BHE Canada takes electrical safety seriously. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety in our work, and promoting awareness of electrical safety.
Five ways to stay safe around electricity
- Be aware
Before you plan on doing work near a power line, whether it’s on a farm or in the city, be aware of where all overhead and underground power lines are. Call Utility Safety Partners at 1-800-242-3447 to locate underground power lines before you begin your work. - Exercise caution
Look up and make sure to use extreme caution to not touch or approach power lines when performing activities that could be potentially dangerous, such as using a ladder, pruning or cutting trees, operating farm or other equipment, and carrying long tools or pipes, etc. - Proceed with care
Always look out for fallen or sagging wires, especially after storms, and stay clear of downed power lines. - Stay clear
Stay at least 10 metres from a downed power line or any other damaged line or tower. The voltage on the ground is highest nearest to the downed line, and it decreases with distance. If you feel a tingling sensation, immediately put your feet together and shuffle away from the damaged facility. - Stay in or hop out
If you are in a vehicle that is touching a downed or damaged power line or tower, stay in your vehicle if you can, until help arrives. If it is unsafe, due to imminent danger such as a fire, jump out of your vehicle with your feet together and without touching the vehicle or any other equipment. Shuffle away from the damaged facility.
Worker Safety
BHE Canada employees and contractors who plan, manage, or work on our transmission line rights-of-way participate in numerous training sessions to ensure that they understand the importance of planning work-tasks and executing plans with safety top of mind.