Safety

Power Line Safety

  1. Electricity Safety
  2. Power Line Safety

Stay Safe Around Power Lines and Energy Infrastructure

You don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when working near power lines and energy infrastructure. Contacting an energized line, exposed wire or damaged meter can seriously injure or kill you. Follow these safety rules to make sure you and those around you stay safe around power lines. 

If you see a downed power line:

  • Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines or damaged facilities.
  • Notify us
  • Keep everyone away from the area. 

LOOK. LOCATE. LIVE.

Before you start working near overhead power lines, make sure you know where they're located. Working within 7 metres of an overhead power line can put you, and others around you, at a safety risk.
 
Follow these steps to stay safe:
  1.  Ensure you plan your route and identify any potential hazards.
  2. If you need to work within 7 metres of an overhead power line, contact us so we can secure the site. 
  3. Contact Utility Safety Partners to get your underground utilities located if you plan on digging.   

Moving Tall Equipment

Whether you’re moving equipment on the jobsite or on a public road, we’re here to help.
 
  • Plan ahead. Know the height of your equipment, map your route, locate overhead power lines and be sure that you can cross safely under them. Exercise caution if the equipment is over 4.1 metres. Never measure line heights or raise lines yourself.
  • Call us at 1-855-277-1670 if your equipment is taller than 5.3 metres. We’ll measure the power lines, help plan the safest route and lift the power lines, if needed.

 

Moving Equipment Near Power lines

If you contact a power line

 

Watch this short video about what to do if you contact a power line.

Break the contact if you can. Drive at least 10 metres away.

Stay put and keep others 10 metres back.

Call 911 for help.

If you must exit your equipment or vehicle, JUMP. Then shuffle or hop with your feet together. Don’t step!

Don’t touch the machine and the ground at the same time.

Watch If you contact a power line

Safety Training

  • 7 Steps to Electrical Safety

    Learn how to identify and avoid power line hazards. Our demo includes an overview of the Seven Steps for Electrical Safety and shocking visual effects that drive home the terrible consequences of contacting an energized power line.

  • Emergency First Responders

    Do you know what to do if you’re the first on the scene in an electrical emergency? Our safety professionals and Power Line Technicians provide free half-day training sessions to help you respond safely and protect the public.

  • We're Here to help

    If you don’t know whether it’s safe to cross under or work near a power line, need to work within 7 metres of a power line, need help moving tall equipment or high loads or for more information on safety training, we're here to help.

    Contact Us

Partners in Power Line Safety

We work with our industry partners to promote power line safety and prevent accidents. Visit our partners' sites for more resources and training.

Where's the Line? Click before you dig