Understanding Issues in Generation and Use of Electricity

The use of fire by early humans was a civilizational milestone but as man thought he mastered fire for centuries and millennia he found himself trapped in smoke and fire. Electricity, a versatile form of energy made life clean and easy for humans, yet just as he grew complacent and comfortable in his air-conditioner, he discovered himself trapped in electrical spark surrounded by the toxic fumes from cable burning. As we march ahead the need to be aware and alert has gone manifold. We take up fire and safety issues in Generation, Transmission and Use of Electricity here.

There are six main classes of fires, each involving different materials for firefighting:

1. Class A – Solids
2. Class B – Liquids
3. Class C – Gasses
4. Class D – Metals
5. Class F – Oils and Fats
6. Electrical Fires – These are not given their own class, as they can fall into any of the above

The above categorization is helpful in deciding the means of extinguishing fire for example in our efforts to cutoff fuel, heat and oxygen supply to the fire while water would be an excellent medium in case of solids for electrical fire it may be counterproductive and volatile liquids may float on water and keep the fire alive by easy access to oxygen. But we must note that one kind of fire may lead to other kinds of fire, for example: in case of a fire, it is better to use stairs instead of elevators even if the cause is not electrical short circuit or spark.

Risk of Fire in Electricity Generation

Electricity generation poses several fire and safety issues that need to be carefully managed to ensure the safety of both workers and the public. Here are some common fire and safety concerns associated with electricity generation:

• Electrical Hazards: Electricity generation involves high voltage equipment and wiring, which can cause electrical shocks, burns, and fires if not handled properly. Workers must follow strict safety procedures when working with live electrical systems.
• Combustible Materials: Many electricity generation facilities use combustible materials such as coal, oil, or natural gas to produce power on furnaces. These materials can pose a fire hazard if they are not stored, handled, and maintained correctly. Proper ventilation and fire detection and control systems, besides furnace safeguard supervisory and control systems are essential to mitigate the risk of explosion & fires. Heaps of coal van suddenly release combustible gases with rapid rise of temperature and pressure.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning equipment, such as generators, transformers, or control systems, can lead to electrical fires or explosions. Generators have hydrogen gas for cooling between the stator and rotor in case, hydrogen leakage to atmosphere creates an explosive mix. Regular maintenance and testing of equipment are necessary to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
• Chemical Hazards: Some electricity generation processes involve the use of hazardous chemicals, such as hydrogen in fuel cells or sulfur dioxide in coal-fired power plants. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of these chemicals are critical to prevent accidents and minimize environmental impact.
• Overheating: The continuous operation of electrical equipment can cause overheating, leading to fires or equipment failures. The losses in electromechanical systems manifest as heat and unless dissipated can create a fire by overheating. A transformer converts high voltage to low and vice versa, it has a typical efficiency of 99% and hence about 1% of the output would be dissipated as heat. Cooling systems, temperature monitoring, and thermal protection devices are essential to prevent overheating and maintain safe operating conditions.
• Ignition Sources: Ignition sources such as sparks, flames, or hot surfaces can ignite flammable materials present in electricity generation facilities. Strict controls on potential ignition sources and the implementation of explosion-proof equipment can help reduce the risk of fires.
• Workplace Safety: Workers in electricity generation facilities are exposed to various safety hazards, including falls from heights and items falling on them from heights, confined spaces, and high noise levels. Adequate training, 5 S in the workplace, AI based safety monitoring systems to administer safety protocols, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are essential to ensure the well-being of workers.
• Environmental Concerns: Fires and accidents in electricity generation facilities can have significant environmental consequences, including air and water pollution. Effective emergency response plans and containment measures are crucial to minimize environmental damage in the event of an incident. To address these fire and safety issues, electricity generation facilities must adhere to strict monitoring and control. Ensuring fire and safety protocols for electrical appliances is crucial for preventing accidents and protecting lives and property. Here are some key protocols to follow:

Safety in Electricity Use

The use of electricity has made life comfortable in many ways but the hazard is just waiting to happen if we are not alert and aware.

• Purchase Certified Appliances: Choose electrical appliances that have been tested and certified by reputable safety and efficiency organizations such as ISI and Bureau of Energy.
• Read and Follow Instructions: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow the recommended guidelines for installation, use, and maintenance of electrical appliances. This includes proper placement, voltage requirements, and any specific safety precautions.
• Proper Installation: Ensure that electrical appliances are installed correctly by a qualified professional, especially for appliances that require wiring or connection to electrical circuits. Improper installation can lead to electrical faults and increase the risk of fires.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain electrical appliances to ensure they are in good working condition. Check for frayed wires, damaged cords, loose connections, or signs of overheating. Replace worn-out parts promptly and schedule professional maintenance as needed.
• Use Correct Wattage Bulbs: Use light bulbs with the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer for lamps, fixtures, and appliances. Using bulbs with higher wattage than recommended can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Do not overload electrical circuits by plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or power strip. Use power strips with built-in overload protection and avoid daisy-chaining multiple power strips together.
• Unplug Unused Appliances: When not in use, unplug electrical appliances to prevent energy consumption and reduce the risk of electrical faults or short circuits. This is especially important for appliances with heating elements or motors that can generate heat.
• Keep Appliances Away from Water: Keep electrical appliances away from water sources such as sinks, bathtubs, or pools to prevent electrical shocks and short circuits. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water and electricity may come into contact.
• Install Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms in every room of the house, especially near bedrooms and areas with electrical appliances. Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Have Fire Extinguishers: Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and other areas where electrical appliances are used. Ensure that household members know how to operate the fire extinguisher and have an emergency evacuation plan in place.

By following these fire and safety protocols for electrical appliances, you can minimize the risk of electrical fires, electrical shocks, and other accidents in your home or workplace. Regular maintenance, proper installation, and awareness of safety practices are essential for protecting yourself and your property.

Dr. Bibhu Prasad Rath is a highly experienced Additional General Manager with 33 years of experience in the power sector, specializing in Energy, Environment, and Economics, robust foundation in operations, design, procurement, feasibility, policy formulation, investment decisions, and carbon credits. Currently, he is on deputation to Ministry of Power, GOI. He obtained a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Aligarh Muslim University and published numerous papers in various journals and conferences on actionable issues of climate change, sustainability, heartfulness, decision making and leadership.