A linesman attached to the Valpoi office of the power department reportedly got electrocuted as he came in touch with a livewire while pruning trees on Wednesday morning as part of the pre-monsoon works. This once again brings to the fore the precarious conditions under which these linesmen work thereby putting their lives at risk. It is possible that in the present instance the linesman did not take necessary precautions as he was pruning a tree and not working on an electricity pole. However safety must not be compromised and some ground rules need to be followed while working on an electricity pole. It is of paramount importance to switch off the source of the electricity power to the locality where the work is being carried out. It is also a good idea to put up a sign on the main switch-board. The workers need to be provided with insulated tools. Rubber gloves and goggles need to be provided while working on an electric circuit. It is observed that linesmen climb an electricity pole using a ladder made of aluminium or a steel ladder. A bamboo, wooden or fibreglass ladder needs to be used instead.
