrical panel of the residential premises;
• Only specialists with appropriate protective equipment should work directly with the electrical network;
• Avoid using equipment such as irons and dryers with wet hands. Also avoid placing these appliances in places with water, such as a sink;
• Always keep an eye on your appliances and check for loose or exposed wires;
• Avoid using an electric shower during thunderstorms;
• Never switch the summer/winter switch while the shower is running;
• In case of flooding, the main switch must be turned off if the water level reaches the height of the sockets to avoid accidents; Do not install the antenna close to the mains;
• Avoid doing any electrical work while it is raining.