Safety First

 

Lessons for Life

1. BEFORE DIGGING: Anytime you dig on or near your property, call "On1Call" first. Even if you’re just digging with a shovel, be sure to get a locate in advance. Never assume you know the location or depth of a powerline. Phone 1-800-400-2255.
2. ON YOUR LADDER: Before you start any work using a ladder or other high reach equipment, make sure you know where the powerlines are. Carry ladders horizontally and always check before extending or moving your ladder. Even ladders that are not made with metal can conduct electricity under certain conditions.
3. ROUND TRANSFORMERS:Never touch transformers. Teach children never to play on or near transformers. Pad-mounted transformers need proper air circulation to prevent overheating which can lead to a power outage. Do not plant within 3 metres of the front of the transformer or 1.5 metres of its back and sides.
4. POWERLINES ON YOUR CAR: Always assume any downed lines are energized and potentially lethal. CALL 9-1-1! If you can safely drive out from under the line 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! If it becomes critical to escape the vehicle, jump out and away from the vehicle, making sure that you land with your feet together. You must not stumble, so don't try to jump far. Then, move away from the vehicle, using the shuffle technique, until you are at least 10-metres from the vehicle.
5. FIRST AT AN ACCIDENT SCENE: If a powerline is on the vehicle or on the ground, do not rush into to assist. Assume any downed powerline and anything it touches is live and potentially deadly. You must keep at least 10 metres (33 feet) away. If you can communicate with the occupants of the vehicle tell them to STAY IN THE VEHICLE until help arrives. Call 9-1-1 and warn any others in the vicinity about the need to keep back at least 10 metres!
6. DRIVING BY A BHI CREW: Please drive with caution when approaching or passing Burlington Hydro crews. They are often out doing repairs during inclement weather when driving conditions are at their worst.
7. DOWNED WIRES AND TREE LIMBS: When tree branches come in contact with powerlines due to heavy winds or ice storms, they can become energized and electrocute anyone who touches it. When lines are stressed or down, always stay well away from trees in the vicinity. Anything touching a powerline under certain conditions can be energized. Never touch any downed powerline. The same is true for telephone, fiber optic and cable TV wires, which can also become energized, if powerlines come in contact with them. If you see a downed wire on a tree limb immediately call 1-877-310-4937.