Look up, look out, be aware

 

Lessons for Life for Businesses

Following and continually reinforcing these tips will provide a healthy dose of prevention against powerline and electricity related dangers.

BE AWARE ON THE JOB SITE

Ensure your entire workforce is informed and trained on overhead and underground powerline dangers and regulations. Lack of awareness and complacency are the two leading causes of injuries and fatalities involving powerlines.

LOOK UP LOOK OUT

Look Up and Look Out to get familiar with the job site. Ensure all employees, subs and suppliers are aware of all overhead and underground powerlines situated on any job site. Familiarize yourself and follow job site warning signage requirements for powerlines.

ARRANGE FOR A DISCONNECT

When required, ALWAYS call Burlington Hydro to arrange for a disconnect or re-connect. These can only be performed by authorized Burlington Hydro employees or approved partners.

WORKERS USING LADDERS

Before using a ladders, lift or any high reach equipment, make sure you or your employees know where the powerlines are. Always carry ladders horizontally and check before extending or moving it. Just because a ladder is not made of metal, does not mean it can contact a powerline.

DOWNED LINE ON VEHICLE OR EQUIPMENT

Always assume any downed lines are energized and potentially lethal. CALL 9-1-1! If you can safely drive out from under the powerline or away from the source of electricity, do so. If you can't drive the vehicle, stay where you are until help arrives and don’t reach out the window to remove wires! The decisions you or your workers make will make the difference between life and death.

WITNESS TO AN ACCIDENT ON THE JOB SITE

When a vehicle, conveyor, crane, lift or any high-reach equipment becomes electrified leading to injury, it's instinctive to run to the aid of the fallen worker. But never do this until you've confirmed that the power is out. Everything within 30 meter radius of the incident is likely energized and walking within that perimeter will result in even further injuries and fatalities.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

Anytime you dig, call first. Whether you’re just digging with a shovel or an excavator, be sure to get a locate in advance. Never assume you know the location or depth of a powerline. Allow up to 5 business days for processing. Phone 1-800-400-2255

Remember to register early for the Power to be Safe Powerline Safety Seminar presented by Burlington Hydro, Oakville Hydro and the Electricity Safety Authority.