The way we use cords in every day life may be putting our lives in danger, change these common mistakes to ensure secure usage.
Eskom states that shining the spotlight on incidents associated with the unsafe use of electricity may reduce the number of injuries and deaths reported.
One of the electricity supplier’s biggest priorities is to educate the public about these dangers.
“By warning the public, we aim to reduce the number of injuries and deaths in support of our ‘Zero Harm’ policy,” Eskom states.
Read: Eskom urges residents to report power outages
It is unsafe to place or run electrical cables and extension cords on the floor or under carpets.
Electrical cables are supposed to be out of reach of people or animals as constant contact with them will make them a fire threat and cause harm to people who might trip over them.
It is better to get a qualified electrician to install a plug point closer to the appliance so there isn’t a need for an extension cord.
Running cables under carpets is also dangerous as you are not able to see if the cord is damaged.
Should the cord be damaged, it could create a fire as carpets are made of materials which could easily catch fire.
Read: Fire safety tips
If you have a need for an extension cord before the electrician comes to install a plug point, don’t run it under carpets, rather run the cabling along a wall.
Eskom would like to remind all South Africans that, although electricity is an essential part of life, it can be dangerous if not used correctly.
