Latest news with #safetyguidelines
Arab News
4 days ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Pakistan's Punjab issues solar panel installation guidelines following accidents
ISLAMABAD: The disaster management authority in Pakistan's most populous Punjab province on Wednesday issued new guidelines for the installation of solar systems, citing that over 70 percent of accidents related to solar panels were reported during a thunderstorm last month. Thunderstorms killed at least 21 people and injured more than 100 others in Punjab late last month as moist currents penetrated upper parts of Pakistan, according to national and provincial disaster management authorities. Earlier this week, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a fresh alert for rain and strong, dusty winds across the province from June 2 to June 5. 'During the thunderstorm on May 24, there were 124 small and large accidents in Punjab,' PDMA spokesperson Mazhar Hussain told Arab News. 'When this was analyzed, it was revealed that over 70 percent of the accidents have been caused by solar panels or related structures,' he added. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said new guidelines and a regulatory framework were prepared by stakeholders, including the province's energy department and the local government department. 'These instructions are aligned with the national framework provided by the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), and include essential safety protocols, installation standards and the responsibilities of certified installers,' Kathia explained. According to the guidelines seen by Arab News, the PDMA has directed users to procure the services of AEDB-certified installers to ensure a professional solar system design and so that the panels are properly mounted, sealed and structurally reinforced. Along with other technical details, the PDMA stresses people to use wind-rated mounting systems attached to mountings by stainless steel nut bolts. The authority directs that these bolts be fastened using stainless steel spring washers. It also says people should consider windstorm-safe anchors or extra brackets in the province's regions prone to storms. 'The mountings itself should be properly secured with base/floor to ensure it can withstand windstorms and other climatic vagaries,' the document stated. Kathia said only professionals approved by the AEDB will be authorized to install solar energy systems. He said this move was aimed at ensuring technical standards were maintained and risks associated with faulty or unregulated installations were reduced. 'In addition, all structures across Punjab that may be vulnerable to future damage are being surveyed by the respective deputy commissioners,' the PDMA official said. He added strict compliance would be ensured in close coordination with district administrations to avoid such accidents in the future. Khalil Ahmed, owner of a solar installation company in Punjab's provincial capital Lahore, supported the PDMA's decision. Ahmed said people often hire non-professional installers to save a small amount of money, putting both their systems and safety at risk. 'Ensuring that only AEDB-certified professionals handle solar installations is not just a matter of compliance, it's a matter of public safety,' he told Arab News. Proper mounting, structural reinforcement, and weatherproofing are essential to prevent accidents and protect both lives and property, he added.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Burn ban lifted in Lake County
Like neighboring counties in central Florida, Lake County has also lifted its recent burn ban. Lake County Fire Rescue implements burn bans when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index rises above a 500-rating threshold. The county's rating has been below 500 for the five consecutive days, therefore, the burn ban may end. The burn ban was implemented on March 25 as a precautionary measure to prevent accidental fires due to drought conditions in the area. However, the recent rain has lowered the fire risk significantly now that the KBDI is below the 500 threshold. Lake County residents are still advised to be careful and follow all safety guidelines when burning debris or other materials outdoors. Guidelines include constantly monitoring fires, keeping them contained in a fire pit or other fire-resistant container, and keeping them near a water source in case of an emergency. Visit the burn bans section of the Lake County website for more information. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Five devices you must NEVER plug into an extension cord – including common summer hazards
EXTENSION leads are helpful pieces of kit - but there are certain devices you must avoid plugging into them. A pretty good rule of thumb is to avoid plugging in any electronics that are constantly on - and anything that could get wet. 4 4 Major appliances The average extension cord isn't built to handle the kind of electrical load put out by large appliances, such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers. At best, you could risk damaging the appliance - which can be an expensive mistake. At worst, you could risk a fire caused by overheating - which could be even more costly. Small appliances Even small appliances can be a cause for concern when it comes to plugging into an extension cord. Some of the more compact gadgets, like toasters and toaster ovens, can pack quite a punch, using more power than you'd expect. Microwaves are the same, and typically use more power than the average cable can handle. But households should also be wary of mixers, blenders, air fryers, and waffle makers. These could overload an extension cord - particularly if there are several gadgets plugged in - and lead to a fire. 4 Air conditioners & space heaters While households may be pulling the air conditioner units out of storage, it should be noted they belong in a wall outlet to avoid any overheating risks with a power strip. Space heaters are more dangerous in an extension cord, as they draw a higher amount of power and often exceed the capacity of a standard cable. Power strips are generally intended for low-power devices like computers or lamps, not high-wattage appliances. Major US Phone Carriers Warn of Imminent Price Hikes Amid Tariff War 4 Outdoor electrical devices During summer, power strips can be tempting to use outside for outdoor devices. But doing so can pose hazards relating to heat and weather. Overheating from coiled cords, exposure to moisture, and damage from sun and wind can increase the risk of fire or electrical shock. To avoid this, it's important to use outdoor-rated cords and protect connections from the rain and sun. Surge protectors Households are brimming with electronic gadgets these days - and while it might be tempting to plug an extension cable into another to maximise the number of outlets, this is dangerous. Experts have warned against the 'daisy chaining' of multiple power strips and surge protectors. 'Daisy chaining', as it is known, comes with serious risks, including overheating, fire hazards, electric shocks and voided warranties on your devices. Each power strip is rated for a specific electrical load – how much power it can safely handle before it fails. But when you plug one power strip into another, they can exceed this capacity. The one closest to the wall outlet usually takes the hardest hit – meaning it's the one that is most likely to falter.
