Sydney, NS --Nova Scotia Power is stepping up its efforts to prevent electrical contacts in this province.
"Recent incidents concern us. Contractors have had close calls working near power lines which could have resulted in injury or death," said Sydney Region Operations Manager, Richard Cook. "We're raising awareness of how contractors can work safely near high voltage, energized lines."
This Fall, the power company has launched several new initiatives for those most at risk, including home builders, electrical contractors and cable workers.
Measures targeting "at risk" contractor groups include:
-- Work site visits to ensure safe clearances around power lines
-- Letters to 1700 contractors
-- Free educational sessions with the NSPI Chief Electrical Inspector (1st session this week, Sydney session Oct. 16
-- On-going power-line safety programs through the NS Safety Council & NS Community College
-- Web-based electrical knowledge program at www.nspower.ca
With the majority of electrical contacts by contractors and their employees, raising awareness of power line dangers on job sites is an on-going effort. The two most common causes of electrical contacts are vehicles/booms contacting live lines and cut trees falling into power lines.
"We want contractors to be safe near our lines by reminding them to be aware and informed about the potential hazards of electricity," said Mr. Cook.
For more information about safety and power lines visit www.nspower.ca
Nova Scotia Power Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Emera, a diversified regional energy company, and the principal supplier of electricity in Nova Scotia with 440,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers. The NSPI system is province-wide and provides over 95% of the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power throughout the province.
