Electricity Safety

Response concerning mini-fluorescent bulbs from China

Electricity is essential to modern society. It runs our homes and businesses and powers our economy. But it can be dangerous.

The human body is a "conductor" of electricity. If you touch a "live" uninsulated wire or faulty appliance while you are in contact with the ground or another conductor (such as metal, wet wood or water), the electrical current will pass through your body trying to find its way to ground. The result is a harmful - maybe fatal - shock. And even a small amount of current could cause injury or death. One seven-watt tree light can kill you if the current passes through your chest.

Overhead power lines are located high above the ground for safety reasons but are not insulated. Underground power lines are well-insulated but equipment such as shovels can cut the insulation and damage it. In both cases, direct contact will result in serious injury or death.

What can you do to keep yourself and your family safe from electrical hazards? Here are some tips from Horizon Utilities to help keep children and adults safe this summer.

Tips for you:

• Don't touch power lines. Be particularly careful when carrying or working with tall machinery or tools such as pool cleaners or ladders. Even touching the equipment that contacts a line could be fatal.
• Many power lines are underground. If you're landscaping, fencing, doing major excavations or even simple gardening, cutting through one could be fatal. Call Ontario One Call (1-800-400-2255) for free locates.
• Never use power tools on wet surfaces, including wet grass.
• Don't pull on cords to unplug them.
• Never replace a fuse with a penny or other metal object.
• Don't poke anything into an electrical outlet.
• Never change a fuse while standing on a wet floor.
• Discard cracked or discoloured extension cords.
• A warm cord or plug is a warning sign. Have the appliance repaired or call your electrician to check the plug.

Tips for your kids:

• Don't climb a tree located near hydro wires. Look up before you climb.
• Don't throw anything at wires, poles or any electrical equipment.
• Don't play near electric equipment, wires, hydro towers or poles.
• Don't swim or go out in a boat during an electrical storm.
• Metallic balloons conduct electricity. Don't play with them outside.
• Don't play with kites, water guns or model airplanes around power lines.
• Stay in the car if a wire comes down on it. Wait for Horizon Utilities to clear your car.
• Stay away from pad mounted transformers (which look like short metal storage cabinets on cement slabs and may be located throughout your neighbourhood.)
• If your ball goes into a substation, tell an adult to call Horizon Utilities to get it for you.

Remember: Power lines and other utility equipment are safe...as long as you keep your distance.