Accidental contact

In an electrical emergency, stay calm and think before you act. If you try to pull the victim clear, you will also become a path for electricity. The passage of electricity through the body is called "shock" and may not be enough to kill or injure. Small amounts of electrical current can cause involuntary muscle contractions and will prevent the victim from letting go of a conductor or calling for help.

The effects of an electrical contact are determined by:

How much current is flowing through the body.
The path of the electricity - where it enters and exits the body.
Duration (amount of time) of exposure to the electrical energy.

If equipment makes accidental contact with an electrical conductor, the operator shall try to remove the machine from contact in the best possible manner, without causing further damage. In most cases, this can be accomplished by moving the boom of the machine.

If the machine cannot be moved, the operator shall stay on the machine, warn others in the vicinity to stay at least 10 m clear of the equipment, keep out of the excavation area, do not touch the cables, and notify EPCOR at Power Trouble 780-412-4500.

If the operator has to leave equipment that is in contact with an electrical conductor, the operator must jump clear and land with feet together — they must NOT, under any circumstances, step down and allow part of their body to be in contact with the ground while any other part of their body is touching the machine.

Fight the urge to run. The safest way to move away from a downed line is to shuffle with your feet together on the ground (at least 10 m away). When a live wire touches the ground, electricity travels in all directions. Voltage decreases as it travels from the source and electricity could come up one leg and go out the other resulting in an electrical shock.

Table of contents Last updated: September 2021

EPCOR customer service:
Edmonton: 780-310-4300
Toll-free: 1-800-667-2345

Electrical contact:
Fire/threat to life call 911
Otherwise call EPCOR power trouble: 780-412-4500

Disclaimer

EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EPCOR) is responsible for the delivery of electricity to customers in Edmonton and surrounding areas, while being fully committed to the protection of the environment and the health and safety of our employees and customers.

This guide provides information to employers and contractors regarding safe work practices in relation to EPCOR power facilities. Employers and contractors have responsibilities under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (Alberta OHS) Act, Code, and Regulation. When there is a conflict between this document and any bylaws, legislation, or regulation the relevant law prevails.

Any reliance placed on this information is strictly at your own risk. EPCOR does not assume any responsibility or liability for any action, loss or damage that arises out of, or is in connection with the information contained in this guide.

Alberta safety legislation assigns responsibilities to the utility owner, the contractor, the employer, and the worker, to ensure that work is carried out in a safe manner. All work related hazards must be identified by the employer to the workers. Only competent workers are allowed to work without direct supervision. All work shall be carried out in accordance with applicable legislation.

View our guidelines for Working in Close Proximity to Electrical Equipment.