Dubai: Home appliances not maintained by qualified professionals can lead to fatal consequences, a senior official has warned on Tuesday.
The warning came about after a seven-year-old boy died on Saturday after he was electrocuted as a result of switching on a faulty water cooler at his home in Muhaisnah 1.
The Dubai Municipality official told Gulf News that the same principle when hiring pesticide companies applies when hiring electricians to maintain their home, as it is vital to employ qualified professionals to avoid putting lives at risk.
Investigation
Raed Al Marzouqi, Acting Director of Public Health and Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “We are carrying out an investigation into the matter to determine the exact cause of the electrocution.
"Right now, there is only speculation and there can be dozens of reasons why the incident occurred, and we cannot say for certain how it happened until after our report has been made,” he added.
Electrical appliances that do not meet the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) standards are removed from shelves, with a Dh3,000 fine slapped against the companies concerned.
The items removed include water heaters, kitchen appliances such as gas stoves which do not have safety valves, and other electrical appliances.
According to Esma, many low-voltage electrical equipment like power extension cords and adapters, electric irons, microwaves, driers, electric stoves, vacuum cleaners, fans and television sets have to be compulsorily registered with Esma.
Sultan Al Suwaidi, Head of the Public Health and Safety Department, stressed that the installation of electrical items at homes are crucial, and that such items should be purchased from a licensed retailer.
“It is the resident’s responsibility to have their kitchen and home appliances properly installed, and they should contact qualified electricians to do that. If it is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the house, then the owners have the responsibility to employ the correct people,” said Al Suwaidi.
“When a person moves into a new home and notices any problems with the fluctuation of electricity, then they should contact the electricity and water authority immediately. Homes are not like factories or offices, and the municipality cannot send out inspectors to monitor the premises. It is up to the tenant to take the matter up with the authorities concerned,” he said.
Al Suwaidi said that residents should not look for cheaper alternatives and buy electrical items on the Internet because nobody will claim responsibility if there is a fault with the item.
“Residents have to be aware of leakages, of electrical wires coming out from the walls, and ensure that electrical sockets are installed properly. The key to safety in your home is to invest in the right kind of maintenance,” he said.
