Outdoor yard work is not worth dying for. Stay 3 metres from overhead powerlines.

Powerline Safety at Home

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Deadly powerline contacts may be closer than you think.

Contact with a powerline is a leading cause of electrical-related death in Ontario. Knowing your safe distance can be the difference between life and death. 

8 Essential Powerline Safety Tips 

  1. LOCATE POWERLINES.
    Before you start any outdoor yard work, chores or home maintenance, locate all powerlines near your home and work area. Be especially careful to identify powerlines that may be hidden by trees.
  2. STAY BACK 3 METRES.
    You don’t have to touch a powerline to get a deadly shock. Electricity can jump or “arc” to you or your tools if you get too close. Have someone watch to make sure you stay at least 3 metres back from overhead powerlines.
  3. CARRY LADDERS SIDEWAYS.
    Never carry ladders upright as they may come in contact or close to powerlines. Check for overhead powerlines before standing a ladder up.
  4. STAY AWAY FROM DANGEROUS AREAS.
    Keep away from electrical transmission and distribution lines, and never climb utility poles. If a toy ends up inside a transformer station, call the Local Distribution Company. Don’t try to retrieve it yourself.
  5. CALL OR CLICK BEFORE YOU DIG.
    Powerlines are sometimes buried underground. Before you start construction on a deck, fence or other landscaping project, contact Ontario One Call. Ask to locate all utility-owned underground infrastructure. This includes natural gas, communications and power lines, and water and wastewater pipes. Private underground powerlines such as supply to a pool or separate garage is not located by the utility.
  6. PLANT TREES AWAY FROM OVERHEAD POWERLINES.
    Avoid future problems now, by never planting new trees so that they’ll grow into overhead powerlines. If your trees have already grown into the powerlines, contact your local utility or a utility arborist. More tree pruning and landscaping tips here.
  7. WATCH OUT FOR DOWNED POWERLINES: STAY 10 METRES BACK.
    If you see a downed powerline, always assume it is live and deadly. Downed powerlines can electrify the ground around it, so you don’t have to touch the powerline to receive a deadly shock—stay back about the length of a school bus (10 metres). Call 9-1-1 and the Local Distribution Company immediately.
  8. TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT POWERLINE SAFETY.
    Help children find safe places to play, away from utility poles and powerlines. Remind children never to climb trees near powerlines. Make sure they look closely, since leaves and branches can hide the wires. 
pool

Having a pool installed?

Pool designers and installers need to consider a few factors and follow rules set out by the Ontario Electrical Safey Code.

Learn more>>

 

Maintaining the Electrical Equipment on Your Property 

You are legally responsible for maintaining the electrical equipment on your property to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. This includes poles and overhead wires.

Privately-Owned Powerline Assets - Know Your Responsibilities