Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Utility
Safety
Rules
100 Years
1914-2014
Revised 2014
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
FOREWORD
These safety rules (revised January 2014) are for the
purpose of preventing personal injury, illness and property
damage. However, be aware that the rules expressed are
minimum requirements for the workplace and for public
safety.
These rules were revised with input from key stakeholders
and the dedicated efforts of a Joint Working Team
made up of representatives from Hydro One Inc. and the
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) [formerly
the Electrical & Utilities Safety Association of Ontario
(E&USA)].
The Electrical Utility Safety Rules are a reflection of the
experience of the membership and others of the industry,
and the knowledge to identify, eliminate and control
hazards and prevent injuries and illnesses.
In addition to these rules, the current Ontario Occupational
Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations outline
specific duties and responsibilities of employers and
workers. These safety rules must be used in conjunction
with existing federal and provincial health and safety
regulations.
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Application
The following safety rules have been designed primarily
for work in the electrical utility industry. However, the
rules apply equally well to any work performed on or in
proximity to electrical transmission or distribution systems
or apparatus. These rules are in addition to all other
pertinent safety rules, and are to be used to comply with
current Regulations made under the Ontario Occupational
Health and Safety Act and all other applicable legislation.
_____________________
Al Beattie,
President and CEO
IHSA
_____________________
Carmine Marcello,
President and CEO
Hydro One Inc.
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
CONTENTS
Rule Page
Number Number
Definitions......................................................... 7
100 General.......................................................... 15
101 Employers Management of Rules....................... 15
102 Knowledge of Rules.......................................... 16
103 Personal Conduct............................................. 16
104 Physical and Other Limitations........................... 16
105 Jewelry and Long Hair...................................... 16
106 Authorization for Work..................................... 16
107 Job Planning................................................... 17
108 Weather Conditions......................................... 18
109 Operating Maps and Component Nomenclature. 18
110 First Aid.......................................................... 19
111 Emergency Response........................................ 19
112 Rescue Operations........................................... 20
113 Arc Flash, Flame Resistant Protective Equipment... 20
114 Safe Conditions for Work................................. 21
115 Work on Isolated Circuits.................................. 22
116 Work on Neutral Conductors,
Buses and Skywires.......................................... 22
117 Establishment of Hold-Offs................................ 22
118 Static Electricity and Induction........................... 23
119 Use of Temporary Grounds............................... 23
120 Electrical-Testing Devices................................... 24
121 High-Voltage Testing......................................... 25
122 Working Alone................................................ 25
123 Aerial Devices/Boom Trucks.............................. 27
124 Raising and Lowering of Tools and Material........ 29
125 Switching Authorization.................................... 30
126 Switching Operations....................................... 31
IHSA Supplemental.......................................... 31
Hydro One Inc. Supplemental........................... 32
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
DEFINITIONS
Alive
See Energized.
Apparatus
All equipment pertaining to the generation, transmission,
distribution and use of electricity.
Approved
A device or method that has been evaluated and selected
from alternatives that meet the specific requirements of
the job.
Approved Practice NEW
A trade skill or work procedure used in situations where
isolation of energy sources is not used. It can only be used
to provide safety for the person who is exercising the
approved practice.
Skills are developed from a combination of education,
training and experience. Approved practices are normally
documented in training material, trade handbooks or work
methods instructions.
Approved Work Procedure(s)
An approved, documented, step-by-step method that
ensures the task can be performed safely.
Arc Flash
A dangerous condition associated with the release of
energy caused by an electric arc.
Authorized Worker
A worker who has been given formal permission by the
owner and employer and is competent to perform work in
proximity to energized apparatus.
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Bonded NEW
Electrically connected to ensure that two or more objects
are at the same potential.
Bonding (electrical)
Making a mechanically secure electrical connection
between two or more objects to ensure they are at the
same potential.
Cable(s)
All insulated conductors used for transmitting or
distributing electrical energy.
Certified Insulated Aerial Device Rev 01/14
An aerial device that has successfully passed dielectric
testing of the insulated portion of the boom, as prescribed
by a certified laboratory.
Certified Laboratory
A laboratory that has received certification from a governing
agency, and has established specific testing standards for
electrical equipment, tools and protective equipment.
Charged
Isolated but not de-energized; containing stored energy.
Electrical equipment not physically connected to a source of
energy may still be charged through induction or capacitance.
Competent Person
A person who,
a) is qualified because of knowledge, training and
experience to organize work and its performance;
b) is familiar with the provisions of the Occupational
Health and Safety Act and the Regulations that apply
to the work; and
c) has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to
health or safety in the workplace.
8
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Competent Worker
In relation to specific work, means a worker who,
a) is qualified because of knowledge, training and
experience to perform the work;
b) is familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety
Act and with the provisions of the Regulations that
apply to the work; and
c) has knowledge of all potential or actual danger to
health or safety in the work.
Conductor
That part of a cable, overhead line or apparatus intended
to conduct the flow of electrical energy.
Confined Space(s)
A fully or partially enclosed space,
a) that is not both designed and constructed for
continuous human occupancy; and
b) in which atmospheric hazards may occur because of its
construction, location or contents or because of work
that is done in it.
Controlling Authority Rev 01/14
The person(s) who occupies a position responsible for the
control of specific equipment and devices. This includes
the responsibility for performing, directing or authorizing
changes in the conditions or in the position of the
equipment or devices.
Critical Hazard NEW
A condition that has the potential for unwanted energy
flow that may result in an injury to a worker or the public.
Dedicated Observer
A worker competent in the tasks being performed
and having no other duties while monitoring the work
continuously.
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
De-Energized
Where electrical energy has been discharged through a
mechanically secure connection to an effective ground
potential.
Dynamically Alive
Connected (that is, not isolated) to a source of energy
such as an electrical generator, storage battery, or other
source of electrical energy.
Emergency
A situation, that requires immediate action to prevent
serious adverse effects on the health and safety of
employees, the public or the environment. An emergency
may be the result of uncontrolled explosions, fires, releases
of hazardous materials or natural disasters.
Emergency Response Plan
A documented and communicated process designed to
ensure a safe environment for all workers and the public to
be used when responding to a specific emergency.
Employer
A person who employs or contracts the services of one or
more workers.
Energized
Capable of delivering energy by reason of being dynamically
alive or charged.
Equipotential Rev 01/14
Where no differences in electrical potential exist.
Equipotential Zone NEW
A work area where no differences in electrical potential exist.
10
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
11
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Induction
Voltage produced on a conductive object that is subjected
to a changing magnetic field.
Isolated
Separated from all sources of dynamic energy.
Isolated Zone
A section of line or portion of apparatus between isolation
points, separated from all sources of dynamic energy.
Job Plan Rev 01/14
A work plan agreed to by all workers involved that
identifies all known hazards, eliminates the hazards where
practical, controls the hazards that cannot be eliminated,
protects against injury if a hazard gets out of control,
minimizes the severity of an injury if one takes place and
identifies each workers responsibilities in the performance
of the work.
Lines
All overhead conductors used for transmitting or
distributing electrical energy.
Live Line Work
Work activities carried out by authorized workers on
live conductors and associated apparatus, using special
equipment and approved work procedures.
Maintenance Chamber and/or Vault
A chamber or enclosure used in an underground electrical
distribution system to house electrical apparatus or the
entrance way thereto.
Nominal Voltage Rev 01/14
The normal operating voltage measured phase to phase
on multi-phase equipment, or phase to neutral on singlephase equipment.
12
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
13
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Supervisor
A person who has charge over a workplace or authority
over a worker.
Utility Work Protection Code Rev 01/14
The written procedures to establish an isolated tagged
and/or locked out condition for work. The Utility Work
Protection Code has been approved and adopted by the
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association of Ontario and
Hydro One Inc.
Worker
A person who performs work or supplies services for
monetary compensation.
Work Permit NEW
A Work permit is a written guarantee:
that an isolated, or isolated and de-energized
condition has been established for work, and
will continue to exist, except for authorized tests.
Workplace
Any land, premises, location or thing at, upon, in or near
which a worker works.
14
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
Rev 01/14
15
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
17
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
18
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
19
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
20
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
21
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
22
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
23
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
24
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
25
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
26
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
27
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
29
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
30
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
31
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
32
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
33
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
Limits of Approach
OHSA Authorized
Minimum Worker
750 V
to 15 kV
> 15 kV
to 35 kV > 3.0 m
> 35 kV (10 ft.)
to 50 kV
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
Restricted
Zone
0.9 m to 0.3 m
(3 ft. to 1 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
0.9 m to 0.45 m
(3 ft. to 1.5 ft.) > 3.0 m
1.2 m to 0.6 m (10 ft.)
(4 ft. to 2 ft.)
> 50 kV
to 150 kV
> 1.5 m
(5 ft.)
1.5 m to 0.9 m
(5 ft. to 3 ft.)
> 2.1 m
(7 ft.)
2.1 m to 1.2 m
(7 ft. to 4 ft.)
> 250 kV
to 550 kV
> 3.7 m
(12 ft.)
3.7 m to 2.75 m
(12 ft. to 9 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
SYMBOLS
< less than or equal to
> greater than
< less than
NonInsulated
Boom
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
Certified
Insulated
Aerial Device
> 0.3 m
(1 ft.)
> 0.45 m
(1.5 ft.)
> 2.4 m
(8 ft.)
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 4.5 m
(15 ft.)
> 3.0 m
(10 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
> 4.6 m
(15 ft.)
> 2.75 m
(9 ft.)
cranes,
power
shovels
backhoes,
mech.
brush
cutter
RDB, aerial
ladder,
work
platform,
uncertified
aerial
device
certified
and tested
by certified
laboratory
34
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Limits of Approach
OHSA Authorized
Minimum Worker
750 V
to 15 kV
> 15 kV
to 35 kV > 3.0 m
> 35 kV (10 ft.)
to 50 kV
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
Restricted
Zone
0.9 m to 0.3 m
(3 ft. to 1 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
0.9 m to 0.45 m
(3 ft. to 1.5 ft.) > 3.0 m
1.2 m to 0.6 m (10 ft.)
(4 ft. to 2 ft.)
> 50 kV
to 150 kV
> 1.5 m
(5 ft.)
1.5 m to 0.9 m
(5 ft. to 3 ft.)
> 2.1 m
(7 ft.)
2.1 m to 1.2 m
(7 ft. to 4 ft.)
> 250 kV
to 550 kV
> 3.7 m
(12 ft.)
3.7 m to 2.75 m
(12 ft. to 9 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
SYMBOLS
< less than or equal to
> greater than
< less than
NonInsulated
Boom
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
Certified
Insulated
Aerial Device
> 0.3 m
(1 ft.)
> 0.45 m
(1.5 ft.)
> 2.4 m
(8 ft.)
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 4.5 m
(15 ft.)
> 3.0 m
(10 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
> 4.6 m
(15 ft.)
> 2.75 m
(9 ft.)
cranes,
power
shovels
backhoes,
mech.
brush
cutter
RDB, aerial
ladder,
work
platform,
uncertified
aerial
device
certified
and tested
by certified
laboratory
35
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
36
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Limits of Approach
OHSA Authorized
Minimum Worker
750 V
to 15 kV
> 15 kV
to 35 kV > 3.0 m
> 35 kV (10 ft.)
to 50 kV
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
Restricted
Zone
0.9 m to 0.3 m
(3 ft. to 1 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
0.9 m to 0.45 m
(3 ft. to 1.5 ft.) > 3.0 m
1.2 m to 0.6 m (10 ft.)
(4 ft. to 2 ft.)
> 50 kV
to 150 kV
> 1.5 m
(5 ft.)
1.5 m to 0.9 m
(5 ft. to 3 ft.)
> 2.1 m
(7 ft.)
2.1 m to 1.2 m
(7 ft. to 4 ft.)
> 250 kV
to 550 kV
> 3.7 m
(12 ft.)
3.7 m to 2.75 m
(12 ft. to 9 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
SYMBOLS
< less than or equal to
> greater than
< less than
NonInsulated
Boom
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
Certified
Insulated
Aerial Device
> 0.3 m
(1 ft.)
> 0.45 m
(1.5 ft.)
> 2.4 m
(8 ft.)
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 4.5 m
(15 ft.)
> 3.0 m
(10 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
> 4.6 m
(15 ft.)
> 2.75 m
(9 ft.)
cranes,
power
shovels
backhoes,
mech.
brush
cutter
RDB, aerial
ladder,
work
platform,
uncertified
aerial
device
certified
and tested
by certified
laboratory
37
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Limits of Approach
OHSA Authorized
Minimum Worker
750 V
to 15 kV
> 15 kV
to 35 kV > 3.0 m
> 35 kV (10 ft.)
to 50 kV
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
Restricted
Zone
0.9 m to 0.3 m
(3 ft. to 1 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
0.9 m to 0.45 m
(3 ft. to 1.5 ft.) > 3.0 m
1.2 m to 0.6 m (10 ft.)
(4 ft. to 2 ft.)
> 50 kV
to 150 kV
> 1.5 m
(5 ft.)
1.5 m to 0.9 m
(5 ft. to 3 ft.)
> 2.1 m
(7 ft.)
2.1 m to 1.2 m
(7 ft. to 4 ft.)
> 250 kV
to 550 kV
> 3.7 m
(12 ft.)
3.7 m to 2.75 m
(12 ft. to 9 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
SYMBOLS
< less than or equal to
> greater than
< less than
NonInsulated
Boom
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
Certified
Insulated
Aerial Device
> 0.3 m
(1 ft.)
> 0.45 m
(1.5 ft.)
> 2.4 m
(8 ft.)
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 4.5 m
(15 ft.)
> 3.0 m
(10 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
> 4.6 m
(15 ft.)
> 2.75 m
(9 ft.)
cranes,
power
shovels
backhoes,
mech.
brush
cutter
RDB, aerial
ladder,
work
platform,
uncertified
aerial
device
certified
and tested
by certified
laboratory
38
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Limits of Approach
OHSA Authorized
Minimum Worker
750 V
to 15 kV
> 15 kV
to 35 kV > 3.0 m
> 35 kV (10 ft.)
to 50 kV
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
Restricted
Zone
0.9 m to 0.3 m
(3 ft. to 1 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
0.9 m to 0.45 m
(3 ft. to 1.5 ft.) > 3.0 m
1.2 m to 0.6 m (10 ft.)
(4 ft. to 2 ft.)
> 50 kV
to 150 kV
> 1.5 m
(5 ft.)
1.5 m to 0.9 m
(5 ft. to 3 ft.)
> 2.1 m
(7 ft.)
2.1 m to 1.2 m
(7 ft. to 4 ft.)
> 250 kV
to 550 kV
> 3.7 m
(12 ft.)
3.7 m to 2.75 m
(12 ft. to 9 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
SYMBOLS
< less than or equal to
> greater than
< less than
NonInsulated
Boom
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
Certified
Insulated
Aerial Device
> 0.3 m
(1 ft.)
> 0.45 m
(1.5 ft.)
> 2.4 m
(8 ft.)
> 0.9 m
(3 ft.)
> 4.5 m
(15 ft.)
> 3.0 m
(10 ft.)
> 1.2 m
(4 ft.)
> 6.0 m
(20 ft.)
> 4.6 m
(15 ft.)
> 2.75 m
(9 ft.)
cranes,
power
shovels
backhoes,
mech.
brush
cutter
RDB, aerial
ladder,
work
platform,
uncertified
aerial
device
certified
and tested
by certified
laboratory
39
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
Rev 01/14
40
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
41
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
42
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Table 1
Live Line Tools and Protective Equipment
Electrical Retesting Requirements
Protective Equipment
Maximum Use
Voltage Phase
to Phase
Retest
Frequency
Rubber Gloves
Class 00
500 V
90 days
Class 0
1,000 V
90 days
Class 1
7,500 V
90 days
Class 2
17,000 V
90 days
Class 3
26,500 V
90 days
Class 4
36,000 V
90 days
Rubber Blankets, Line Hose, Couplers and Hoods
Class 0
1,000 V
1 year
Class 1
7,500 V
1 year
Class 2
17,000 V
1 year
Class 3
26,500 V
1 year
Class 4
36,000 V
1 year
Bypass Jumpers/Tubes
15 kV
15,000 V
1 year
35 kV
35,000 V
1 year
46 kV
46,000 V
1 year
Fibre/Plastic Cover-up
Class 2
14,600 V
1 year
Class 3
26,500 V
1 year
Class 4
36,600 V
1 year
Class 5
48,300 V
1 year
Class 6
72,500 V
1 year
Insulated Pole Platform
15,000 V
3 years
FRP Live Line Tools
3 years
Hydraulic Pruners/
1 year
Pole Saws
Insulated Aerial Device
1 year
Insulated Aerial
As per the
individual units
6 months
Device Barehand
current test
certification
Bucket Liner
1 year
43
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
44
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
45
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
47
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
49
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
Rev 01/14
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
51
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
52
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
53
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
Rev 01/14
54
4/17/2014 3:17 PM
149 Backfeed
1. Before starting work, backfeed hazards must be
identified and,
a) eliminated where possible; or
b) controlled using approved temporary grounding
procedures.
2. Due to the hazard of backfeed, work is not to be
performed on transformers connected in parallel/
banked (except for replacing fuses using live line tools)
until all sources of electrical energy have been removed
from both the secondary and primary sides of the
transformer to be worked on.
55
4/17/2014 3:17 PM