Safety in the focus of attention of Smolensk power engineers

Questions to prevent and reduce occupational injuries, work safety, health and lives of personnel are priority tasks for IDGC of Centre – Smolenskenergo division. 55.7 million rubles were spent in 2015 on the implementation of safety measures. 2.4 million rubles were sent on measures to prevent accidents, 42.8 million rubles were spent to purchase personal protective equipment, tools and accessories, 9.3 million rubles were used for measures to prevent diseases in the production and 1.2 million rubles were spent on the improvement of working conditions of staff.

The priority directions in the field of occupational safety are measures to prevent accidents, the purchase of personal protective equipment, tools and accessories, etc.

In 2015 the work continued to provide staff with modern means of protection: first responding mobile and operating maintenance crews were provided with sets of bars for installation portable earthing on overhead power lines without climbing poles, both for 6-10 kV overhead lines, and for 0 4 kV ones. First responding and operating maintenance personnel is fully equipped with uniform, resistant to electric arc.

Training of employees with safe methods of work performance, improving knowledge in the field of occupational health and safety as well as safety knowledge checks of relevant staff are also included in the important directions in the field of labour protection of employees in Smolenskenergo. Knowledge of safety rules in the operation of electrical installations, technical operation rules and fire safety is checked first of all, testing of skills in first aid in case of accidents at work is also carried out. Monthly a constantly working commission of the branch tests knowledge on average 14 managers and employees of the branch, in commissions of structural units – 90 employees.

The branch is concerned not only about the safety of its own employees, but also works to reduce the risk of injury to third-parties at facilities of Smolenskenergo. In 2015 a program to reduce the risk of injury to third persons included the implementation of a set of measures to improve the technical operation of electrical installations and prevention of electric injuries. All of them were carried out in full and on time.

Smolenskenergo’s power facilities are checked regularly by specially created commissions: integrity of door locks, availability of locking devices is verified. To inform the public at all power facilities of the branch there are signs and placards placed, warning of the danger of electric shock.

Attention was also paid to outreach work among different population groups. For example, specialists of the branch held talks in children’s health camps and lessons on electrical safety in schools of the Smolensk region. Throughout the academic year, Smolensk power engineers attend schools of the region, where, together with teachers they hold special sessions on electrical safety within classes "Life Safety Fundamentals", as well as extracurricular activities.

In 2016 Smolenskenergo’s power engineers continue to maintain consistent and regular work to prevent electric injuries among residents of the region.