Latest news with #ElectricalSafetyAuthority
Ottawa Citizen
14-05-2025
- General
- Ottawa Citizen
Heads up! Alectra reminds residents to stay safe around powerlines
Article content MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Powerline Safety Week is here, and Alectra Utilities is urging the public to be extra cautious around powerlines, whether working on job sites or tackling spring projects at home. Article content Article content According to the Electrical Safety Authority, more than 40 per cent of Ontarians mistakenly believe that direct contact is required to get a shock or burn from a powerline. However, electricity can arc from the line to any object that comes within three metres, such as a ladder, branch or tool, and cause serious injury or death. Article content Article content 'Powerline Safety Week is an important time to remind everyone about the serious and frequently misunderstood risks that powerlines present,' said Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. 'Public safety is one of our highest priorities. By working together to raise awareness, we can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect lives.' Article content 'Ensuring the safety of Alectra employees, customers and the public remains our top priority,' said Chris Hudson, Senior Vice President, Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. 'Together, we can ensure an electrically safe and secure community for all.' Article content Every year, injuries and even fatalities occur when people inadvertently come into contact with overhead, often during routine activities like landscaping, digging, or operating equipment under overhead powerlines. Article content Here are six essential safety tips to always follow: Article content 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. 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. 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. 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. Be mindful of equipment: Avoid flying kites, drones, or other objects near powerlines, as even non-metallic items can conduct electricity, posing severe risks. 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. Article content Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. Article content
Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Heads up! Alectra reminds residents to stay safe around powerlines
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Powerline Safety Week is here, and Alectra Utilities is urging the public to be extra cautious around powerlines, whether working on job sites or tackling spring projects at home. According to the Electrical Safety Authority, more than 40 per cent of Ontarians mistakenly believe that direct contact is required to get a shock or burn from a powerline. However, electricity can arc from the line to any object that comes within three metres, such as a ladder, branch or tool, and cause serious injury or death. 'Powerline Safety Week is an important time to remind everyone about the serious and frequently misunderstood risks that powerlines present,' said Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. 'Public safety is one of our highest priorities. By working together to raise awareness, we can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect lives.' 'Ensuring the safety of Alectra employees, customers and the public remains our top priority,' said Chris Hudson, Senior Vice President, Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. 'Together, we can ensure an electrically safe and secure community for all.' Every year, injuries and even fatalities occur when people inadvertently come into contact with overhead, often during routine activities like landscaping, digging, or operating equipment under overhead powerlines. Here are six essential safety tips to always follow: For more information about powerline safety, visit: Powerline Safety | Alectra Utilities . About Alectra Utilities Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Bluesky: YouTube: Media Contact Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson | Email: | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN An image accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Heads up! Alectra reminds residents to stay safe around powerlines
Powerline Safety MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Powerline Safety Week is here, and Alectra Utilities is urging the public to be extra cautious around powerlines, whether working on job sites or tackling spring projects at home. According to the Electrical Safety Authority, more than 40 per cent of Ontarians mistakenly believe that direct contact is required to get a shock or burn from a powerline. However, electricity can arc from the line to any object that comes within three metres, such as a ladder, branch or tool, and cause serious injury or death. 'Powerline Safety Week is an important time to remind everyone about the serious and frequently misunderstood risks that powerlines present,' said Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. 'Public safety is one of our highest priorities. By working together to raise awareness, we can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect lives.' 'Ensuring the safety of Alectra employees, customers and the public remains our top priority,' said Chris Hudson, Senior Vice President, Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. 'Together, we can ensure an electrically safe and secure community for all." Every year, injuries and even fatalities occur when people inadvertently come into contact with overhead, often during routine activities like landscaping, digging, or operating equipment under overhead powerlines. Here are six essential safety tips to always follow: 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. 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. 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. 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. Be mindful of equipment: Avoid flying kites, drones, or other objects near powerlines, as even non-metallic items can conduct electricity, posing severe risks. 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. For more information about powerline safety, visit: Powerline Safety | Alectra Utilities. About Alectra Utilities Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Media Contact Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson | Email: | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN An image accompanying this announcement is available at
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Electrical Safety Authority Reminds Ontarians to Keep a Safe Distance from Powerlines
Powerlines are unforgiving and deadly; ESA shares lifesaving tips this Powerline Safety Week MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - To mark Powerline Safety Week (May 12-18), the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is reminding Ontarians to keep a safe distance from powerlines and avoid distractions when working near them, both at home and at work. Always stay at least three metres away from overhead powerlines and 10 metres away from downed powerlines. Powerline contacts are the leading cause of electrical facilities in Ontario, with 22 deaths and over 1,400 incidents in the past decade. In 2024, four more lives were lost due to electrical contact. "Too many Ontarians stray too close to powerlines, putting their safety and lives at risk," said Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. "It's critical to stay alert and avoid distractions when working near powerlines. The simple act of answering a call or text message could cause you to lose focus and lead to an accidental contact. Minimizing distractions could save your life." Most powerline incidents are reported between May and October, when construction season is underway, and more people are doing outdoor projects. According to the latest Ontario Electrical Safety Report, in the last five years, 50 per cent of non-occupational electrical fatalities were due to powerline contacts. Despite the real danger posed by powerlines, many people are not careful enough around them. In fact, 27 per cent of Ontarians say they rarely or never identify overhead powerlines before doing outdoor chores. "Powerlines are unforgiving and deadly," says Cathcart. "Failing to locate powerlines or coming in contact with them through tools or equipment can lead to tragedy. Reduce the risk of the serious injury by always keeping yourself and equipment three metres away from overhead powerlines and 10 metres away from downed powerlines." Here are some essential tips to stay safe around powerlines: KEEP 3 METRES AWAY FROM OVERHEAD POWERLINES. 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. Stay about the length of a 10-step ladder away from powerlines, and if you're carrying a ladder or an extended tool, hold it horizontally. KEEP 10 METRES AWAY FROM DOWNED POWERLINES. If you see a downed powerline, always assume it is live and deadly – it doesn't have to move to be energized. A downed powerline can electrify the ground around it, so stay at least the length of a school bus away. If you see a downed line, call 911 and the local electrical distribution company to report it. LOCATE POWERLINES. Before starting any outdoor work or debris clean up, locate all powerlines nearby. Look up for overhead powerlines and for those buried underground. Before digging, contact Ontario One Call to locate all utility-owned underground infrastructure. You may also require a private locate for underground wires that are not utility-owned. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS. Remove any potential distractions, like your phone, before working near powerlines. A text message, call or notification can easily distract workers, leading to risks of a serious injury or death. You can find more powerline safety tips at About the Electrical Safety Authority The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA's) role is to improve public electrical safety in Ontario. ESA is an administrative authority responsible for administering specific regulations under the Electricity Act, 1998 (Part VIII) 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.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Checking for Electrical Damage Around Your Home from the Ice Storm
Look for issues with overhead powerline connection to your house, wiring, and water damage and contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor to make repairs MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 31, 2025 /CNW/ - The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is cautioning all Ontarians affected by the ice storm to check around and in their home for potential electrical damage and to take safety precautions. "Public safety is ESA's top priority," said Eric Kingston, VP of Operations, Electrical Safety Authority. "ESA recognizes the significant disruption a sustained power outage has on daily life. Our inspectors are working closely with utilities and Licensed Electrical Contractors to ensure storm damaged homes are reconnected in a safe manner to avoid the risk of electrical shock or fire, or further property damage." Ice storms can cause widespread damage to powerlines and hydro poles owned by the utility. ESA works alongside utilities to ensure necessary repairs are made and power is safely restored. Ice storms can also cause damage to the equipment that connects homes to the electricity grid. Only Licensed Electrical Contractors can be hired to repair customer-owned equipment. Even if power has been restored or never went out, you may have electrical pipes/masts pulled away from the building, sagging electrical wires, or water and ice damage. These could be shock or fire hazards and should be repaired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Visually check for possible damage to electrical service coming into your home. Do not touch and always stay at least 10 metres back (the length of a school bus). Typically, a homeowner's ownership of electrical equipment begins where the wires attach to the house. This includes the point of attachment on the building, service mast, the wires in it and the meter base; Check to see if the point of attachment or the service mast is pulled away from the wall, broken, or detached from the meter base. Look for wires sagging down; and If you see this or suspect any damage, contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor to check it and make necessary repairs. A list of all Licensed Electrical Contractors in Ontario, as well as a search feature to find a Licensed Electrical Contractor near you, can be found at Getting Repairs Done Only Licensed Electrical Contractors can be hired to do residential electrical repairs; Once you have hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor: Look for damage inside your home caused by flooding – Burst pipes, burst or backed-up watermains, and other sources may have caused flooding inside your home. If there is water in your basement above the level of electrical outlets or near your electrical panel, do not enter the basement until your utility has disconnected your power. Portable Generators Portable generators can provide security and comfort during power outages. However, they can cause electrical shock and fire hazards if connected or used incorrectly. Follow these tips to use your generator safely: Never use a generator indoors. They produce fatal carbon monoxide fumes, so set them up outside away from windows, doors or vents to your house or your neighbor's house; If you're buying a generator, make sure it has a Canadian certification mark from an approved certification agency; Don't attach a portable generator directly to your home's electricity system. It could cause power to flow back into the power grid and electrocute you, your neighbors or a utility worker, or damage the system; and If you want to permanently connect your generator to your home's system, you need to file a permit with ESA. A Licensed Electrical Contractor must make the connection. Be Careful When Cleaning up after the Storm When attempting to clean up after the storm please follow these tips: Do not attempt to clear tree limbs that are leaning on or caught in powerlines – Report them to your local utility; Keep 3 metres away from overhead powerlines. Electricity can jump or "arc" to you or your tools if you get too close. Remember carry ladders horizontally and to keep high reach tools such as ladders and pole top trimmers 3m from overhead wires. You don't have to touch a powerline to get a deadly shock; Never carry ladders upright as they may come in contact or close to powerlines. Check for overhead powerlines before standing a ladder up; Keep 10 metres away (the length of a school bus) 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 call 911 and the local electrical distribution company to report any downed lines; and Please wait until the power is disconnected or powerlines are repaired before starting yard cleanup – downed powerlines may be hidden beneath debris and tree branches. ESA reminds all homeowners and businesses, including restoration companies, to ensure that the power has been disconnected to the entire property, which may include battery storage, solar or backup generators, before entering to avoid shock and electrocution. This includes flooded basements and outbuildings that contain electrical equipment or are connected to the electrical system. For more information on electrical safety when stormy weather hits, visit: About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA's) role is to improve public electrical safety in Ontario. ESA is an administrative authority responsible for administering specific regulations under the Electricity Act, 1998 (Part VIII) 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 through X and on Facebook at SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
