Home Safety | Worksite Safety

Working near power lines can be extremely dangerous.  If you are planning any work or recreation close to power lines, be sure to review the following:

7 Steps To Electrical Safety Learn them and pass them on! Download a pdf copy.

1. 10 Metres To Safety

   Stay back at least 10 metres or 33 feet from any downed power line, exposed underground cable, or where there is contact with an overhead power line.  Depending on voltage, this distance may increase up to 32 metres or 105 feet.

2. Where's The Line

   Workers who operate machinery or equipment that could come in contact with overhead or underground power lines need to look up and check for overhead power lines, or obtain underground locates (see 6) before beginning work.

3. Know Your Limits

   When operating machinery or equipment in close proximity to power lines, always maintain the limits of approach: from 3 to 7 metres or 10-23 feet depending on the voltage.  For proper safe working distances contact Yukon Occupational Health and Safety at 867-667-5645 or 1-800-661-0443.  In keeping with the Yukon OH&S Code, if equipment COULD come closer than the minimum distances, you must contact Yukon Electrical before beginning work.

4. Don’t Hang Around Operating Equipment

   Stay at least 10 metres or 33 feet away from equipment operating near power lines because if it contacts an energized line, the electricity will go to the ground.  The operator should be on the vehicle with everyone else clear of the vehicle when a boom is in motion.  If you must approach, ensure the equipment is not operating.

5. Shuffle Or Hop, Don’t Step

   If the machinery you are operating contacts an energized line, move it away from the line to break contact.  If this can’t be done, remain on the machine.  If there is an uncontrollable fire, jump off the machine keeping your feet together.  Never contact the machine and the ground at the same time.  Once clear of the machine, shuffle away, never allowing the heel of one foot to move beyond the toe of the other, or, hop with both feet together to a minimum distance of 10 metres or 33 feet.

6. Call Before You Dig

   Before you dig or drill you must determine the location of all underground services.  Call Yukon Electrical at 1-800-661-0513 or 867-633-7000 before you dig.  If a cable is accidentally dug up, call Yukon Electrical immediately.  Move the digger bucket clear of the cable and stay out of the trench.  If the machine can’t be moved, keep workers 10 metres or 33 feet away and have the operator remain on the vehicle.  In the case of fire, follow the “Shuffle or Hop, Don’t Step” rule.

7. Don’t Become A Victim

   Always call your local emergency services when someone is injured in an electrical accident.  If they are still in contact with the electrical source and you touch them, you could be seriously injured or killed.  Keep everyone back, a minimum distance of 10 metres or 33 feet and have someone call for help immediately.

Unqualified Worker Clearances

Unqualified Worker Clearances - Overhead

Unqualified Worker Clearances - Underground