LS Cable & System performs electrical safety check at traditional markets

Employees of LS Cable & System conduct an electrical safety check at a traditional market in Gwangju, last year. / Courtesy of LS Cable & System

By Kang Seung-woo

LS Cable & System is living up to its billing as the nation's leading power cable maker providing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs by inspecting traditional markets for electrical hazards free of charge.

The company, based in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, said Monday that it has carried out electrical safety inspections of traditional markets across the nation since last year as part of its CSR talent donation.

The company decided to launch the program after massive fires destroyed many of the nation's large-scale yet fire-prone traditional markets.

According to LS, its safety squad is comprised of four to 10 people, determined by the size of each market.

“We usually spend three days at one market,” said assistant research engineer Lee Hyeon-seok, who proposed the talent donation to the company. “On the first day, we conduct an on-the-spot inspection to decide on how much time and manpower is needed, and which materials are necessary.

“And on the last day, we conduct safety education before wrapping up the activity.”

Starting the campaign at a market in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, and a market in Donghae, Gangwon Province, last September, LS has performed safety checks in other places including Gwangju, Busan, and Anyang and Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, every month.

The cable manufacturer also plans to expand the program to traditional markets in Daegu and Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province.

Traditional markets generally have obsolete electrical systems prone to catching fire. In addition, stores are close together, allowing a fire to spread easily.

Taking advantage of the company's technology and equipment, the firm inspects electrical installations including cables, circuit breakers and switches. It also provides merchants at the market with safety education on the misuse of cables and basic safety rules such as not touching sockets or outlets with wet hands.

“Making the most of our employees' special skills, we plan to start a variety of CSR programs,” said CEO Myung Roe-hyun.

“Through consistent CSR activities, we are set to fulfill our contribution to society.”

Meanwhile, the company said last week it plans to begin an inventory management system using internet of things technology.

It added this will be a first for the cable industry.

“The system can reduce the time and effort required when hundreds and thousands of products are stored and shipped, while keeping track of their movement, thus preventing theft during shipment,” its CEO said.