By Kristine Gadiano, Davao Today intern
DAVAO CITY – The Davao Light Power and Company (DLPC) reminded Davaoeños on the safety measures when using Christmas lights and decorations during the Kapehan sa Dabaw Press Conference last Monday.
Edelito Fernandez, Occupational Safety, Security, Health and Environment Department Manager of DPLC said that when purchasing Christmas lights and decorations, an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker must be attached to it to assure its safety standards. He said that ICC sticker bears a manufacturing date specified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Actually, ang Christmas lights naay uban peke so dapat dili ta makapalit og peke, makita nato sa peke nga Christmas lights kay gagmay kaayo og wire. Posible man gud na siya na maoy maka-cause og sunog labi na nga ang Christmas tree nato, gibutang nimo duol sa mga combustible material. (Actually, there are fake Christmas lights that’s why we should avoid buying these. Fake Christmas lights usually have thin wires and it can possibly cause fire especially when the Christmas tree is near a combustible material),” Fernandez added.
Fernandez said that wires must be unplugged at night when not in use. He said that if the owner chooses to stay the lights turned on for the entire evening, someone must attend to it.
Fernandez also added that aside from using fake Christmas lights and decorations, octopus connection is usually the main cause of fire.
According to Fernandez, in order to avoid octopus connection, a maximum of three connections can be inserted at the same time to prevent the service outlet from heating up.
Cherryday Derecho, Occupational Safety and Health Specialist of DLPC added that Christmas lights and electrical decorations must be replaced every year.
“Ang Christmas decor man gud ug Christmas light kay temporary lang na siya nga dekorasyon. Ang uban man gud kay ginabilin nalang, dili na hipuson kay para pagka-sunod tuig, isasak lang gihapon. Kani siya, mag-deteriorate man gud na siya (Christmas decors and lights should be used temporarily. Instead of keeping it after using, other people continues to display it until the next Christmas. Christmas lights and wires deteriorate),” Derecho added.
Derecho said Christmas lights and decorations, whether old or new, must be inspected from time to time. She said that if the wires have cracks and are already damaged, it is much better to dispense it.
Derecho encouraged the people to use LED lights, instead of the incandescent lights as LED lights are brighter, more durable and cooler compared to the incandescent lights.
“That’s why it is more energy efficient,” she said.
Fernandez also encouraged the people to use Christmas trees that are “fire resistant” and “fire retardant” so that, in case of accident, the fire will not get bigger and produce further harm to people. (davaotoday.com)
