Lineman’s death, Chief Engineer admits shortcomings, ‘enquiry on, FIR will be lodged against SOP violators’

Srinagar : A day after 50 year old Power Development Corporation (KPDC) lineman’s electrocution to death here in Srinagar, the Chief Engineer Ajaz Ahmad Saturday said that enquiry has been initiated and the concerned Superintending Engineer has been asked to submit report.

However he admitted that there are shortcomings within the department and Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are not generally followed properly.

A KPDC lineman died after electrocuted in Barthana area of Srinagar Friday.

The officials in the PDD told news agency KINS that the linemen was reappearing 11 Kv line near P C Depot Barthana Srinagar. “Linemen work involves high precision where even a small uncoordinated movement can lead to an accident. We heard that the line was off when the deceased lineman was working there. Who gave permission to the receiving station to connect the line?  It is a sheer violation of SOP. The matter should be probed,” said one of the employees’s insisted not to be named. Police has already registered a case in this regard.

Talking to news agency KINS, the Chief engineer said that as per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) whenever repair work is on, shutdown has to be ensured. “Yes there are laxities down the blow. SOPs are not followed properly. We are enquiring lapses that resulted in the death of Linemen,” the chief engineer said.

He said the SE has been directed to submit report regarding the death of lineman.

However the chief engineer also maintained that there are lapses from linemen also. “We are giving protective gear to our field staff including the linemen. Sometimes they avoid such protective gears and risk their lives,” the CE said and added that the department is now issuing strict direction and SOPs to avoid such untoward accidents.

The official added that whosoever in the department violates SOPs and other guidelines, FIR will be lodged.

Over the years there has been increase in tragic incidents in which Kashmir Power Development Corporation (KPDC) linemen mostly casual labourers either get electrocuted or become permanently handicapped.

Insiders of the KPDC told news agency KINS that  linemen and men who work as need-based or casual workers in the KPDC are always on the forefront in case of any emergency. “Everyone knows that the work of a lineman is dangerous and many have died on the job, yet the government is not paying any heed to safety measures” said one of the KPDC officials.

“The safety gear like helmet, gloves, shoes and clothing with extra layer of protection, mean the difference between life and death for them. But it’s a common sight to see them on poles without any safety gear,” said another official of KPDC.

Sources said that during the last two years scores of persons died on spot while repairing the transmission lines.

“Every year at least 20 appointees/employees get severely injured with some of them ending up with amputation of arms or legs due to severe burns every year in Kashmir”.

Sources said that there has been no formal training for the linemen working on power distribution network. “Formal training is vital for the KPDC lineman. For this, it’s mandatory for the department to have Linemen training school. Our linemen and the daily-wagers who work on the power supply network have themselves learnt the deadly job of installing and repairing the live system,” said one of the experts in KPDC.

Experts say, “Linemen need to wear helmets, safety gloves (tested to withstand particular voltages, safety belts and a proper uniform of some conspicuous color (preferably fluorescent). Besides, the linemen should have properly insulted tools and at the top it the ladder he climbs should be robust. There should be at-lest two men supporting the ladder with a red flag nearby to caution the passer-by. Otherwise, how can safety be maintained?”(KINS)