Health Ministry warns

Beware of electrocution this Vesak:

by Carol Aloysius

The increased use of electrical lights during the coming Vesak festival could lead to an escalation in injuries from electrical shocks, Director, National Hospital, Sri Lanka (NHSL) Dr Anil Jasinghe told the Sunday Observer.

He said much more electricity was consumed during the Vesak period, as many homes, pandals, and roads were illuminated by thousands of colourful jet-lights.

The electric wires used to light them up hang from lamp posts, trees and roof tops. "If any of the wires are faulty, those lighting them can easily get an electric shock. They should take adequate precautions to prevent this and examine the wires carefully before switching them on", he said.Oil lamps and candles used in bucket lamps strung on doorways of homes and gardens are another hazard during this period, he noted. "If placed near inflammable material, they could cause a fire and someone can get burned. "Children and elderly persons are most at risk", he said.

On sports festivals which were still continuing from the New Year, and likely to spill into the Vesak season, he said that injuries from some events like grease pole climbing could be mitigated by lowering the height of the pole and placing soft mattresses below.