Analysis of the Major Causes of Accident and Standardize the Safety Measures for the Electricity Distribution System.

Abstract

Electricity distribution is a vast sector and it is stretched out over the whole country. Huge quantity of distribution line, line equipment, workers and public are involved in the system. The activities of the distribution system are mainly risky. The possibility of safety breaks in this system is very much for it's complex and risks involved operation. Death due to electrical shock is as usual news published in most of the Daily Newspapers. For a country like Bangladesh due to economical and technological drawbacks and lack of giving proper importance of the sector, I lie management of distribution system in Bangladesh is still using very primitive methods with minimum or without using of personal protective devices (PPE) for completion of' distribution system activities. Non availability of safety measures posses a great challenge to the workers enhancing the uncertainties and risks, resulting injury and accident. In this research, it is tried to explore the occupational safety problems t hat exist in distribution system in Bangladesh. It is also investigated, the possible hazards available in distribution system and tried to find out the main causes and agents responsible for accidents. Keeping this view in mind, data for this project were collected from distribution systems as primary data through a prescribed questionnaire. 'Three sets of questionnaires were prepared; one for distribution system workers, one for managers and the another for public. Six distribution organizations were taken into consideration for data collection. During study, different categories of distribution system workers, managers and public were interviewed based on the level of technical knowledge, experience, intimacy with the accidents and also educational level. The sample was kept relevant considering the time and cost. Victim, witness, experienced workers and managers were included in the sample. The sample size was limited to 1 55 for distribution system workers, 20 for Managers and 175 for public. The different categories of workers were regrouped into tour categories for the study purpose, such as High- skilled, Skilled, Semi- skilled and Un -skilled. 19% 1-1gh-Skilled, 36% Skilled, 20% Semi-Skilled and 161X) tin-Skilled workers were selected as sample to reflect the staffing pattern of it distribution system (Appendix-A). About 91 of workers Experienced with accident during their work in distribution system. Personal negligence, lack of experience, not to use PPE, absence of good working environment, over confidence and finally excessive work loads were also identified unanimously by workers as causes of accident. Most of the managers were agree with the causes mentioned by workers. Both the managers and workers mentioned that illegal use of electricity, tree adjacent to distribution line, improper clearance of line is the main causes of accident for public. To prevent accident (in case of workers) 30.76% managers suggested to use PPE followed by 21. 15% suggested for continuous supervision, 1 7.3% for raising awareness, 13.46% for training, 9.6 % for ensure good work environment on distribution system works and 7.6% recommended fur justified work load. For public safety, both the workers and mangers provided some suggestion as- improving public awareness, operation to remove illegal connection and discourage public to plant trees near distribution line. As far as knowledge of rules and regulations is concerned about 7% workers know about Electricity Acts-i 910. But most of them do not have any idea about departments responsible for looking after the Electricity Acts-I 910. Moreover, the government workers right and occupational safety & health issues along with the working environment of distribution organization and surroundings were not active at all. At last, some recommendations are made for the betterment of distribution sector. The proper application of the recommendations will be helpful to reduce the frequency of accidents and there by will be possible a sound operation of the distribution organizations as a whole.