Dangers of electrical short circuit

It was reported by UNB on Tuesday (April 16) that the FR Tower fire had originated from an electrical short circuit. Following a meeting at the ministry of disaster management, State Minister for Disaster Management Enamur Rahman told newsmen that the electrical short-circuit had originated on the eighth floor of the building sparking a fire that killed 26 people last month.

From that floor, the fire spread to the ninth and 10th floors. "A number of people died because of smoke in the 11th, 12th and 13th floors," said the minister.

This incident again shows how severe and dangerous electrical short circuits are. There are plenty of government, residential and commercial buildings across the country whose electric panels and other electronic devices are not checked regularly. An electrician or technician is called when a light bulb or fan is not working and needs to be replaced.

Additionally, the technicians available in most localities are not very well-trained. I think it would be best if electricians from government agencies are allowed to do house-calls. They can give correct advice.

If such a service can be initiated, I think it would drastically reduce the number of fire incidents caused by electrical short circuits. The concerned authorities of the government could consider this idea.

Akibul Javed,

Indira Road, Dhaka