An 'All India Seminar on Electrical Safety' held in Kolkata recently by International Copper Association India (ICA India) along with The Institution of Engineers (India) highlighted the poor practices and weak installations result in a record number of accidents and mishaps. The objective of the seminar was to enhance Electrical Safety Environment in India by creating awareness about Electrical Safety Practices and National Standards; strengthening periodic electrical inspection of existing buildings and licensing procedure by encouraging skill up gradation through enhanced standardised framework for certification. Electrical faults seem to be the major reason for many unfortunate fire disasters, which accounted to nearly 56% (Source: Fire & Safety Association of India) due to short circuit, leading to loss of precious lives and properties.

As per India Risk Survey 2013 commissioned by FICCI, electric defaults have been seen as the largest single reason for cause of building fires. In 2010-11, as many as 22,187 fire related calls were reported resulting in the death of 447 persons and injury to 2,613 persons across India. Hence, raising awareness about electrical hazards is key to reducing electrical fires, injuries, death and property loss at homes and commercial buildings.

The seminar held in Kolkata brought to light aspects of electrical safety, need for sharing knowledge, international experience and inclusion of certified electricians amongst industry stakeholders. The panel included industry watchdog and experts like Prof. Samiran Choudhuri, Jadavpur University (Past President, IEI), Mr Sisir Kumar Banerjee, Chairman WBSC IE (I), Mr Sanjeev Ranjan, Managing Director ICA India, Mr S Appavoo, Ex Chief Electrical Inspectorate to Tamil Nadu State, Mr R P Tripathi, Member (Technical), Damodar Valley Corporation and Mr Gautam Ray, Executive Director (HR & ADMN), CESC Limited. Over 120 delegates and other professionals including electrical engineers, electrical consultants, electrical contractors, designers, manufact-uring associations, technical officers across various industrial sectors attended the seminar and participated in the discussion. According to Mr Sisir Kumar Banerjee Chairman, Institution of Engineers (India), WBSC, "Government of India's Skilling India campaign has brought a new lease of life for the manufacturing sector. It has pledged training for more than 400 million people by 2022 with a focus on quality and impetus to vocational skills training. This is going to be a big driver for power and electrical industry as proper skills training will ensure better wiring installations and fewer chances of accidents."