Powerline safety is an essential topic that affects the lives of many Canadians. In Alberta alone, a total of 770 incidents involving electrical installations and overhead and underground powerlines were reported in 2019 (Source: Government of Alberta, “Electrical Incidents in Alberta,” URL: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/818abe0b-9dca-42aa-b4b2-123c044fd4ea/resource/37c64291-dd33-4489-a76b-a0a26ca68a1f/download/ma-2019-electrical-incidents-in-alberta-2020-04.pdf). Understanding what powerline safety means, its purpose, and the hazards associated with it can prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
POWERLINE DEFINITION
What are powerlines?
Powerlines, also known as electrical power lines or transmission lines, are structures that carry electric power from power plants to homes, businesses, and other locations where electricity is used. They are an essential part of the electrical grid, which is the network of interconnected power generation, transmission, and distribution systems that deliver electricity to consumers.
Powerlines typically consist of:
- Transmission Towers: Tall structures that support the powerlines and provide elevation to prevent interference with the ground and surrounding objects. These towers are often made of steel or other strong materials and are strategically placed to create a network that efficiently transmits electricity over long distances.
- Conductors: These are the cables or wires that carry the electrical current. Conductors are made of materials with low resistance to electricity flow, such as aluminum or copper. They are designed to safely transmit high voltage electricity over long distances.
- Insulators: Insulators are used to support the conductors and keep them from coming into direct contact with the tower structure or the ground. Insulators prevent the loss of electrical energy to the environment and reduce the risk of electrical faults.
- Transformers: Transformers are devices used to change the voltage of the electricity being transmitted. They are often located at substations along the powerline route to step up or step down the voltage as needed for efficient transmission and distribution.
Which are the main electricity contact types?
There are two main types of contact with electricity:
- direct contact – occurs when a person comes into contact with an energized conductor or electrical equipment
- indirect contact – occurs when a person comes into contact with a conductor or equipment that is not energized, but that is touching an energized conductor or equipment
In both cases, electric shock, electrocution, or electrical burns can occur.
Which are the main hazards?
Powerlines pose several hazards, and it’s important to be aware of these risks to ensure safety when working or living near them. The main hazards associated with powerlines include:
- Electrocution and Electric Shock: Contact with powerlines, whether directly or through conductive materials like metal objects or water, can result in serious injury or even death due to electric shock or electrocution.
- Arcing and Flashovers: Powerlines can create arcing and flashovers if objects come too close or if there is a fault in the electrical system. Arcing is the release of electrical energy through the air, and flashovers are high-voltage discharges that can occur between conductive objects and powerlines.
- Falls from Heights: Workers who climb powerline towers or perform maintenance tasks at elevated locations are at risk of falls, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Equipment Contact: Machinery, construction equipment, and vehicles that come into contact with powerlines can cause electrical faults, leading to fires, explosions, and other hazards.
- Overhead Line Clearance: Failure to maintain a safe distance from overhead powerlines when working with equipment or operating tall vehicles can result in accidental contact and electric shock.
- Weather-Related Hazards: Powerlines can become hazardous during adverse weather conditions such as storms, high winds, and lightning. Fallen powerlines or damaged equipment can pose risks to individuals and property.
- Contact with Trees and Vegetation: Vegetation growing too close to powerlines can create a pathway for electricity, increasing the risk of arcing, flashovers, and fires.
- Unauthorized Access: People who attempt to climb or interact with powerline structures without proper authorization and safety equipment are at risk of electrocution and falls.
- Downed Powerlines: Fallen or downed powerlines can pose immediate danger, as they may still be energized and can cause electric shock or fires.
- Construction and Excavation: Digging or excavation near powerlines without proper precautions can result in accidental contact and electrical hazards.
- Equipment Interference: Radio and communication equipment, as well as certain types of machinery, can interfere with powerlines and create dangerous conditions.
- Unsafe Work Practices: Ignoring safety guidelines, failing to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), or inadequate training can lead to accidents and injuries when working near powerlines.
POWERLINE LEGISLATION
What is the federal legislation?
The Canada Labour Code, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in federally regulated industries, including those related to powerline safety(Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html). Under this law, employers are required to ensure that their workers are trained on how to work safely with electrical equipment, and that they are provided with appropriate PPE. The law also requires employers to investigate any accidents or incidents involving electrical hazards and to take corrective action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Another example is the Canadian Electrical Code, which is a standard for electrical installations in Canada. This code outlines the minimum requirements for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment, including powerlines. The code is updated periodically to reflect new technology and safety standards, and it is enforced by provincial and territorial authorities across the country.
Finally, the National Energy Board Act is a federal law that regulates the construction, operation, and maintenance of energy infrastructure, including powerlines. Under this law, companies that operate powerlines are required to follow safety standards and guidelines to ensure that their operations do not pose a risk to the public or the environment. The law also requires companies to report any incidents or accidents involving their infrastructure and to take corrective action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future (Source: Government of Canada, National Energy Board Act, URL: https://lois-laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/N-7/).
What is the provincial and territorial legislation?
Each province and territory in Canada has its own legislation related to powerline safety. Here are some examples:
Ontario: The Electrical Safety Code outlines the rules for the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and powerlines in Ontario. The code is enforced by the Electrical Safety Authority.
Quebec: The Safety Code for Electrical Installations outlines the requirements for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment and powerlines in Quebec. The code is enforced by the Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec.
British Columbia: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outlines the requirements for working safely with electrical equipment and powerlines in British Columbia. The regulation is enforced by WorkSafeBC.
Alberta: The Occupational Health and Safety Code outlines the requirements for working safely with electrical equipment and powerlines in Alberta. The code is enforced by Alberta Labour.
Saskatchewan: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations outline the requirements for working safely with electrical equipment and powerlines in Saskatchewan. The regulations are enforced by the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.
Manitoba: The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation outlines the requirements for working safely with electrical equipment and powerlines in Manitoba. The regulation is enforced by Workplace Safety and Health.
New Brunswick: The Electrical Inspection Act outlines the requirements for the inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment and powerlines in New Brunswick. The act is enforced by the Department of Public Safety.
Nova Scotia: The Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the requirements for working safely with electrical equipment and powerlines in Nova Scotia. The act is enforced by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
Prince Edward Island: The Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the requirements for working safely with electrical equipment and powerlines in Prince Edward Island. The act is enforced by the Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island.
Newfoundland and Labrador: The Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the requirements for working safely with electrical equipment and powerlines in Newfoundland and Labrador. The act is enforced by the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour.
POWERLINE SAFETY
What is Powerline Safety?
Powerline Safety is a type of training that teaches individuals how to work safely around powerlines and electrical equipment. This type of training is essential for individuals who may come into contact with powerlines in the course of their work.
Who is responsible for Powerline Safety?
Employers have a legal obligation to provide employees with information and training on Powerline Safety. (Source: Justice Laws, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)”. URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, March 1986).
By providing Powerline Safety to workers, employers can help to reduce the risk of electrical accidents and injuries in the workplace. This can not only protect workers but also help prevent damage to powerlines and electrical infrastructure, which can cause power outages and other disruptions to the community.The worker’s responsibilities include the completion of the training program, as well as the application of learned safety strategies in the workplace.
Who needs Powerline Safety training?
There are a variety of industries that require Powerline Safety for their employees. Some examples of these industries include:
- Construction: Construction workers may need to work around powerlines when building or repairing structures, such as bridges, buildings, and roads.
- Utilities: Utility workers, such as electricians and powerline technicians, work directly with powerlines and electrical equipment on a daily basis.
- Telecommunications: Telecommunications workers may need to install or repair equipment on power poles or towers, which can put them in close proximity to powerlines.
- Agriculture: Farmers and farm workers may need to operate large machinery, such as tractors, near powerlines.
- Landscaping: Landscapers may need to trim trees or vegetation near powerlines, which can put them in danger of electrical contact.
- Emergency services: Emergency responders, such as firefighters and police officers, may need to work around powerlines in the event of an emergency, such as a downed powerline or a car accident.
- Mining: Workers in the mining industry may need to operate heavy machinery or work in underground mines, which can put them at risk of electrical contact.
Overall, any industry where workers may come into contact with powerlines or electrical equipment should provide Powerline Safety to ensure the safety of their employees.
Can you do Powerline Safety online?
For most provinces, this course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.
Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.
Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.
Keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it’s essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.
However, Newfoundland and Labrador employees must undergo a WorkplaceNL-approved “hands-on” training course. Our course has not been submitted to WorkplaceNL for such endorsement.
Where can you purchase Powerline Safety online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your Safety done. There are many methods and providers of Powerline Safety. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
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POWERLINE SAFETY CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
Powerline Safety typically covers topics such as the hazards associated with electricity, the types of powerlines and electrical equipment, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The training may also cover the specific procedures and protocols that workers must follow when working near powerlines, such as maintaining a safe distance and using insulated tools.
How long is the certificate valid?
Employees who frequently interact with powerlines should re-take this course every 3 years. Working with or around electricity can have devastating and potentially fatal consequences, which is why it is paramount that you are up to speed with the latest safety protocols and regulations.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
Powerline Safety is a critical issue that affects many industries in Canada. Understanding the hazards associated with electricity and taking steps to protect workers from these hazards is essential to preventing accidents and injuries. By providing Powerline Safety and adhering to federal, provincial, and territorial legislation, employers can ensure the safety of their workers and minimize the risk of damage to powerlines and electrical infrastructure.