May 9, 2025

Halton Hills Hydro urges everyone working or playing outdoors to remain vigilant and exercise caution near powerlines. Outdoor DIY projects such as landscaping, building a new deck or taking down seasonal lights can potentially be dangerous if powerlines are nearby.

No matter how momentary, one distraction near powerlines can cause severe injury or death. To avoid danger while working around your property or on a construction site, practice three critical steps: stop, look, and live.

Powerline Safety Tips for Households:

1. Locate nearby powerlines. Before you begin any outdoor chores, pinpoint all overhead powerlines. Be especially aware of powerlines concealed by trees or debris.
2. Maintain at least a 3-metre distance from overhead powerlines. Always make sure you and your tools stay at least 3 metres back from powerlines. Electricity can jump or “arc” to you or your tools, such as a ladder or pole extension, if you get too close. Have someone monitor your distance and flag if you get too close.
3. Carry ladders sideways. Never carry ladders or other equipment upright because they may come in contact with or be too close to powerlines. Check for overhead powerlines before raising a ladder.
4. Stay away from dangerous areas. Talk to your kids about powerline safety. Keep away and never climb utility poles and electrical fenced in stations, and be aware of hidden powerlines when climbing trees – this can be deadly.
5. Call or click before you dig. Powerlines are also buried underground. At least two weeks before starting any digging projects, visit Ontario One Call at www.OntarioOneCall.ca to request a free underground cable locate, including natural gas, communications, powerlines, and water/wastewater pipes.
6. Plant trees away from overhead powerlines. Plant trees away from overhead powerlines to avoid them growing into powerlines. Do not prune trees around powerlines.
7. Watch for downed powerlines. If wires fall on a vehicle or the ground, always assume they are alive and energized. Stay in the vehicle, call 9-1-1 and Halton Hills Hydro at 519-853-3701. Keep everyone back at least 10 metres or 33 feet – the length of a full-sized school bus.

Powerline Safety Tips on Construction Sites:

1. Locate powerlines. Electricity can jump to you, your equipment, and your vehicle if you’re too close to a powerline. Identify all powerlines on the job site and ensure people and equipment stay at least three metres away to avoid an accident.
2. Use a signaller. Drivers of dump trucks and other high-reach vehicles must use a signaller to be sure equipment does not come within three metres of overhead powerlines. Make sure that dump trucks lower their boxes after dumping their loads.
3. Stay alert! Many accidents happen when workers are tired or rushing to finish a job at the end of the day.

For more information to keep you and your family safe around overhead powerlines, please visit the Electrical Safety Authority website: Powerline Safety at Home – ESA