ESA shares lifesaving tips with Ontarians this
Powerline Safety Week
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 13, 2024 /CNW/ - The Electrical Safety
Authority (ESA) is issuing an important reminder to Ontarians
following a 50 per cent increase in powerline-related fatalities in
the province. This Powerline Safety Week (May 13 to 19), the ESA is sharing crucial tips to
stay safe around powerlines, both at home and at work.
According to the latest Ontario Electrical Safety Report,
between 2018-2022, there were 12 fatalities due to powerline
contact – a 50 per cent increase from 2013-2017. In the past 10
years, there have been nearly 1,400 powerline contacts and 45 per
cent of all electrical-related fatalities in the province were from
powerline contact.
Despite the real danger, according to ESA research, many
Ontarians are not taking precautions. A third (34 per cent) say
they rarely or never identify overhead powerlines before doing
outdoor chores; and 30 per cent say they never think about
getting hurt by electricity because they seriously doubt it will
happen to them.
"Powerlines are an extremely serious and deadly threat," says
Patience Cathcart, Director of Data
Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority.
"One wrong move near a powerline can have irreversible
consequences. Stay cautious, and always keep you and your equipment
3 metres back from overhead powerlines."
Most powerline incidents are reported between April and October,
as more people are doing outdoor projects and construction season
is in full effect. Here are some essential tips to stay safe
around powerlines:
- KEEP 3 METRES AWAY FROM OVERHEAD POWERLINES.
Electricity can jump or "arc" to you or your tools if you get too
close. You don't have to touch a powerline to get a deadly
shock.
- KEEP 10 METRES AWAY FROM DOWNED POWERLINES. If you
see a downed powerline, always assume it is live. It doesn't have
to move or spark to be energized. Downed powerlines can electrify
the ground around it, so stay at least the length of a school bus
away.
- LOCATE POWERLINES. Before you start any outdoor
work, locate all powerlines nearby. Look up for overhead powerlines
and for those buried underground, before digging, it's the law to
contact Ontario One Call and ask to
locate all utility-owned underground infrastructure. You may also
require a private locate for underground wires that are not
utility-owned.
You can find more powerline safety tips at
ESAsafe.com/StopLookLive.
About the Electrical Safety Authority
The Electrical
Safety Authority's (ESA's) role is to enhance public electrical
safety in Ontario. As an
administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of
Ontario, ESA is responsible for
administering specific regulations related to the Ontario
Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and
Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and
electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders
throughout the province on education, training and promotion to
foster electrical safety across the province.
More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found
at www.esasafe.com,
through https://twitter.com/homeandsafety and on Facebook
at https://www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.
SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority