Ranchi: Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL) on Saturday equipped its field workers in the capital with a new proximity-warning safety device to prevent accidents during high-voltage repair work.“The compact gadget emits an audible alert and visual signal whenever a technician approaches a live wire. This will help the workers be alert if they are getting too close to a live wire, thus preventing any untoward accident,” said Manmohan Kumar, general manager of the Ranchi Electric Supply Area.Kumar said the equipment acts as a vital fail-safe during technical glitches where power lines may remain charged despite a shutdown.
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“Devices will be provided to over 500 field staff across the entire Ranchi circle in a phased manner, along with conducting regular safety training,” he said.The distribution was managed by JBVNL’s outsourced manpower contractor JMD Services Pvt Ltd, which held an initial training session for 38 workers in the Kokar division on Saturday.Project head Neeraj Kumar Jha said, “The device is in addition to the usual safety gear provided, including helmets, gumboots, gloves, reflective jackets and other safety equipment. We are handling six out of 10 divisions in Ranchi and will be conducting safety training and handing over devices in all these divisions phase-wise to ensure safety of the field workers. The next training is scheduled for the Lalpur division on Monday.”Field supervisors welcomed the initiative. Kokar sub-divisional officer Pankaj Jaiswal said, “The device will be very helpful as sometimes linemen are unable to understand if the power has been disconnected or not and have to wait till they can connect to the substation before starting the work. With these devices, they will be able to act quickly.”The safety push comes amid growing concerns over workplace casualties highlighted by the Urja Vikas Shramik Sangh. Union officials said 10 accidents were reported across the state so far this year during electrical repairs. One person died in these accidents. Of the total, five were reported in Ranchi circle alone.Union president Ajay Rai said, “Many of these accidents could have been prevented had the provision of prescribed safety kits and safety training been ensured. Another major reason behind accidents is that non-skilled workers are being sent to repair lines instead of trained workers. Action should be taken against agencies doing this.”kellykislaya@gmail.com
The gadget will emit an audible alert and visual signal whenever a technician approaches a live wire. This will help the workers be alert if they are getting too close to a live wire and prevent accidents