Electrical Safety Scenarios Getting To Know Fire Electrical Safety Scenarios © 2009 British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority

ELECTRICAL SAFETY Controlled… Uncontrolled… it is a safe and efficient source of energy Uncontrolled… it can be extremely dangerous Objective Show the difference between controlled and uncontrolled electricity. Key Points Uncontrolled electricity can be very dangerous, and can be fatal. Delivery Tips Emphasize that we interact with controlled electricity all the time. Some participants may be disturbed by the photo of the electrocution victim. This photo was taken of a victim who was electrocuted here in British Columbia.

WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS ?

1. OVERLOADED OUTLETS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1. How many plugs can go into one outlet? Each outlet has a maximum number of plugs it can hold, otherwise it can cause fires that are dangerous. Q2. Can other things go in outlets? Do not put anything into an outlet except a plug. Q3. Is there a correct way to pull out a cord from the wall? When disconnecting an appliance, pull the plug, not the cord, as you Can break wires inside the cord without knowing the cord is damaged.

WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS ?

2. WIRES IN THE HOME

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1. Where should I put cords? Do not place a cord anywhere that it could be stepped on or crushed. If a wire is frayed or broken, there is an electrocution hazard. Q2. What should I do if someone is electrocuted? If a person is electrocuted and you touch them, you will also become a victim. Turn off the power at the breaker panel and call 911. Q3. Can I use old cords? Never use cords or plugs that show wear or damage. They can cause shocks or fires.

WHAT IS THE HAZARD ?

3. DOWNED POWER LINES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1 Where does electricity go when power lines touch something? Electricity will flow to the ground through conductors, then spread out in concentric circles, like the ripples in a pool. The voltage is very high at the point where electricity makes contact with the ground. Stay at least 10 m back from any downed wire, as the ground around the line could be “energized.” Q2 What do I do if I am standing close to a downed power line? If it is safe, don’t move and call 911 or 1-800 BC HYDRO. If you need to leave the area because of fire or other danger, shuffle or hop away to safety – DON’T STEP! Shuffle by keeping your feet close together and taking short, shuffling steps or you can hop with both feet together. Do not stop until you are at least 10 m (33 ft) away. Due to the difference in voltage, it is possible to “step” between high and low voltage areas. Electricity can flow between your feet through your body which can be dangerous.

WHAT IS THE HAZARD ?

4. TREE CONTACT

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1. Is it dangerous if trees touch power lines? Trees can be very conductive. If a tree comes into contact with a high voltage power line and a person is touching the tree or a ladder leaning against the tree, there will be a high-to-low voltage difference between the person and the ground. This is referred to as “touch potential.” This will cause electrical current to flow through them to the ground and may easily result in serious injury or death. Q2. Can I tell if the tree is dangerous? Even if there are no sparks, the branches and trunks can be “energized!” Trees near or touching power lines can be very dangerous.

WHAT IS THE HAZARD ?

5. SUBSTATIONS & TRANSFORMERS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1. Is it safe to be around the places where the hydro lines come from? Please stay away from substations. The substations contain a huge amount of electricity. Any equipment or pet that ends up inside a substation should be left alone. Call 1-800-BC HYDRO for help in those situations. Q2. What are those metal boxes with danger signs? The pad mount transformers are metal boxes (with BC Hydro logos on them) anchored to the ground. They are common in new subdivisions and help bring electricity to homes and other buildings in the area. Children should not sit on them or play around them, as they can be dangerous.

WHAT IS THE HAZARD ?

6. OVERHEAD POWER LINES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1. Why do birds not get electrocuted on the wires? Birds can perch on a power line because there is no difference in energy on the one power line. However, if the bird touches another power line or anything else that is less or more energized (i.e. the ground, another power line), it could be electrocuted. Q2. What happens if a kite touches a wire? Because overhead power lines are not insulated, kites, balloons, remote controlled airplanes, etc. can conduct electricity. Electricity always takes the easiest path to ground, and that means it can travel through the string to the ground (and through you).You don’t have to touch a power line to be electrocuted. If you come within three metres of a power line the energy can arc towards you and take a path to the ground.

WHAT IS THE HAZARD ?

7. BATHROOM APPLIANCES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1. Is it safe to plug in things by the bathroom sink? Yes, but be careful. Do not (under any circumstances) touch hair dryers, razors, or curling irons if they slip into water. Children should not use electrical devices in the bathroom without supervision. Q2. If something is not turned on can it still be dangerous? Everything plugged in has power flowing to it. Even if a radio is not turned on, it can kill you if it falls into water. Q3. What are the little buttons on some of the outlets? These are called ground fault protectors. If too much electricity flows through the protector, it shuts off the power in the outlet.

WHAT IS THE HAZARD ?

8. WORKING AROUND THE HOME

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q1. Are their safety considerations when using electric lawnmowers? Only cut the grass when it’s dry and keep your extension cords away from water. Do not use a two-pronged extension cord outdoors. The third prong completes a ground circuit, helping keep you safe. Q2. What can happen to you if you get electrocuted? Injuries include internal and external burns, cardiac arrest and death. Q3. Are the overhead lines around my house safe? Not all overhead wires are insulated and therefore cannot protect you from an electric shock. Weatherproofing material around them can become brittle and crack. When doing work around the house, remember that electricity can move through trees or other conductors or jump towards you if you are working within 3m.

Copyright © 2009 British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority Copyright © 2009 British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, by any photographic, electronic, mechanical or other means, or used in any information storage and retrieval system, without prior, written permission of BC Hydro. Public Safety British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority 6911 Southpoint Drive Burnaby, B.C. V3N 4X8 For more information, call 1-800-BC HYDRO (769 3766)