According to a study by the Brazilian Association of Electrical Energy Distributors (Abradee), construction and renovation (civil construction or building maintenance services) were the main causes of electricity-related accidents in Brazil last year. 73 lethal accidents were recorded in 2017 and there have been 736 deaths in the past nine years (2009 to 2017). EDP, an electrical energy distributor from the Alto Tietê, Vale do Paraiba and the north coast of São Paulo regions, has reinforced its guidelines and is highlighting the main construction issues that could lead to accidents.

Ideally, start by hiring specialists. Skilled bricklayers, technicians and painters are more familiar with the relevant safety regulations and protective equipment that are an important aspect of all construction work.

Importantly, one of the most dangerous and commonplace accidents during renovations occurs when metal tools or equipment touch electrical cables, especially when people are working on scaffolding or higher floors. Touching electrical cables directly or even with a foreign object could cause serious accidents resulting in burns, or even loss of life.

At the Distributor is also advising people to pay attention to the distance between any work being carried out and electrical cabling. Never build near electrical cables or get close to them during building maintenance or refurbishment. Even a simple roofing or painting job can lead to accidents.

Here are the main causes of construction accidents:

• Construction tools or materials that come into contact with electrical cabling;


• Building near electrical cables and not leaving sufficient distance for building maintenance;


• Placing scaffolding near electrical cables;


• Connecting to the power supply illegally during construction;


• Using large-scale machinery, such as tractors or excavators, around cabling;


• Putting antennas on the same side of the building as electrical cables;


• Leaning on cables or the upper section of lampposts;


• Not taking proper care when working at height to avoid falls;


• Throwing wires over electrical cables, even if they are insulated, because their insulating capacity may not be enough to avoid electric shock.

Please notify the Company immediately of any accidents involving electrical cables using any of the following customer service channels:

- EDP Online at www.edponline.com.br;

- EDP Online App (supported by Android™, iOS and Windows)

- Customer service hotline (0800 721 0123)

- Customer service branches