AS part of the efforts to minimize hazards caused by electricity the Tanzania Electric Supply Company ( Tanesco) in Kilimanjaro region has conducted special training to students by equipping them with basic knowledge on how to protect themselves when faults occur at home or outdoor.
Closing the training to students held in
Moshi Municipality recently, Tanesco acting Regional Manager Engineer
Bagabuje Joseph said it was important to offer such knowledge to protect
students from the hazards caused by electricity.
“There have been many side effects
caused by electricity we supply, especially during rainy season. This is
the major reason that has pushed us to introduce this education
programme to students so that they can have basic knowledge on
precautionary measures,” he said.
He added, “The knowledge given to more
than 10,000 students will not only benefit students but also their
parents because we believe the students will pass on what they learned
to them and even neighbours”.
Electrical engineers believe there are
various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by
electricity, including insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical
protective devices.
On his side the Tanesco Regional Public
Relations Officer, Samuel Mandale, said a total of 20 electricity
related accidents occurred in Kilimanjaro region in the past two years.
“Victims from incidents included
children, whereby others lost their lives, destroying valuable assets
worth million of shillings. We thought there is a press ing need for us
to introduce this kind of programme to minimize hazards or, if possible,
to avoid them completely”, he said.
Apart from providing protection
education, Tanesco officials also sensitized students on how best to
utilise power, how to identify and avoid counterfeit electric products
and how to avoid bogus electricians.
On her part, the Tanesco Goodwill
Ambassador and Bongo Flavour artist, Ms Maua Sama, promised to use her
talent to sensitise the public on the same subject, including those
residing in rural areas.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow
students, Frank Rafael, expressed his optimism that the knowledge they
received would help them and their parents avoid side effects caused by
electricity in one way or the other.
“I kindly ask Tanesco to expand this
programme to more schools to reach many people in the country,” he said.
Electrical engineers say people can significantly reduce electrical
hazards by following some basic precautions, including inspecting wiring
of equipment before each use and replacing damaged or frayed electrical
cords immediately.
When outdoor people are advised not to
approach or touch any electric wire lying on the ground. When at home it
is advised to avoid water or chemical spills on or near electrical
equipment. They also advice that all electrical cords should have
sufficient insulation to prevent direct contact with wires.
They also call for conducting regular
inspection on all cords before each use, since corrosive chemicals or
solvent vapors may erode the insulation.
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