A lot of acute problems
Mr. Do Mong Hung – Director of Safety Department of Vietnam Electricity said that in 2016, there were 79 household electrical injuries occurring due to infringement of high voltage power line’s right of way, increasing by 14 accidents in comparison with 2015; causing 35 fatalities and 54 injuries. In particular, up to 96% of the accidents occurred at the 10 - 35kV voltage level.
The main reason is the poor knowledge and awareness of power consumers. Even though being aware of the mortal danger of electricity, many people inattentively and recklessly do not use safety methods when performing civil works in civil projects. Many people install advertisement boards, do communication cabling while violating safety distances of power grids; repair houses, structures; cut down or trim trees within high voltage power line’s right of way; improperly use electricity for fishing, mouse trapping, etc.
A typical accident, a very heart - rending accident occurred in July 2016 at Tan Huong commune, Pho Yen district, Thai Nguyen province which killed Mr. Dong Van Huong instantly. The reason was that the house owner built an extension in his house at his discretion by adding some ancillary works (not included in the construction license) close to a 35 kV high voltage power line; when standing on a scaffold to prepare for construction, Mr. Huong was struck by arc flash generated from the 35 kV line, fell to the ground and died instantly.
A synchronous engagement is needed
Over many past years, violation of high voltage power line’s right of way and electrical accidents has always been a “hot” problem which has been paid much attention to by the power sector. EVN and its subsidiaries have taken a lot of measures to prevent this situation.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Thinh – Deputy Director of Dong Da Power Company (Ha Noi Power Corporation) stated that one of the measures that is prioritized by the Corporation is to push up communication activities to guide the people to adopt electrical safety methods.
In addition, EVN’s subsidiaries have made television reports; produced communication programs to be broadcasted on radio, television channels or in customer service centers at district power departments, etc.; signing commitments for not violating high voltage power line’s right of way with organizations and individuals running production and business facilities or living near high voltage power grids.
However, in order to reduce household electrical incidents and accidents, actions of the power sector are not adequate. EVN and its subsidiaries need collaboration from localities, local departments in protecting high voltage power line’s right of way and communicating electrical safety guidelines, especially in seriously handling cases that cause incidents or accidents, etc.
At present, Provincial Steering Committees have been established in many provinces and cities to deal with problems relating to high voltage power line’s right of way and to sign collaboration protocols for safeguarding and protecting the power sector. Nevertheless, above all, to reduce accidents, the first and foremost issue is the awareness of everyone in using electricity safely, efficiently and in compliance with legal regulations on right of way, etc.