Electrical Safety
AltaLink takes electrical safety seriously. We are proud of our world-class annual safety record, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety in our work, and promoting awareness of electrical safety.
Five Ways to Stay Safe Around Electricity
- Be aware
Before you plan on doing work near a power line, whether it’s on a farm or in the city, be aware of where all overhead and underground power lines are. Call Alberta One-Call at 1-800-242-3447 to locate underground power lines before you begin your work. - Exercise caution
Look up and make sure to use extreme caution to not touch or approach power lines when performing activities that could be potentially dangerous, such as using a ladder, pruning or cutting trees, operating farm or other equipment, and carrying long tools or pipes, etc. - Proceed with care
Always look out for fallen or sagging wires, especially after storms, and stay clear of downed power lines. - Stay clear
Stay at least 10 metres from a downed power line or any other damaged line or tower. The voltage on the ground is highest nearest to the downed line, and it decreases with distance. If you feel a tingling sensation, immediately put your feet together and shuffle away from the damaged facility. - Stay in or hop out
If you are in a vehicle that is touching a downed or damaged power line or tower, stay in your vehicle if you can, until help arrives. If it is unsafe, due to imminent danger such as a fire, jump out of your vehicle with your feet together and without touching the vehicle or any other equipment. Shuffle away from the damaged facility.
Power Outage Safety
Power outages can occur for a number of reasons, including storms or power lines that have been hit by a piece of machinery. Fortunately, power can be restored quickly in most situations.
In extreme conditions, power outages can last for an indeterminate amount of time, and you should be prepared for if this happens.
When a power outage occurs:
- Never go near or touch a downed power line or any other damaged electrical facility.
- Determine if the power is out at your home. If your neighbour’s power is on, check your circuit breaker panel. Turn all breakers off for 10 minutes before turning them back on. If your neighbour’s power is also off, phone your local electricity distributor to report the outage.
- ENMAX
Report an outage in Calgary: 403-514-6100 - FortisAlberta
24-hour emergency hotline: 310-WIRE (310-9473) - EPCOR
Report a power emergency in Edmonton: 780-412-4500 - ATCO Electric
24-hour emergency hotline: 1-800-668-5506
- ENMAX
- Unplug electrical equipment. This will protect your electric devices from damage when the power is restored. Use surge protectors on sensitive electronic equipment.
Worker Safety
AltaLink employees and contractors who plan, manage, or work on our transmission line rights-of-way participate in training sessions to understand the importance of planning work-tasks and executing plans with safety top of mind.
AltaLink’s integrated Environment, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) conforms with both the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System requirements, and the ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System requirements.
At AltaLink, health and safety excellence are core values for field and office employees. Our employees and contractors know that there is nothing more important than the safety of themselves, and each other.
Learn more about AltaLink’s programs and procedures that reduce risks and control hazards in the workplace in our 2021 ESG Report (Pages 19-21).