The countdown to the end of 2020 has begun and care
with safety must be
in place for this moment. During New Year’s Eve celebrations people use to set
off fireworks, so Neoenergia warns about the dangers which can be caused when this is made near
the electrical grid. In addition, the company prepared some guidelines to avoid
accidents in other common situations in these holidays.
The first point to be attentive is for the use of fireworks
and rockets. “These must never be used near or towards the energy network. The
best way is to launch them as distant as possible from the wiring, preferably
in a deserted place and without the proximity of people", says the Health
and Safety manager of Neoenergia, Harley Albuquerque. It is important to
remember that all items can only be handled by adults, following the
manufacturer's safety guidelines stamped on the packaging, always choosing to
buy products with warranty and quality certificate.
The risks associated with the use of fireworks near
the energy network include accidents raging from the damage the electricity
supply to fatal situations. In the event of a power outage, the first step is
to isolate the area and call the distributor to identify the situation and
appropriate interventions. Never come near or touch the wiring that might fall
off or try to remove an object from the network. Only the distributor's team is
qualified for such procedures.
"Nobody wants to run out of energy right at
the turn of the year, so all the care and attention is needed to ensure the
celebration in peace," Albuquerque says. Other safety guidelines when
using fireworks include avoiding launching them near building facades and dense
vegetation, and buying artifacts that featuring a base, as it is not
recommended to hold them directly with your hands.
HOLIDAY HOME
New Year’s Eve celebrations usually attract people
to enjoy coastal areas and rent summer houses. In this event, attention shall
be given to the state of the property's wiring, which normally stays closed
most of the year and may not be up to date with maintenance. Therefore, it is
advisable to check with the landlord how long the house has been built - the
average lifetime of the entire wiring is 15 years, after this period, it is
recommended to hire an electrician for general maintenance.
When arriving at the house, make sure to find the
location of the circuit breaker and check the status of the wiring and sockets.
Another attention shall be given to houses with swimming pool. Don’t plug
electronic devices near the water and nor handle the equipment with the body
wet and barefoot. "It is common for people to leave the pool and go
straight to the fridge to get drinks or food. The risk of shock is very high in
this situation, so always wear shoes and keep yourself dry" concludes the
health and safety manager.