Electricity safety at work

Safe work practices around electrical equipment

Many work sites have underground power lines within the dig site or overhead power lines within 7 m of where people are working.

Safety is everyone’s business. If you see a possible safety hazard, report it to your supervisor.

On this page

Work site safety
Report downed power lines
Emergency responder safety

Work site safety

Plan before you dig or build

Contact EPCOR or a local utility locator before starting any excavation or elevated work.

Identify all overhead and underground power lines and other electrical hazards. Include them in your job hazard assessments.

Meet safety requirements

Employers and supervisors must meet their legal duties under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its associated regulations.

Train for power line safety

As part of your regular safety training, ensure all workers know how to recognize hazards and respond appropriately. Review EPCOR’s safety resources and escalation procedures.

Always assume power lines are live

Treat every power line—overhead or downed—as energized and dangerous. Never touch or approach a line unless EPCOR confirms it is de-energized.

Stay 10 metres away

Being too close to a power line is as dangerous as touching it. Electricity can jump or “arc” to you or your tools. Know and follow minimum approach distances for all equipment and personnel. Make a plan to move equipment and use spotters when working near lines.

Use the right tools and PPE

Keep metal ladders and conductive materials away from power lines. Use insulated tools and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Regularly inspect machinery and ensure it is grounded.

Report downed power lines

If there is a downed power line on your work site:

Stop work and report it immediately.
Call 911.
Call EPCOR’s 24/7 emergency line at 705-445-1800.
Do not move the power line or any object in contact with it.

Emergency responder safety

As an emergency responder, it is important to manage the scene when power lines are involved.

Treat all lines as live

Always assume a power line, and anything touching it, is energized.

Establish a safety perimeter

When you arrive on scene, park at least 10 metres away. Stay in the safe zone until EPCOR confirms it is safe to approach the scene. Keep all traffic and people at least 10 metres away as well.

Avoid direct contact with energized equipment

Never touch anything or anyone in contact with a downed high voltage power line, including injured or trapped victims, vehicles, trees, puddles or bodies of water. Do not put water on power lines, power meters or any other power equipment involved in fire.

Call EPCOR

Once you've secured the area, have your Dispatch call EPCOR to de-energize the power line or transformer. Your dispatch has a direct number to our Power Emergencies line and a crew with proper training and equipment will arrive as soon as possible and will confirm when it's safe to approach the scene.

If there is a fire or other imminent danger

If there is a fire and someone must exit their vehicle, advise them to:

Exit by jumping clear of the vehicle. Keep their feet close together and try to land on the ground with both feet at the same time.
Never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
Don't reach back into the vehicle.
Move away from the vehicle by shuffling their feet, always keep both feet together and on the ground. Shuffle at least 10 metres away.
Do not return to their vehicle.

Disclaimer

This webpage provides information only. Any reliance placed on this information is strictly at your own risk. EPCOR does not assume any responsibility or liability for any action, loss or damage that arises out of, or is in connection with the information contained in this webpage.