Elektroprivreda: 167 workers on 14-day shifts without leaving production facilities

(Patria) - In order to ensure the stability of the energy system, continuity in the production of electricity and heat energy, and regular customer supply, 167 Elektroprivreda BiH workers are working for 14 days in two shifts without leaving production facilities.

Two blocks at TE Tuzla and one block at TE Kakanj are operational, satisfying the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's needs for electricity and heat energy for heating Tuzla, Lukavac, and Kakanj. All 11 units of the Neretva hydropower plants are available and operational in accordance with electricity needs. Coal reserves at depots and the level of hydro-accumulations are above the level planned by the balance for this time of year.

The work process in the production units of Elektroprivreda BiH is carried out according to the principle of a so-called closed cycle, which involves the complete isolation of employees in the thermal and hydropower plant premises for a period of 14 days. In the premises of TE Tuzla, 117 employees are in isolation, TE Kakanj 20, and the Neretva hydropower plants 16 employees who operate the blocks and units, and work on ensuring the prerequisites for uninterrupted production of electricity and heat energy, working in two shifts on a 12/12 hour schedule.

At the same time, employees who will replace their colleagues currently working in isolation at the thermal and hydropower plants, after detailed health observation, are in home isolation for 14 days.

In small hydropower plants, which are part of Elektroprivreda BiH and organized through the production activity in distribution branches, 6 employees of Elektrodistribucija Bihać and 4 employees of Elektrodistribucija Tuzla are in the work safety zone. All conditions necessary for work and stay are provided for the workers who are in isolation in the production units. 41 people are engaged in receiving and transporting coal within the thermal power plants, ash removal, and other tasks performed by workers who are not employees of Elektroprivreda BiH, and they are in isolation in the thermal power plants.

The work process related to system management is also organized according to the principle of a so-called closed cycle. Work tasks are performed under isolated conditions for a continuous period of 14 days by four workers. After 14 days, the currently engaged workers will be replaced. Priority activities of the distribution sector relate to eliminating faults and implementing measures to reduce the possibility of power outages.

In the mines of the EPBiH Concern, the number of engaged workers has been reduced to the minimum required for the smooth running of the coal production process. Elektroprivreda BiH, implementing the recommendations of the competent authorities, is taking all necessary hygienic and epidemiological measures to protect the health of workers and customers, and to prevent the further spread of the virus.