{"id":17282,"date":"2023-05-20T10:31:32","date_gmt":"2023-05-20T17:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/powerline-contacts-increase-by-more-than-300-per-cent\/"},"modified":"2023-05-20T10:31:35","modified_gmt":"2023-05-20T17:31:35","slug":"powerline-contacts-increase-by-more-than-300-per-cent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/powerline-contacts-increase-by-more-than-300-per-cent\/","title":{"rendered":"Powerline contacts increase by more than 300 per cent"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Powerlines present a danger on construction sites. (Photo courtesy of ESA)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Ontario has seen a staggering 310 per cent increase in powerline contacts since 2019, according to figures shared by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). The industry association adds that were 19 fatalities and 1,393 overhead powerline contacts occurred between 2012 and 2021.<\/p>\n

During Powerline Safety Week, May 15 to 21, the organization is educating people about the potentially deadly hazards associated with powerlines, taking aim at some of the myths that abound.<\/p>\n

While many powerline contacts can be attributed to weather-related events that cause tree branches and limbs to fall on powerlines, almost a third involve accidental powerline contacts from activities like tree pruning, high reach equipment and outdoor renos.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe danger that powerlines pose is very real, and a powerline contact can have devastating consequences in an instant,\u201d said Patrick Falzon, powerline specialist at the ESA. \u201cWe know there are many myths out there that may provide a false sense of security around powerlines, but whether you are cleaning up the yard or come across a downed powerline from a storm, there are important steps you should take to keep yourself and those around you safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the most common myths around powerlines include:<\/p>\n

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MYTH:<\/strong> Downed powerline wires need to be moving or arcing if they are energized.
FACT:<\/strong> Always assume a downed powerline has electricity flowing through it, even if it isn\u2019t moving. Stay back at least 10 metres (that\u2019s the length of a school bus), call 9-1-1 and the local utility.<\/p>\n

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MYTH: <\/strong>Orange cover-ups on powerlines will protect workers from electrical shock.<\/p>\n

FACT: <\/strong>More than 67% of construction workers in Ontario believe this or aren\u2019t sure. This is a deadly misconception. Orange cover-ups on powerlines are used for identification purposes only and you should always remain a minimum of three (3) metres away from overhead powerlines.<\/p>\n

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MYTH:<\/strong>\u202f If my ladder isn\u2019t metal, it can rest on or near the powerline.
FACT:<\/strong>\u202fNo matter what a ladder is made of, it is a possible hazard. Be safe. Keep all ladders three (3) metres away from overhead powerlines.<\/p>\n

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MYTH:<\/strong> Wearing leather gloves or safety boots can protect from a powerline shock.<\/p>\n

FACT: <\/strong>More than a third of Ontarians believe this or aren\u2019t sure. But you should always stay at least three (3) metres away from powerlines with yourself and your tools, no matter what safety gear you may be wearing.<\/p>\n

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MYTH: <\/strong>Your tool\/ladder needs to touch a powerline to get a shock or burn.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

FACT: <\/strong>More than 40% of Ontarians mistakenly think this might be true \u2013 it is not. Anything that comes within three (3) metres of an overhead powerline \u2013 a pruning tool, the tree limb or your hand \u2013 can give you a shock, burn or kill you.<\/p>\n

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MYTH:<\/strong>\u202fI\u2019m just digging a couple of feet into the ground. I don\u2019t need to worry about underground lines. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

FACT:<\/strong>\u202fThe lines may be closer than you think, or a grading change may have happened over time. Better to be safe than sorry. For any sized dig, you must click before you dig! In Ontario, contact\u202fOntario One Call<\/a>\u202fto request utility locates at\u202fOntarioOneCall.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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www.esasafe.com<\/a><\/p>\n

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