RISK DUE TO ELECTRIC SHOCKS HAS INCREASED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18208, 15 July 1927, Page 11

RISK DUE TO ELECTRIC SHOCKS HAS INCREASED.

With the development that has taken j place in recent years in the use of electrical power, the danger of firemen j receiving electric shocks while carry- | ing out their duties has increased. At present the Christchurch Fire Brigade possesses authority to cut electric wires leading to buildings where a fire occurs, and this authority is exercised whenever the necessity arises, but the brigade is now asking that the Municipal Electricity Department should have men available for this duty. Negotiations between the superintendent of the brigade and the general manager of the Municipal Electricity Department are still in progress regarding the matter. The view of the department is that i lit is unnecessary, in the event of an ! i outbreak of fire, to cut any wires other j ; than those leading to the building in j j which it occurs, and that as the brigade I ! is equipped with insulated wire clipi pers for this purpose, its members should be able to continue their present method, especially as an office of the department would not be able to reach a fire until some time after the brigade had arrived. In the event of a big fire occurring in the business area, the department would be only too willing to assist the brigade in cutting the electrical wires. The usual procedure is for a fireman to climb the pole from which the supply is aken to the building, and cut the wires. It is contended by the department that there is no necessity to cut the mains except in a case of extreme emergency. No firemen in Christchurch have suffered from serious electric shookbut at intervals some have received mild shocks as a result of live electric wires coming into contact with their orass helmets. A skull cap made of

leather is usually worn under the helmet, but it is not effective in preventing electric shocks where a brass chain is attached to the helmet for holding it in position. Properlv-insu lated helmets do not appear to be generally worn, probably owing to the difficulty in finding a suitable material for the purpose, but it has been suggested that they could be made of the black moulded material which is used for switchboards. This material gives complete insulation, and is not affected by heat.