IBEW Joins Other Electrical Safety Groups in Saying "Don't Imitate Fear Factor"

Fear Factor' Viewers Warned Not to Challenge Electricity
Monday January 31, 9:35 pm ET
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has joined with many of North America's top utility, safety and electrical industry organizations to caution viewers of NBC's "Fear Factor" against attempting dangerous stunts involving electricity.

The "Fear Factor" episode aired Monday, January 31, 2005, featuring a stunt involving contestants receiving electric shocks against the backdrop of a utility substation. ESFI and other organizations and companies fear that the program sends the message to viewers that contact with electricity is something that can be withstood without serious consequences and that utility substations and electrical equipment are suitable locations for horseplay. The cancellation of MTV's "Jackass" due to deadly copycat stunts serves as ample evidence that there are those who attempt to recreate what they see on television and in the movies, sometimes with traumatic results.

"In this case, such behavior could result in tragic loss," stated ESFI Executive Director Michael G. Clendenin. "Surviving such a stunt wouldn't show prowess or toughness, but an incredible amount of luck."

Viewers should be reminded that it does not take the thousands of volts present in transmission lines and utility equipment to result in death. In the real world, electricity is a uniquely unforgiving force that can be fatal at even "low levels" of current. Indeed, a fraction of an amp can stop the heart. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 180 people were accidentally electrocuted in 1999 in accidents relating to consumer products, most at household current. Thousands more are sent to hospitals with traumatic injuries that are disproportionately disfiguring and disabling.

Viewers should be warned that utility substations are a crucial part of the electric infrastructure, containing tens of thousands of volts of electricity. "They are not a playground nor an appropriate backdrop for a reality TV show," says Clendenin.

Joining ESFI in the message are American Public Power Association (APPA), Canada Safety Council (CSC), CSA International, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), National Safety Council (NSC), and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).

Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America's only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by electrical manufacturers and distributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities, safety and consumer groups, and trade and labor associations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns and proactive media relations to help reduce property damage, personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does not engage in code or standard writing or lobbying and does not solicit individuals.

For additional electrical safety information, visit the Foundation's web site at http://www.electrical-safety.org or call 703-841-3229.

Source: The Electrical Safety Foundation International