Forum: Don’t use HDB risers to store items
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I refer to the article “ 2 taken to hospital after electrical riser fire at Jalan Kayu HDB block
The cause of the fire is being investigated and residents have been reminded to keep electrical risers free of obstruction.
It is not uncommon for e-commerce deliverymen to place items in the electrical riser when nobody is at home. This is not only dangerous but is also a fire hazard.
Bulky items may damage the electrical panel or box. When damaged, these may dissipate heat and because the items are wrapped in paper or plastic, or worse, contain flammable materials, they pose a fire hazard.
Electrical, water and communication risers are not storerooms and should not be used by delivery staff for their convenience. Some residents even store their clutter in the water riser, unaware that this will hamper firefighter access to the hose during a fire.
I have also seen cleaners storing their cleaning supplies like brooms and pans in the switch rooms of void decks.
There are regulations against misusing risers as storage space and inspection can be stepped up.
HDB risers are not your broom cupboard or parcel drop-off point. Causing obstruction to firefighting is a selfish act.
Desmond Cheng
