Hotline of power engineering specialists:
IDGC of Centre - Yarenergo division and GIMS of EMERCOM of Russia in the Yaroslavl region conducted joint patrols on the water, aimed at preventing electrical injuries with owners of small size vessels.
The power engineers and GIMS inspectors reminded owners of small vessels of the rules of electrical safety in the movement of yachts, cutters and boats in the protected zones of overhead lines, compliance with which will save lives and health of not only those who control the ship, but also of all passengers. They warned of the danger of coming close to the live parts, prohibiting stopping and parking under the existing power lines at a distance less than 100 metres from them. And they also distributed informational posters and leaflets with the rules on electrical safety.
"In the service area of the Yaroslavl branch of GIMS there are 13 thousand small vessels registered. Joint patrols and raids, such as today, bring positive results in disseminating information and conducting advocacy for the prevention of emergency situations," said the head of the Yaroslavl branch of GIMS Vladimir Filimonov.
The owners, most of whom are also avid fisherman, were cautioned against fishing near power lines. Modern rods are made of carbon fiber - a material that conducts electricity. The length of the rods used by fishermen easily reaches 6-8 metres. A raised rod near wires of power lines can cause electric shock. One must carry a rod near a power line folded or parallel to the ground and avoid approaching the wire. Throwing spinners and other gear near power lines is also life-threatening. Wet monofilament becomes an ideal conductor for current. Catching the wire with the gear, a fisherman risks to be under voltage.
"Such cases are not often, but, unfortunately, they occur. So, two years ago in Danilovsky district a fisherman was hit by the electric current, because the rod touched the power line. The rod was made of carbon fiber seven metres long. It should be noted that one can have electric shock even without touching the wire. Just bring the rod to an unacceptable distance to the wire, after which there will discharge of the air gap between them. Other potential threats in violation of the rules of electrical safety include the possibility of damage to underwater cables with anchors, as well as the probability of touching power lines with fishing rigs when throwing a spinner or another way," explained an engineer of industrial safety and production control Office of IDGC of Centre - Yarenergo division Vitaly Tsybin.