Safety Alerts

ELECTRICAL SAFETY ALERTS

1.Working around overhead transit lines

2.Safety for first responders around fallen power lines

3.Arc ignites sawdust in service panel

4.Check reversing mechanism on automatic garage doors

5.Tire explodes when truck contacts overhead power line

6.Excavation crew contacts underground power lines

7.Electrician injured using 600 volt multimeter on high-voltage equipment

8.Wiping rain off energized phasing meter results in electrical contact

9.Worker dies after contacting energized conductor

10.Worker severely burnt in electrical explosion and fire

11.Firefighter injured in 'grow house' fire

12.Tires explode after high-voltage contact

13.Test for voltage and back feeds before applying grounds

14.Double-check extension cord assembly --- Follow manufacturer's instructions at all

times

15.Use recommended bulbs only — Secure protective-lighting cage against

movement

16.Inspect cords regularly — Are your electrical cords safe?

17.Use extreme caution when charging batteries

18.Draining aerosol paint cans — Ground equipment and ventilate work area

19.Protect workers from all sources of live energy

20.Do not elevate pipe near power lines

21.Look up and live

22.Double check lock-out

23.CONCRETE PUMP OPERATOR

24.PUMP TRUCK OPERATOR

25.1990 Construction Fatal -- Electrician

26.ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKER

27.Circuit Breaker Gap Energized

28.Industrial Electrical Connectors Can Be DEADLY

29.LOW VOLTAGE CAN BE LETHAL!

30.SKIDDER OPERATOR

31.Working near power lines

32.CHECK FOR OVERHEAD POWER LINES!

Working around overhead transit lines

Contact with the overhead feeder lines used by

trolley buses can be fatal.
According to sections 19.10 and 19.12 of the Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation, low voltage electrical equipment (up to 750 V) must be completely
disconnected and locked out before starting work on it. If it is not practicable to
disconnect the equipment, the work must be performed by qualified and authorized
workers in accordance with written safe work procedures. Such procedures require the
use of appropriate electrical protective equipment, including rubber gloves and cover
up, and other necessary live-line tools. Work conducted near Coast Mountain Bus
Company (CMBC) overhead feeder lines may require the use of electrical guarding
equipment.

Background
Overhead feeder lines for CMBC trolley buses are mounted on power poles or lamp
standards in the City of Vancouver and the City of Burnaby. They are located on city
streets, often over sidewalks and close to buildings and other structures. The diagram
shows a typical lamp standard and the location of the direct current (DC) feeder
conductor arm. Feeder lines extend between adjacent lamp standards.
Hazards
Workers often perform work near these 600-volt overhead feeder lines with no
protection, which is dangerous. Even though these are considered low-voltage lines,
the energy present is enough to cause serious injury or death from electrocution if
contact is made with the lines.

Recommendations
Employers should instruct workers about the hazards associated with overhead feeder
lines. In addition, follow these guidelines to prevent inadvertent contact with feeder
lines:

• Plan ahead to prevent contact with overhead feeder lines by any equipment,
materials, or workers.
• If contact with feeder lines is possible, contact CMBC before starting any
work.
• If moving, maintain a minimum distance of 3 m from the lines.
• If stationary (for example, on scaffolding), maintain a minimum distance of 1
m from the lines.

CMBC involvement
CMBC can inform you of precautions that will prevent accidental contact with
overhead feeder lines. If requested, CMBC can dispatch a representative to a site to
provide available guarding options.
fallen power lines

Safety for first responders

around fallen power lines

Power lines may come down as a result of windstorms, ice buildup, and motor vehicle
accidents. Police, ambulance attendants, and firefighters called to the scene may find
power lines lying on the ground or touching a tree or vehicle. On arrival, first
responders must always assume that a fallen line is live. They must be aware that the
land surrounding the power line may be energized and dangerous.

This bulletin explains the dangers of getting too close to power lines on the ground or
to anything in contact with a power line. The safe work practices in this bulletin will
keep first responders, other workers, and the public safe at the scene.
The hazards of power lines
You cannot tell if a downed power line is energized just by looking at it. There are no
sparks or movement. Even if the line is not live one moment, automatic switching
equipment may restore power to the line without warning. The protective covering on
a power line is not insulation; it only protects the line from the weather. It won't
protect you from electrical contact.

The electricity in a power line always seeks a path to the ground. This path
might include a tree, a vehicle, or a fence. These objects then become energized. If
you touch the energized line or object, the electricity can flow through your body.
Keep away from any object that is in contact with a power line.

Once electricity reaches the ground, the ground itself becomes energized. This can
happen if a broken power line falls to the ground or onto a vehicle or tree. The
electricity then flows through the ground over a wide area, spreading out like ripples
in a pool of water. The voltage in the ground is very high at the point of electrical
contact. Farther away, the voltage drops off. With power lines of up to 60 kilovolts,
the voltage drops to zero at about 10 metres (33 feet). However, if the ground is wet,
it will be more than 10 metres from the point of contact to the point where the voltage
drops to zero.
When it is safe to approach the scene
The power company must make sure the power system has been de-energized and
will not automatically reconnect. If the power company does not have a representative
at the scene, contact the company by phone. Unless the power company confirms that
it is safe to approach the downed power line, do not enter the hazardous area and do
not let others approach within 10 metres.

Safe work practices for first responders

1. Treat downed power lines and anything in contact with them as
energized.
2. Park away from the power lines. When you arrive at the scene, park your
vehicle well away from any downed lines. Before you exit your vehicle at
night, shine a flashlight through the window to make sure you are not near a
downed power line.
3. Stop traffic and keep people away. Pedestrians or motorists may not see
power lines that are on the ground. The surrounding area will be energized.
 Secure the area and keep everyone back at least 10 metres (33 feet) - more if
the voltage is over 60 kilovolts.
4. Don't become a victim yourself. You cannot help anyone if you are injured
or electrocuted. Never touch anything that is in contact with a downed power
line, including injured or trapped victims, puddles, vehicles, or trees. Do not
use a dry stick or piece of hose as they will not protect you.
5. Call the power company immediately. The power company can ensure that
automatic switching equipment will not restore power to the line. A crew with
proper training and equipment will arrive as soon as possible.
6. Wait for the power company representative to confirm that it is safe to
approach the scene. Only the power company can confirm that the system
has been de-energized and that power will not automatically be restored.

Staying safe inside a vehicle that is in contact with

power lines
If your vehicle comes in contact with power lines, follow these steps to keep safe:

• If possible, move the vehicle away to break contact with the power line.
• If the vehicle cannot be moved, stay inside until emergency crews can safely
approach. If anyone approaches the vehicle, open the window and call out.
Tell them to keep away and to call 9-1-1 for help.
• If there is a fire and you must leave the vehicle, jump out with your feet
together. Never touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Move away
slowly by shuffling and keeping both feet close together.

Safe work practices save lives

In a recent incident, a fire truck encountered black ice and went out of control. It
rolled onto its side and sheared off a power pole. The 60-kilovolt power lines fell onto
the truck, resulting in a series of arcs and a widespread power outage.

The four firefighters stayed inside their truck, and a rescue crew kept responding
firefighters and the public outside the energized zone. Once the power company said
it was safe to leave, the firefighters, who had been wearing seat belts, got out of the
truck uninjured.

Arc ignites sawdust in service panel

At a wood products manufacturing plant, a three-phase motor was single-

phasing. To find out why, an electrician was testing the incoming voltage to the
electrical components inside a 600-volt 600-amp main service panel. A planerman
was assisting by holding the multimeter, which was rated at 600 volts and was not
CSA-certified. There was a flashover across the circuit board inside the multimeter.
The arc ignited sawdust in the service panel. A sudden fireball caused burns to both
workers.

Safe work practices

Wood products plants:

• Practise regular housekeeping to keep dust from building up around

service panels.
• Keep the covers to all electrical panels closed unless an electrician is working
on the panel.
• Have an electrician perform regular maintenance to keep service panels clean
inside, especially when they are exposed to contaminants such as sawdust.

Electrical workers:

• Use a good-quality
multimeter with
external fused leads
when measuring
voltage on energized
electrical equipment.
Fuses and thermal
resistors inside older
multimeters cannot
react quickly enough
to protect against
sudden spikes in
voltage.
• Expect line voltages
to be 20 percent
higher than rated
when build-out
capacitors are
connected to the
electric circuit. The
 investigation found that build-out capacitors may have caused higher than
rated voltages at the motor input terminals.
• Use a multimeter rated at least 25 percent higher than the expected voltage
when testing energized electrical equipment. This allows for spikes in voltage.
• Use electrical testing equipment that is CSA-certified or meets other specific
safety requirements.

Check reversing mechanism on automatic garage doorsCheck reversing

mechanism on automatic garage doors

While entering an underground parkade, a young man was caught under the
automatic overhead garage door as it was closing and was fatally injured. The
investigation found that the safety reversing mechanism was not working and the door
did not reverse when it hit the man.

Although the person who died was not a worker, WorkSafeBC is working with the
B.C. Coroners Service to help prevent similar fatalities and injuries. Random tests in
other locations found reversing mechanisms that did not work.

If an automatic garage door is built to current standards, it will have a reversing

mechanism so that the door stops and reverses if it hits a person or object while
closing. One common protection device is an electric eye and/or pressure sensor strip
along the lower edge of the door to detect an object in its path.

Safe work practices:

• Residential doors: Test the door monthly. The door should reverse when it
comes down on an object such as a 2 x 4 block of wood.
• Commercial doors: Test the door according to the manufacturer's instructions
to ensure that it reverses when it strikes or otherwise senses an object.
• If it has one, check the pressure hose on the door edge for cracks, tears, and
holes.
• Have the door
installed and
properly balanced
according to the
manufacturer's
instructions so that it
will stay in place
when stopped in any
partially open
position.
• Keep the door
properly maintained and lubricated.
• Install the warning labels supplied by the manufacturer.
 • If children have access to the door, consider installing the activation buttons
above their reach.

Tire explodes when truck contacts overhead power line

A load of gravel was being delivered to a farm. After dumping the load as
directed by the farmer, the driver moved the truck forward with its box still raised. As
the truck was moving forward, the box contacted an overhead high-voltage power
line. The driver saw sparks, stopped the truck, and jumped from the truck.
Fortunately, the truck had broken contact by then and he was not injured.

All 10 of the tires on the truck had burn marks on them where the power went
to ground. One front tire, a balloon-type tire, exploded, resulting in the aluminium
wheel, bearings, and brake shoes being blown up to 12 metres (40 feet) away, along
with parts of the grill.

Safe work practices:

• Check for overhead

hazards before
raising the box.
• Keep your vehicle a
safe distance from
overhead power
lines. The distance
varies with the
voltage:
Minimum
Voltage
distance
Over
3 metres
750 V to
(10 feet)
75 kV
75 kV to 4.5 metres
250 kV (15 feet)
Over
250 kV 6 metres
to (20 feet)
550 kV
• Contact the owner of the power utility if you cannot maintain the required
minimum distance from the power line. The power lines may need to be
rerouted, de-energized, or identified and guarded.
Excavation crew contacts underground power lines

An excavation crew was installing anchors for a shoring system to support a

water main close to an excavation. The prime contractor and shoring contractor relied
on "as built" drawings and visual reference points to decide that an underground
electrical duct bank was far enough away from the water main to pose no hazard.
Workers were using an air track drill when two anchors severed power lines inside the
duct bank and caused a power failure. The drilling crew was unaware of the contact
when it happened. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

The "as built" drawings were inaccurate in terms of the depth of the electrical duct
bank and its distance from the water main. The drawings included a disclaimer that
the owner of the utility took no responsibility for accuracy of the information.

This is not an isolated incident. In several recent incidents, excavation equipment has
contacted underground services.

Safe work practices:

• Accurately locate underground utility services before excavating or drilling

with power tools.
• Ensure that excavation work is carried out in accordance with the
requirements of the utility owner.
• Provide written safe work procedures when working in proximity to
underground utility services and ensure that workers follow these procedures.

Electrician injured
 Electrician injured using 600 volt
multimeter on high-voltage equipment

An electrician qualified to work on low-voltage equipment was troubleshooting the

electrical unit substation at a print shop. After testing the low-voltage panel, he found
there was no power in one of the three phases. The three fuses for the 12,000 volt
supply were removed and tested. The electrician and a worker from the print shop
then checked the incoming supply. When the electrician used a 600 volt multimeter to
test the 12,000 volt bus bar, there was an electric arc. He fell to the floor, cracking a
vertebra and receiving burns to both hands.

An investigation revealed that the electrical problem with the unit substation was
caused by a blown fuse at the utility pole.

Safe work practices:

• High-voltage equipment must, where practicable, be isolated and locked out.

• Do not work on energized high-voltage equipment without training.
• Use the personal protective equipment required for the work being done.
• Follow written safe work procedures for work on energized equipment.
• Use electrical test equipment suitable for the voltage; do not use low-voltage
meters to test energized high-voltage equipment.
• Have a second qualified electrician present when working on energized high-
voltage equipment.

Wiping rain off

Wiping rain off energized phasing meter results in electrical contact

Two power line technicians were rushing to complete a routine phasing test in a 25
kV (25,000 volts) switching kiosk. It was raining heavily. The phasing meter was held
by two hot sticks to the live terminals of a 25 kV disconnect. When rain covered the
faceplate of the meter, making it hard to read, one technician wiped the faceplate with
his hand. There was a flash and he received burns to his hand and feet. The meter was
not approved for this type of testing in these weather conditions.

Safe work practices:

• Never touch energized equipment, including testing meters, with a bare hand
or non-insulating gloves.
• Use only testing meters approved for the job.
• Develop written procedures for completing work if it starts to rain.
• Hold tailboard sessions with workers to review safety procedures.
• Identify fatigue as a factor that can become a safety concern.
• Do not rush to complete your work. Keep your mind on the task.

energized conductor

Worker dies after contacting energized conductor

Electricians were repairing and cleaning insulators at an outdoor electrical substation.

Workers first followed written group lockout procedures to de-energize and lock out
the half of the substation where work was to be done. However, a nearby 13,800-volt
busbar was still energized because it was not apparent that the other half of the
substation supplied this conductor. An electrician contacted the energized busbar as
he was climbing down a supporting column and fell 3 m (9 ft.) onto concrete. He
suffered fatal internal injuries.

An investigation revealed that the written lockout procedure did not include
isolation of all energy sources. There was no visual check of the physical plant to
verify that all electrical equipment and sources of energy were identified in the
lockout procedure.

Safe work practices:

• Include all sources of energy in written lockout procedures.

• When lockout procedures are developed, do a physical check to ensure that
every piece of equipment and all sources of energy are identified.
• Ensure electrical line diagrams are accurate and reflect the location of
electrical conductors.
• Undertake physical testing to ensure grounding and isolation are effective.
• Hold a pre-job safety meeting before starting work on high-voltage equipment.

Burnt in electrical explosion and fire

Worker severely burnt in electrical explosion and fire

A maintenance worker was checking out why there was no power to a machine. At
the electrical panel, the worker turned the disconnect switch for the machine to the
"off" position. He then opened the switch panel door, and turned the switch back to
the "on" position. A phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground fault occurred when the
worker energized the switch, causing an explosion and fire. The worker was wearing
safety glasses, but received burns to his hands, arms, and face.

An investigation into this accident determined the neutral line on the main
electrical transformer was equipped with more than one ground connection,
contravening the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code. This contributed to
the severity of the worker's injuries by interfering with the ground fault protection
relay, allowing the circuit to remain energized for a longer than normal period of time.

Safe work practices:

• Ensure all wiring meets the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code.
• Ensure written safe work procedures are in place for electrical work.
• Ensure only qualified workers perform electrical work.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety eyewear, face
shield, gloves, and fire resistant coveralls.
 • Whenever possible, disconnect and lock out energy sources prior to
performing electrical work.

Firefighter injured

Firefighter injured in 'grow house' fire

A firefighter received a prolonged electrical shock while attacking a fire in a
residential structure containing a marijuana grow operation. In this incident, many
factors contributed to the hazard:

• A 277-volt step-up transformer had been wired directly to the electrical panel
for the grow lights. This more than doubled the voltage potential and
prevented the 15-amp breaker from working properly.
• The wiring to the grow lights had open splices (not contained within junction
boxes) and exposed ends of energized wiring were lying across the floor.
Some wires had burned through the casing and were directly contacting the
floor.
• The wiring for the transformer and the grow lights did not conform to
Provincial Safety Standards.

The exposed ends of the energized wiring contacted the pools of water from the fire
hoses and caused the electrical shock to the firefighter.
Safe work practices:

• Train firefighters on how to identify a "grow house" and the potential hazards
that it may contain
• Attempt to extinguish a fire in an identified "grow house" without entering the
building
• Stay out of the structure until the power has been turned off by by the
appropriate power authority's qualified and trained worker

Test for voltage

Test for voltage and backfeeds before applying grounds

A journeyman powerline technician died while trying to replace a junction bar in an

underground junction box vault. The worker was electrocuted by backfeed from an
unprotected cable elbow.

The junction box vault in which the accident occurred housed three phases, each with
three cables. As part of the preparatory work for the repairs, a three-man crew that
included the deceased isolated and grounded only the phase with the damaged j-bar.
The crew isolated two of the three cables connected to the phase, and moved and
grounded the third cable using a temporary connector. The crew did not test for the
presence of voltages before applying work protection grounds.

The journeyman powerline technician then entered the vault to begin repairs. While
he was working on the junction bar, the third cable came free from its temporary
connector and contacted him, delivering a backfeed of 8,200 volts. This third cable
was still partially energized by backfeed from a delta-connected transformer because
only one phase had been de-energized— the other two phases in the junction box
vault had not been isolated and were still energized.

Safe work practices:

• Before beginning work on a power system that must be de-energized, ensure

that all parts of the system being worked on are isolated and grounded.
• When doing work that involves multiple phase loads, isolate all phases to
prevent backfeed.
• Test for the presence of voltages by using an approved voltage sensor before
grounding.
• Provide workers with written safe procedures for handling high-voltage
equipment.
• Ensure that workers are trained on written safe procedures.

Double-check extension cord assembly

Double-check extension cord assembly — Follow manufacturer's instructions at

all times
A worker was electrocuted when he tried to unplug a sewage pump from an extension
cord. The improperly wired 3-phase extension cord had caused the main electrical
supply in the sewage plant to shut down. The emergency generator kicked in when the
main electrical supply went off. Unfortunately, the worker assumed that the power
was shut off. However, the circuit to the back-up emergency generator was not
protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and the power remained on.
With one hand, the worker unplugged the faulty extension cord, which was still
energized at 347 volts to ground. With the other hand, he held the aluminum plug that
was attached to pump's electric cord. When he held the aluminum plug he became
part of the electrical circuit, and this led to his death.
 Colour must match on each side of connector

Safe work practices:

• Follow manufacturer's instructions when assembling electric extension cords.

• Determine that the ground is effective.
• Test the newly assembled extension cord on a live circuit before it is put in
use.
• Ensure that a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is used, when required by
regulation.

Use recommended bulbs only

Use recommended bulbs only — Secure protective-lighting cage against

movement

In two separate incidents, fires have been started when hot light bulbs have come into
contact with the plastic cages that were designed to protect the light bulbs.

In the first incident a bulb that was too large for the outlet was screwed into the
socket. The oversize bulb touched the plastic cage assembly, resulting in a melt-down
fire of the plastic cage. In the second incident a loose cage assembly touched the hot
bulb, creating a fire.

Safe work practices:

• Follow manufacturer's instructions regarding size of bulb required when using

plastic protective cages (the wattage and the physical size of the bulb).
• Ensure that protective cages are properly mounted so that the bulb does not
come into contact with the protective cage.
• Inspect your temporary lighting installation on a daily basis.
Inspect cords regularly

Inspect cords regularly — Are your electrical cords safe?

British Columbia farmers and farm workers are at risk of death or serious burn
injuries from faulty electrical cords. The Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) has
documented cases of B.C. farm workers who have been electrocuted or badly burned
as a result of damaged electrical cords.

Electrical cords are often left unprotected, stretched across ground that is constantly in
the path of farm machinery. Over time, these cords become frayed, cut and damaged
from constant use, and the pressure of vehicle traffic running over them. Repair to
damaged and cut cord is often only a quick wrap of electrical tape. Other times, there
is no repair work done and the damaged cord and wiring are left exposed. In addition,
the type of electrical cords used are sometimes not adequate for the extra hard use
required on some farm operations. Damaged and malfunctioning electrical outlets can
also contribute to electrical accidents.

Safe work practices:

• Inspect cords and electrical fittings for damage prior to each use.
 • Replace or repair all damaged cords immediately.
• Inspect electrical outlets on a regular basis to ensure proper grounding and
polarity.
• Do not allow vehicles or equipment to pass over unprotected cords.
• Do not use light duty cords for heavy load applications.
• Use proper footwear, such as rubber boots, when working in damp or wet
conditions where you may be exposed to an electrical contact.

caution when charging batteries

Use extreme caution when charging batteries

A worker suffered temporary hearing loss and acid burns to his face and eyes when a
battery exploded as he was leaning over it to check the acid levels. The forklift battery
was being charged and was still connected to the battery charger. As the worker was
checking the acid level, a co-worker turned on the forklift ignition and it is believed
that this triggered the explosion. The negative charger cable clip was attached
incorrectly to the negative post of the battery instead of to the chassis or engine, away
from the battery. This particular battery charger was not equipped with a feature that
allows the engine to be started while the battery is still attached to the charger.

Safe work practices:

• Employers, ensure the adequate instruction of workers in the safe performance

of their duties.
• Follow all manufacturer's instructions for batteries and chargers when
charging batteries, or checking acid levels.
• Make the final booster cable connection to the engine block or chassis of the
stalled vehicle — never to the battery.
• Use proper eye and face protection when checking the battery fluid levels.
• Provide facilities to immediately cleanse contaminated body areas where
workers may be exposed to corrosive or other chemicals harmful to the eyes or
skin.
Draining aerosol paint cans

Draining aerosol paint cans — Ground equipment and ventilate work area
A young worker suffered serious burns to his hands and face from an explosion. He
was draining paint and residue from an aerosol can into a drum when the explosion
occurred. A possible source of ignition was static electricity coming into contact with
flammable gases and vapours.

The accident happened at a dryland log sorting operation. The aerosol paint is used to
mark logs. When emptied, any residue left in the cans is drained into a drum using a
specially designed aerosol can evacuator. The evacuator is mounted on the bung of a
waste drum and a handle is lowered that punctures the can, draining the waste into the
drum. The new can evacuator had been installed just prior to the accident. To guard
against static electricity, a bonding/grounding cable had been supplied with the
machine; however, it was not connected. There is also a possibility that grit under the
can may have created a sparking effect —similar to a flint— when the metal can
came into contact with the metal drum. There is also evidence that an explosive
atmosphere existed in the storage shed prior to the accident.
Safe work practices:

• Employers, ensure the adequate instruction of workers in the safe performance

of their duties.
• Guard against static electricity. Install all grounding devices, according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
• Ventilate and test any area or space where a harmful atmosphere may exist.
• Eliminate or control all sources of ignition.

Protect workers

Protect workers from all sources of live energy

While cleaning insulators in high-voltage switchgear, a worker was badly burned
when he contacted a bare, energized high-voltage conductor (busbar). The worker was
working on a section of the switchgear that was isolated and grounded. However,
when the side panels of the switchgear were removed, the adjacent energized busbars
were exposed. The worker was not aware that the adjacent busbars were energized.
He contacted the energized busbars while cleaning insulators with a cloth.

Prevention alert:

• Employers must provide workers with written safe work procedures, outlining
any hazards that may exist in work that is taking place.
• Workers must be trained and authorized to safely carry out work processes.
 • All energy sources must be identified and controlled, or the proper safety
equipment must be used to protect workers from contact.

Do not elevate pipe near powerlines

Do not elevate pipe near powerlines

A farm worker, working below powerlines, lifted up an irrigation pipe to dislodge a
squirrel inside the pipe. When the worker raised the pipe to the upright position it
contacted a high-voltage powerline, fatally injuring the worker.

Prevention alert:

• Provide adequate instruction and training to workers who work in close

proximity to powerlines.
• Never stand pipe on end within reach of an overhead powerline.

Look up and live

Look up and live!

A worker was electrocuted when the boom of a mobile crane contacted an overhead
powerline. The worker was on the ground guiding the crane jib onto the truck deck
when the powerline contact occurred. The electrical current passed through the jib
that was being held by the worker.

Prevention alert:

• Use extreme caution and vigilance when working below overhead powerlines.
• Never lose awareness of the overhead hazard. A momentary lapse of
concentration can lead to a tragedy.
 • When using equipment, machinery or objects, never enter within the minimum
established distances of approach to energized conductors.
• Place equipment in a way that will eliminate or minimize potential contact
with energized overhead powerlines.

lock-out

Double check lock-out

A mill superintendent was electrocuted while repairing an electrical foot control. He
originally had the power disconnected. He was called away on another matter and
came back to finish the job without checking to see if the power was still
disconnected. Unfortunately, it was re-connected and he was electrocuted when his
body came into contact with a steel frame.

Prevention alert:

• Lock out and de-energize all electrical equipment before doing maintenance
work on the equipment.
• The person applying the first lock must ensure that the locked-out equipment
cannot be operated or energized.
CONCRETE PUMP OPERATOR

This pump truck operator had finished pumping concrete, had cleaned the pump line
and was in the process of lowering the boom. Standing away from the truck using the
pendant control, he misjudged the distance between the boom and the high voltage
line and there was contact. The power came down the boom, through the pendant line,
to the operator and then to the ground. The operator was electrocuted.

EMPLOYERS:
Ensure that workers receive proper direction and instruction in the safe performance
of their duties. Site-specific work procedures shall be provided where additional
hazards occur in the work place.

WORKERS:

You must follow all provided written safe work procedures and not use any other
means if they would create a hazard.

PUMP TRUCK OPERATOR

While leaving a job site the pump truck operator threw a boom remote control onto
the truck deck. The deck was cluttered with brooms, cables, and pipe sections — the
remote control toggle switch lodged against a broom handle in the ON position. He
drove to the next job site unaware of the jammed remote control, and began to prepare
the equipment. He shut off the truck engine and started the second motor that controls
the outriggers, pump, and boom. He proceeded to extend and block the outriggers,
unaware that the boom was extending because of the jammed remote control. The
boom contacted an energized power line and the operator was electrocuted.
EMPLOYERS:
You must ensure that workers and supervisors receive proper direction and instruction
in the safe performance of their duties. Your supervisors must be qualified and be able
to demonstrate an ability to adequately instruct and direct workers under their control.
You must also ensure that all safeguards, safety appliances and devices (including
personal protective equipment) are available for and used by workers.

WORKERS:
You must use all personal protective equipment provided and follow all safe work
procedures. Where you believe that the work process or equipment would create an
undue hazard to any person, you must follow the OHS Regulation for work
restrictions.

ELECTRICIAN
A worker contacted 347 volts while working on an electrical system above a
suspended ceiling. He suffered electrical shock, causing death.
Before working on electrical equipment,
workers must ensure that the electrical
equipment is de-energized.

ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKER

While removing no-post guardrails from the highway with a boom truck, the hoist
cable contacted a 14 kV overhead power line. The worker was touching the lifting
device and was electrocuted.
Proper coordination of the worksite: All worksite crew activities must be coordinated.
When working near high-voltage lines, workers must maintain the specified minimum
distance from the lines as outlined in Part 19 of the Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation.

Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breaker Cap Energized.

High voltage, low-oil- content circuit breakers for indoor service use in distribution
substations and services to large industrial and commercial complexes may be
hazardous. The upper portion of the breakers, including the metal fasteners for the
sight glasses, may be energized. Do not access these breakers unless the power supply
is de-energized and locked out.

Industrial Electrical Connectors

 Industrial Electrical Connectors Can Be
DEADLY!

Worker was attempting to insert an electrical plug

into an energized 575 volt receptacle. Both hands
were touching the metal housing and the worker
was electrocuted. An inspection revealed that a
portion of the outer casing of the electrical
connector was missing. The connectors can be
mated in the wrong configuration if the outer
casing is damaged or missing. It is important that
the proper ground pins are in place prior to use.

LOW VOLTAGE

LOW VOLTAGE CAN BE LETHAL!

A worker was applying stucco to a wall in proximity to an electrical service

connection when he inadvertently caused the neutral wire to contact an energized
conductor. He was working 14 feet above grade on scaffolding when the contact was
made. He suffered immediate third-degree burns and then climbed to the ground,
where he lost consciousness, before first aid could be administered.

Low-voltage conductors (750 volts or less) are hazardous. Worker contact may result
in burns, falls from heights or electrocution. When work is being carried out in
proximity to energized electrical conductors operating at 750 volts or less, such work
shall be perfomed in a manner to
prevent contact by any worker with
the energized conductors.
SKIDDER OPERATOR

A Skidder was towing a line log loader (both rubber mounted) down a road alongside
a 14 kV power line. While maneuvering out of a small turnout the snorkel guy line
contacted the power line, energizing both machines. Although two workers tried to
signal the Skidder Operator to "stay put," he jumped to the ground while still touching
the energized skidder and was electrocuted.
working near power lines

OVERHEAD POWER LINES

Irrigation Pipe Movement
CHECK FOR OVERHEAD
POWER LINES!

An orchard worker was

electrocuted when the 30 ft. metal
irrigation pipe he was carrying
came into contact with an
overhead 7200-volt power line.
The WCB reminds all people
working with similar long metal
objects to be aware of any
overhead power lines. Never carry
these objects in a vertical position
near power lines.