Contractors urged to work safe near power lines

- Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power are urging contractors and operators to keep safety around power lines top of mind as this yearÂ’s construction season ramps up.

"At this time of year the level of construction activities throughout the province are increasing, meaning more contractors and operators of heavy equipment machinery working near power lines," says Jim Haynes, HydroÂ’s Vice President of Regulated Operations. "We are deeply concerned by the number of contacts with power lines weÂ’ve seen over the past few years, and we are urging the public to be aware of the dangers associated with electricity and to take the appropriate precautions when working around power lines."

In 2011, Hydro and Newfoundland Power recorded 43 line contacts by the public 12 by Hydro and 31 by Newfoundland Power. So far in 2012, there have been 15 line contacts three by Hydro and 12 by Newfoundland Power.

The majority of these incidents have involved contractors and operators using large equipment such as excavators, dump trucks, booms, cranes, tractors and trailers. Other power line contacts have involved members of the general public engaged in construction projects around the home and trimming or cutting trees for firewood near power lines.

"As utilities, our top priority is to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and the public," emphasized Gary Smith, Vice President Engineering and Operations, Newfoundland Power Inc. "Working with Hydro, our objective is to continue to raise awareness among those who work around power lines, reminding them to take precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and others."

Smith says by taking the time to locate and ensure adequate clearances from overhead and underground power lines before beginning work, electrical contacts can be prevented.

Related News

atco electric

ATCO Electric agrees to $31 million penalty following regulator's investigation

CALGARY - Regulated Alberta utility ATCO Electric has agreed to pay a $31 million administrative penalty after an Alberta Utilities Commission investigation found it deliberately overpaid a First Nation group for work on a new transmission line, and then failed to disclose the reasons for it when it applied to be reimbursed by ratepayers for the extra cost.

An agreed statement of facts contained in a settlement agreement between ATCO Electric Ltd. and the commission's enforcement staff says the company sole-sourced a contract in 2018 for work that was necessary for an electric transmission line to Jasper, Alta.

The company that won…

READ MORE
russian hackers

Russians hacked into US electric utilities: 6 essential reads

READ MORE

ontario hydro

Ontario will not renew electricity deal with Quebec

READ MORE

substation

Russian Strikes Threaten Ukraine's Power Grid

READ MORE

use-ai-for-energy-savings

Medicine Hat Grant Winners to Upgrade Grid and Use AI for Energy Savings

READ MORE