Electricity
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Electricity voltage and the available electrical current in regular businesses and homes has enough power to cause death by electrocution. A simple task like changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can be hazardous because coming in contact with the "hot", "energized" or "live" parts of the socket could kill a person. Unaddressed electrical hazards may lead to four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls. It is important to contact the local utility before digging.
Employer duties
The employer must make sure that a worker, including communication workers, who work on any energized electrical conductor or equipment, is competent, or an indentured apprentice under the direct supervision of a competent person. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.2]
Employers must also make sure:
- all electric machinery is disconnected from its source of power and locked during repair or maintenance; [OHS General Regs., S. 31.3]
- the installation, use, and maintenance of any electrical wiring or equipment including temporary wiring) complies with the Electrical Inspection Act and regulations and that newly installed electrical utility and communication lines and equipment are installed and conform to the CSA Standard CAN3-C22.3 No.1-15 for "Overhead Systems" and "Underground Systems" CAN3-C22.3 No.7-20, as amended; [OHS General Regs., S. 36.4]
- that workers do not work on energized electrical conductors or equipment unless adequate protective devices are used that match the specifications for protection against the voltage involved; [OHS General Regs., S. 36.5]
- rubber gloves having a minimum rating of 10,000 v, shields and other necessary safety equipment is provided and workers wear them when working on energized electrical conductors or equipment that operates at a potential greater than 120 v, and up to 5000 v phase to phase; [OHS General Regs., S. 36.5 (2)]
- rubber gloves having a minimum rating of 20,000 v or adequate hot lines are provided and used by workers when working on energized electrical conductors or equipment in excess of 5000 v and not more than 15000 v phase to phase; [OHS General Regs., S. 36.5 (3)]
- rubber gloves are testes at least twice a year and replaced as required; and[OHS General Regs., S. 36.5 (4)]
- rubber gloves are worn at all times while working on energized circuits, or while within the primary zone on poles or structure carrying over 120 v phase to ground to 25000 phase to phase circuits. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.5 (5)]
Energized equipment
Employers are responsible for making sure:
- No worker works on any energized electrical conductor or equipment operating at more than 3,000 v. Exceptions may occur when the employer is using procedures approved by the Director and is providing workers with tools to safely work on equipment exceeding those limitations. In such cases, the employer must train workers how to safely work on such equipment. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.6 (1)]
- At least two workers are present while working on an energized electrical line or equipment which is at a voltage more than 600 v. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.6 (2)]
- 2 workers are not necessary for fusing of transformers where the transformer fuses are accessible without passing or reaching past electrical wires or appliances carrying more than 240 v; and[OHS General Regs., S. 36.6 (3)]
- 2 workers are not required for work done with special tools that are designed to work on energized electrical lines that exceed 600 v. Workers must be specially trained in the use of such tools. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.6 (3)]
- No work is done close to energized electrical wires or equipment which is normally isolated by position or elevation, except where electrical lines or equipment are provided with guards capable of preventing contact between the worker and equipment being used or handled. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.6 (5)]
- Notices reading "Danger - High Voltage" are prominently placed close to electrical equipment operating at over 600 v that are accessible to workers. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.6 (7)]
- Electrical conductors or equipment are de-energized before work begins. The worker in charge of the work must open, lock and tag the switching device supplying electrical energy to the conductors or equipment being handled. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.7]
- Electrical utility lines or equipment are de-energized before work begins. The worker in charge of the work shall be responsible for making sure it is properly de-energized before work begins. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.8]
- After work on de-energized electrical conductors, utility lines, or equipment is complete, the worker in charge of the work clears the work areas of other workers and authorizes its re-energizing. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.9]
- Adequate protective guards and equipment are provided for workers working in proximity to energized electrical conductors or equipment. Without the protective guards and equipment, workers may not work around the energized electrical conductors or equipment. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.10]
- All electrical switching devices are kept clear of any obstructions. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.14]
- An adequate barricade is installed for others to pass below workers working on poles or other structures. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.15]
- When setting or removing poles, light standards or any similar object between energized electrical conductors exceeding 600 v, cover conductors with adequately protective devices or protect them by an approved guard installed on the pole before it is lifted. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.16] Employers performing this type of work must: [OHS General Regs., S. 36.17]
- Wear adequate rubber gloves.
- Use cant hooks or other approved controlling devices.
- Only get on the lifting machine after the pole is in a secured position.
- Lifting machines or devices used for setting or removing poles, light standards or any similar objects between or within 3 100 mm (10 ft.) of energized electrical conductors are grounded and have any outriggers extended. A minimum of two competent workers must be present at all times during this work. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.18 - 36.19]
- Except for electrical utilities, no worker shall perform work that may bring a person, apparatus, machine, machine component, material or property closer to energized electrical conductors than specified in the table below. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.20]
- Workers do not start work where the voltage is in excess of 345,000 v before receiving instructions on proper procedures from the electrical utility owning or operating the conductors. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.21]
- Contact the electrical utility owner or operating the conductors before starting work which may bring a person, apparatus, machine, component, material or property closer to overhead electrical conductors than the distance in the table above. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.20] Make sure from the utility that the conductors are properly de-energized or the energized electrical conductors or equipment are properly insulated or guarded. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.22]
- Ensure during structural repairs, extensions, paint work or any other similar type of work near energized electrical conductors or equipment, that the conductors are properly de-energized or the energized electrical conductors or equipment are sufficiently insulated or guarded. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.23]
- Metal ladders, including ladders with reinforcing wire or other conducting material, are not used near energized electrical conductors or equipment. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.24]
- Hand tools, such as pliers, screw drivers, fuse pullers, etc. used in connection with electrical work, are of an approved type and adequately insulated. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.25]
- All temporary wiring is done according to the Electrical Inspection Act and its regulations. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.26]
- When using portable electric conductors a sufficient number of fixed outlets must be installed at points where they are safely accessible. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.27]
- A rubber covered cord is used for portable electrical tools, extension lamps, etc. that may see hard usage. Do not use single strand wire for temporary wiring. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.28]
- Armouring and sheathing of electric cables, metal conduits and their fittings, metallic safeguards and other non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment are effectively grounded. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.29]
- Grounding conductors are of low resistance and have enough capacity to safely carry the heaviest flow of current which may result from a breakdown of the insulation of the equipment to be protected. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.30]
- To mechanically protect grounding conductors at places where they are likely to be damaged. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.31]
- To prevent accidental contact with persons or objects where it is impossible or impracticable to enclose electrical circuits or current-carrying parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 v AC or more to ground, install: [OHS General Regs., S. 36.32]
- The circuits or equipment in rooms or enclosures that can only be accessed by authorized people.
- On balconies, galleries or platforms that are designed to exclude unauthorized people.
- Before workers do work that will affect the stability of a pole or structure, climb or support themselves on any pole or structure, or before any work affecting the stability of the pole or structure, be sure to: [OHS General Regs., S. 36.33]
- Test the pole or structure for soundness.
- Guy or otherwise support the pole or structure before any wires or cable are changed when there doubts that is sound.
- Leave guys or supports in place until workers are clear of the pole.
- Not consider pike-poles to be adequate support.
- Mail boxes, signs, clotheslines or other hazards that are on or in close proximity to poles where workers are required to work are not allowed. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.34]
- Switches and meters are clear of obstructions. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.35]
- All electrical distribution switches and controls are clearly marked to indicate the machinery or equipment which they serve. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.36]
- The worker in charge is responsible for de-energizing, grounding, tagging, and locking out the controls to prevent the system from being re-energized before it is safe to do so. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.37]
- When the control devices are not under the direct control of workers, they must have permission to return to work from the worker in charge. The worker in charge must record that permission was granted and it is safe for work to proceed. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.38]
- Before starting the work on the de-energized part of the system, all workers must be protected from re-energization by using short-circuiting and grounding, or other effective means. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.39]
- That every practical step is taken to prevent anyone at the workplace from being endangered by a live electrical conductor or apparatus. Electric tools must be effectively grounded or double insulated. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.40 (2)]
- Main service switches and secondary electrical panels are:
- securely mounted on substantial supports;
- readily accessible to authorized persons and within their easy reach; and
- kept clear of any obstruction in front for 1 000 mm (3.2 ft.). [OHS General Regs., S. 36.41]
- Service switches have a suitable device for locking it in the open position. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.42]
- All areas where people are employed and all access routes are adequately lighted. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.43]
- Nobody operates a crane, or similar lifting device, closer than the length of the boom of the crane to a power line for electricity without a competent signaler stationed within view to signal danger from the power line. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.44]
- Are kept free from water, sewage or other drainage when it is necessary for workers to enter. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.13]
- Have at least two competent workers present when workers are working on lines or equipment with a voltage of more than 240. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.6 (4)]
- Have continual communications between a competent employee and those working in the tunnel or manhole when workers are working on lines or equipment in excess of 600 v. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.11]
Working in Manholes and Tunnels
Employers are responsible for making sure tunnels and manholes containing energized conductors or equipment:
Insulated mats or platforms are provided to protect workers when working in manholes containing energized electrical conductors or equipment. The exception is manholes containing only telephone, telegraph, signal wires or cables. [OHS General Regs., S. 36.12]
For anywhere else on PEI, CALL 1-800-670-1012 at least 24 hours before you plan to dig. A Maritime Electric representative will visit your site and locate the underground power lines.
(a) when applied to electrical installations, as defined under the Electrical Inspection Act R.S.P.E.I. 1974, Cap. E-2 and regulations, a person who is the holder of a subsisting license as issued under the Electrical Inspection Act;
(b) when applied to electrical utility linework, a person who is the holder of a subsisting Certificate of Qualification or a Certificate of Proficiency as issued by the Department for the construction or utility lineman trades; and
(c) when applied to communications and any other types of work covered by this Part, a person who demonstrates to the Division that he is qualified by knowledge, training and experience to perform an assigned task safely.
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General Regulations
EC180/87
Part 31 REPAIRS TO MACHINERY
Section 31.3 Electric
31.3 Electric machinery shall have the source of power disconnected and locked during repair or maintenance.
Part 36 ELECTRICITY
Section 36.2 Worker qualifications
36.2 The employer shall ensure that a worker shall not work on any energized electrical conductor or equipment unless he is
(a) competent; or
(b) an indentured apprentice under the direct supervision of a competent person.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.4 Application of Electrical Inspection Act
36.4 (1) The employer shall ensure that the installation, use and maintenance of any electrical wiring or equipment including temporary wiring, complies with the Electrical Inspection Act and the regulations made thereunder.
(2) The employer shall ensure that all newly installed electrical utility and communication lines and equipment are installed in conformance with the CSA Standard C22.3 No.1-15, Overhead Systems , and CSA Standard C22.3 No.7-20, Underground System .
[EC2021-126, s. 33]
Section 36.5 Protective devices
36.5 (1) The employer shall ensure that workers do not work on energized electrical conductors or equipment unless adequate protective devices specified for protection against the voltage involved are used.
(2) When working on energized electrical conductors or equipment operating at a potential greater than 120 v nominal up to and including 5,000 v phase to phase, the employer shall provide and the worker shall use rubber gloves having a minimum rating of 10,000 v, shields and other necessary safety equipment.
(3) When working on energized electrical conductors or equipment in excess of 5,000 v, and not exceeding 15,000 v phase to phase, the employer shall provide and the worker shall wear rubber gloves having a minimum rating of 20,000 v or use adequate hot line tools.
(4) Rubber gloves shall be tested at least twice a year and replaced as required.
(5) Rubber gloves shall be worn at all times while working on energized circuits in accordance with section 36.6 or while within the primary zone on any poles or structure carrying over 120 v phase to ground to 25000 phase to phase circuits.
(6) In subsection (5), "primary zone" means the distance measured from a high voltage (120 v phase to ground and 25000 phase to phase) source to a suitable distance of clearance measured down or away from the pole or structure to the top of the worker's head, which in all cases shall be 1 200 mm (4 ft.) measured to the nearest live point and all insulator porcelain is to be considered energized.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.6 Work on energized equipment
36.6 (1) The employer shall ensure that no worker shall work on any energized electrical conductor or equipment operating at more than 3,000 v, unless procedures satisfactory to the Director are used, and the workers are provided with and trained in the use of special tools which are approved for use by an authority acceptable to the Director.
(2) No work shall be done on an energized electrical line or equipment which is at a voltage more than 600 v unless two or more workers are present while the work is being performed.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to the fusing of transformers where the transformer fuses are accessible without passing or reaching past electrical wires or appliances carrying more than 240 v; nor to work done with special tools that are designed for the purpose, and which are used by workers who have been trained in the use of those tools.
(4) In tunnels and manholes, no work shall be done, or permitted to be done, on an energized electrical line or equipment having a voltage of more than 240 unless there are at least two competent workers present.
(5) No work shall be done in or around any place or structure in proximity to energized electrical wires or equipment which are normally isolated by position or elevation, unless such electrical lines or equipment are provided with guards which will effectively prevent contact by any worker or by any equipment being used or handled.
(6) Guards shall meet the specifications of an authority acceptable to the Director.
(7) Notices reading "Danger - High Voltage" shall be placed in prominent positions in proximity to electrical equipment operating at over 600 v that may be accessible to workers.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.7 De-energized procedures
36.7 The employer shall ensure that before a worker is permitted to work on electrical conductors or equipment that must be de-energized, the worker in charge of the work shall open, lock and tag any switching device which supplies electrical energy to the conductors or equipment being handled.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.8 De-energized procedures
36.8 The employer shall ensure that before a worker is permitted to work on electrical utility lines or equipment that must be de- energized, the worker in charge of the work shall ensure that such are properly de-energized.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.9 Re-energized procedures
36.9 After work has been completed on de-energized electrical conductors, utility lines or equipment, the workers in charge of the work shall
(a) determine that all workers are clear of work areas; and
(b) authorize the energizing of the electrical conductors, utility lines or equipment.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.10 Protective guards and equipment
36.10 The employer shall ensure that workers shall not work in or around any place or structure in proximity to energized electrical conductors or equipment unless
(a) adequate protective guards are provided; or
(b) the workers are wearing adequate protective equipment.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.11 Communication requirements
36.11 The employer shall ensure that a worker shall not work on any energized electrical conductor or equipment having a potential in excess of 600 v in a manhole or tunnel unless he has continual communications with another competent worker.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.12 Manhole requirements
36.12 The employer shall ensure that manholes containing energized electrical conductors or equipment shall be provided with approved insulated mats or platforms to protect workers while at work, except those manholes containing only telephone, telegraph, signal wires or cables.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.13 Water hazards
36.13 The employer shall ensure that tunnels or manholes containing energized conductors or equipment shall be kept free from water, sewage or other drainage when it is necessary for workers to enter.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.14 Access to switching devices
36.14 The employer shall ensure that means of access to all electrical switching devices shall be kept clear of obstruction.
Section 36.15 Overhead protection
36.15 When workers work on poles or structures where other persons may pass below, an adequate barricade shall be installed.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.16 Poles between conductors
36.16 The employer shall ensure that when setting or removing poles, light standards or any similar object between energized electrical conductors exceeding 600 v, the conductors shall
(a) be covered with adequate protective devices; or
(b) be protected by an approved guard installed on the pole before being lifted.
Section 36.17 Protective measures
36.17 The employer shall ensure that workers required to perform such work as described in section 36.16 shall, and workers required to perform the work as described in section 36.16 shall
(a) wear adequate rubber gloves;
(b) use cant hooks or other approved controlling devices; and
(c) not get on or off the lifting machine until the pole is in a secured position.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.18 Lifting machines
36.18 The employer shall ensure that lifting machines or devices used for setting or removing poles, light standards or any similar objects between or within 3 100 mm (10 ft.) of energized electrical conductors shall
(a) be grounded; and
(b) if applicable, have their outriggers extended.
Section 36.20 Distances from energized conductors
36.20 The employer shall ensure that, subject to sections 36.16 and 36.22, and except for electrical utilities, a worker shall not carry out any work which is liable to bring any person or apparatus, machine, machine component, material or property within a distance of energized electrical conductors closer than as specified in the following table:
Table
| Nominal Phase to Phase Voltage of Live Power Line | Minimum Distance |
| Up to 750 volts | 900 mm (3 ft.) |
| 751 - 100,000 volts | 3 600 mm (12 ft.) |
| 100,001 - 250,000 volts | 5 200 mm (17 ft.) |
| 250,001 - 345,000 volts | 6 100 mm (20 ft.) |
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.21 Instructions from utility
36.21 A worker shall not commence the work outlined in section 36.20 where the voltage is in excess of 345,000 v until the employer has received instructions on proper procedures from the electrical utility owning or operating the conductors.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.22 Safety precautions
36.22 Before an employer commences work which is liable to bring any person, apparatus, machine, component, material or property closer to overhead electrical conductors than the distance stipulated in section 36.20 he shall, before proceeding, contact the electrical utility owning or operating the conductors and shall ensure that
(a) the conductors are properly de-energized; or
(b) the energized electrical conductors or equipment are adequately insulated or guarded.
Section 36.23 Safety precautions
36.23 The employer shall ensure that when structural repairs, extensions, paint work or any other similar type of work is to be undertaken near energized electrical conductors or equipment, the employer in charge of the work shall ensure that
(a) the conductors are properly de-energized; or
(b) the energized electrical conductors or equipment are adequately insulated or guarded.
Section 36.24 Metal ladders
36.24 The employer shall ensure that metal ladders and ladders having reinforcing wire or other conducting material shall not be used near energized electrical conductors or equipment.
Section 36.25 Hand tools
36.25 Hand tools, such as pliers, screw drivers, fuse pullers, etc., for use in connection with electrical work, shall be adequately insulated and be of an approved type.
Section 36.26 Temporary wiring
36.26 The employer shall ensure that all temporary wiring shall be carried out in accordance with the Electrical Inspection Act and the regulations made thereunder.
Section 36.27 Portable electrical conductors
36.27 The employer shall ensure that where portable electric conductors are used, a sufficient number of fixed outlets shall be installed at points where they are safely accessible.
Section 36.28 Rubber covered cord
36.28 The employer shall ensure that rubber covered cord shall be used for portable electrical tools, extension lamps, etc., which may be subjected to hard usage. Single strand wire shall not be used for temporary wiring.
Section 36.29 Grounding of equipment
36.29 The employer shall ensure that armouring and sheathing of electric cables, metal conduits and their fittings, metallic safeguards and other non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment shall be effectively grounded.
Section 36.30 Grounding conductors
36.30 The employer shall ensure that grounding conductors shall be of low resistance and of sufficient capacity to safely carry the heaviest flow of current which may result from a breakdown of the insulation of the equipment to be protected.
Section 36.31 Grounding conductors
36.31 The employer shall ensure that grounding conductors shall be mechanically protected at places where they are likely to be damaged.
Section 36.32 Prevention of accidental contact
36.32 The employer shall ensure where it is impossible or impracticable to enclose electrical circuits or current-carrying parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 v AC or more to ground, accidental contact by persons or objects shall be prevented by installing the circuits or equipment in rooms or enclosures which are accessible to authorized persons only or on balconies, galleries or platforms so elevated and arranged as to exclude unauthorized persons.
Section 36.33 Pole safety and stability
36.33 (1) Before workers start to climb or support themselves on any pole or structure, or before any work is done which will affect the stability of the pole or structure
(a) the pole or structure shall be tested for soundness;
(b) when any doubt as to soundness exists, the pole or structure shall be effectively guyed or otherwise supported before any wires or cable are changed.
(2) Guys or supports shall be left in place until workers are clear of the pole.
(3) Pike-poles alone shall not be considered adequate support.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.34 Obstructions
36.34 Mail boxes, signs, clotheslines or other hazards shall not be allowed on or in close proximity to poles upon which workers are required to work.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.35 Access to switches
36.35 The employer shall ensure that means of access to switches and meters shall be clear of obstructions at all time.
Section 36.36 Marking
36.36 The employer shall ensure that all electrical distribution switches and controls shall be clearly marked to indicate the machinery or equipment which they serve.
Section 36.37 Denergizing responsibility
36.37 The employer shall ensure that before workers are required or permitted to work on any part of an electrical power system which, for reasons of safety, must be handled in a de-energized condition, the worker in charge shall ensure that the part of the system being worked on is de-energized and grounded, and that the controls are tagged and locked to prevent the system from being re-energized.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.38 Procedure
36.38 When the control devices are not under the direct control of the workers, they shall receive assurance from the worker in charge of the control device that the work may safely proceed and the assurance shall be recorded by the worker giving the assurance.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.39 Procedure
36.39 Before commencing the work on the de-energized part of the system, the worker shall, by short-circuiting and grounding or other effective means, ensure that the part or section is de-energized and that all workers are protected against re-energization.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.40 Live electrical conductor
36.40 (1) The employer shall take every practicable step to prevent danger to persons on the work site from any live electrical conductor or apparatus that might be a source of danger.
(2) No person shall use any electric tool unless it is effectively grounded or is of the double insulated type.
Section 36.41 Service switch and electrical panel
36.41 The employer shall ensure that a main service switch and secondary electrical panel shall be
(a) securely mounted on substantial supports;
(b) kept clear of any obstruction for 1 000 mm (3.2 ft.) to the front; and
(c) within easy reach of and readily accessible to authorized persons.
Section 36.42 Service switch lock
36.42 The employer shall ensure that a service switch shall have a suitable device for locking it in the open position.
Section 36.43 Lighting
36.43 The employer shall ensure that all areas in which workers are employed and the means of access thereto shall be adequately lighted.
[EC2021-126, s. 3]
Section 36.44 Crane operation near power line
36.44 The employer shall ensure that no person shall operate a crane or similar lifting device closer than the length of the boom of the crane to a power line for electricity unless he has a competent signal man stationed within his view to warn him of danger from the power line.