May 11, 2020

May 11 – 17 is Powerline Safety week. Halton Hills Hydro is proud to partner with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in urging residents of Halton Hills to avoid deadly distractions by practicing three critical steps: stop, look, and live.

This year, COVID-19 has forced many Ontarians to stay home. More people than usual have the flexibility to pursue outdoor improvement projects, but with greater opportunity comes increased risk. It is important to remain vigilant and exercise caution when working near powerlines.

Overhead powerlines should always be considered hazardous. Stay three metres away at all times and be sure to carry ladders or tall tools sideways.

Did you know? Even if you don’t come into direct contact with a powerline, you could still receive a shock. Electricity can jump from lines to nearby objects.

For more information about powerline safety, including tips for homeowners, construction workers, and arborists, visit  https://esasafe.com/safety/ .

Stop, Look, Live: Powerline Safety Tips for Households

1. Locate powerlines. Before you start any yard work or outdoor home maintenance, locate powerlines. Be especially aware of 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 three metres (10 feet) back from 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 our office. 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 projects, 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 problems down the line by determining how large the tree will grow and planting it a safe distance away, so branches don’t come close a powerline. If your trees are in close proximity to powerlines, contact your local utility or a utility arborist. Do not prune or remove trees around powerlines yourself. More tree pruning and landscaping tips here.
7. Watch for downed powerlines. If you see one, stay back about the length of a school bus (10 metres or 33 feet). Call 9-1-1 and the Halton Hills Hydro 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. Kids should not play on green boxes on lawns or in parks. 

Remember, Stop, Look and Live. For more powerline safety tips, visit https://esasafe.com/