The Cooperative Safety Program is a partnership of 14 utilities, municipalities and organizations that share a commitment to public and workplace safety. The goal of this unique community outreach initiative is to create improved public awareness of electrical hazards – and how they can be avoided.

Spearheaded by FortisBC since 2005, it centers on two blitz messaging campaigns in communities across the southern interior of British Columbia each spring and fall.

For more information, visit www.coopsafetyprogram.ca.

Public Audience Messages:

1) A downed power line is deadly. If you spot a fallen wire, keep at least 10 metres away, even if it doesn't appear to be live.

If a wire falls across your car, don't get out—you could become a path for electricity if you touch the ground. If you must get out, hop out clear of the car and land on both feet, then hop or shuffle until you are 10 metres clear of the vehicle.

2) Tree branches and power lines don’t mix. Trees can become energized if a wire comes in contact with its branches. Hire a professional when pruning vegetation near power lines, and always keep branches at least 3 metres from wires that distribute electricity to your property.

3) Call before you dig. To report an electric emergency, call 911 or your local electric utility: FortisBC - 1-866-4FORTIS (1-866-436-7847).

To report a gas emergency, call 911 or the Terasen Gas 24-hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911

4) Electrical utility facilities can be hazardous. Always obey warning signs, and stay outside the fenced area— barriers are there for your protection. If you lose a ball or frisbee over a facilities fence, don’t risk getting hurt, call your local utility for recovery.

5) Power lines are never safe to touch. Most overhead lines are not insulated or covered. The protective coating on lines is never safe to touch—it is a protective coating to protect the line against the elements.

6) Smell gas? Act Fast! Natural gas smells like rotten eggs or sulphur. Leave the premises immediately and call 911 or the Terasen Gas 24-hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911.

Industry Professional Messages:

1) A downed power line is deadly. If you spot a fallen wire, keep at least 10 metres away, even if it doesn't appear to be live.

If a wire falls across your vehicle, don't get out—you could become a path for electricity if you touch the ground. If you must get out, hop out clear of the truck and land on both feet, then hop or shuffle until you are 10 metres clear of the vehicle.

2) Remember the safe limits of approach. Electricity can arc or “jump” from the wire to a conducting object like a ladder or a truck. Keep at least 3 metres distance between you and overhead distribution power lines and 6 metres for high voltage transmission lines at all times.

3) Be aware of safety hazards below. Call before you dig, call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 to avoid coming into contact with underground cables and service lines. The call is free, and it could save your life.

4) Look up and live. Before you start work, look up and around the site and make sure you and your crew are aware of all overhead lines. Ladders, cranes and pipes are all good conductors of electricity, and remember, it doesn’t need to be touching a power line to become energized.

5) Steer clear of overhead lines. To avoid a potential accident, never stand irrigation pipes near overhead power lines.

Always have a signaler to warn you when you are getting too close. Keep at least 3 metres distance between you and overhead distribution power lines and 6 metres for high voltage transmission lines at all times.

6) You hold their lives in your hands. Safety training is critical and as a supervisor or foreman, you hold your workers' lives in your hands. Don't put them at risk. Ensure that they have the critical safety training they need to go home safely to their families.