Where is your property located?

Your location is required in order to give you accurate and relevant information. Please select your location from the list below. 
You can change your location any time by clicking the My Location button at the bottom of any web page.

Powerline Safety
Powerlines can kill you

 

Stay 3 Metres Away From Overhead Powerlines

High voltage power lines and transformers are unforgiving and lethal. If you work with dump trucks, boom trucks, ladder trucks, bucket trucks, booms, cranes, cherry pickers, augers, excavators, backhoes, scaffolds, ladders or other equipment with a long reach, chances are you could be working dangerously close to overhead or underground power lines. 

It's best to be aware of overhead power lines that may run through your job site. Be sure to look up, locate, and stay clear of overhead power lines before you work on roofs, eavestroughs, and siding to ensure you have the necessary clearance. 

Read this important information from the Electrical Safety Authority to stay safe when working around overhead powerlines. 

6 Essential Safety Tips

  1. Look up and look out: Always maintain awareness of overhead powerlines when engaging in outdoor activities. Identify all powerlines, including those obscured by foliage, near residential and work areas.
  2. Stay back 3 meters from overhead powerlines: You do not 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. Always keep a 3-metre gap between you, your tools and powerlines.
  3. Stay 10 metres from a downed powerline: There is no way of knowing if a powerline is live just by looking at it. Wires do not have to spark to indicate they are live. Always assume a downed powerline is energized and dangerous. Call 9-1-1 and the local utility immediately and ensure everyone stays at least 10 metres back—about the length of a school bus—from fallen powerlines.
  4. Call before you dig: Prioritize safety by contacting Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before initiating any excavation or construction project, ensuring the detection of underground utilities, including powerlines. The locate will only identify utility owned underground line. Customer owned underground lines will require a private locate.
  5. Be mindful of equipment: Avoid flying kites, drones, or other objects near powerlines, as even non-metallic items can conduct electricity, posing severe risks.
  6. 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, since leaves and branches can hide the wires.
Steps

Is your location?