Outdoor and power line safety
Working safely around electricity starts outside
Whether you're operating a business, managing a commercial property or planning construction, outdoor electrical infrastructure can pose serious safety risks. Find out how to stay safe around power lines, trees and utility equipment — and what your responsibilities are as a business or property owner.
How to stay safe around power lines, trees and utility equipment when planning your outdoor projects
Power lines can be knocked down by storms, collisions or equipment failure. Always assume any downed power line is energized and dangerous. If you see a downed or damaged power line:
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Overhead lines carry high-voltage electricity, and direct contact isn’t required for a shock to occur. This is because electricity can arc through the air, especially when equipment or tools get too close. How far is safe?
These safe distances apply to you, your tools, ladders, equipment, tree branches, or anything you’re handling. If you’re unsure how far to stay back or need to work near power lines, contact a licensed electrical contractor or contact us for guidance. Safety tips for businesses and contractors:
Planning a new building or renovation near power lines? Check out our brochure for information about clearance standards and requirements. | Watch the video below to learn more about safety around power lines. |
Our outdoor infrastructure is essential for delivering electricity to your business. But it must be treated with care. Maintain a safe perimeter around all equipment and report anything that looks damaged or out of place.
Pad-mounted transformers (green boxes):
- These locked metal enclosures contain high-voltage equipment.
- Never climb, sit on or tamper with them.
- Keep the front of the unit clear. Avoid blocking access with fences, signs, landscaping or snow piles.
- Ensure snow removal crews and contractors know to leave clearance during winter.
Pole-mounted transformers and utility poles:
- Always stay at least three metres away. Electricity can arc through the air, even without contact.
- Do not store materials, build structures or operate machinery too close to utility poles.
Substations and fenced enclosures:
- Substations reduce high-voltage electricity for safe local distribution.
- Never enter or approach fenced substations, even to retrieve objects.
- Report open gates, damaged fences or signs of vandalism right away.
Tip: Post safety signage in outdoor areas accessible to employees, tenants and contractors. Ensure your property management or maintenance team knows who to contact if equipment is blocked or damaged.
To report damaged or unsecured equipment, call us at (613) 738-6400 or visit our Contact us page.
If your business is planning construction, signage installation, landscaping or fence work, you need to know where underground utilities are located. If you strike a buried power line, it can result in serious injury or death.
Steps to digging safely:
Submit a “locate” request at OntarioOneCall.ca at least five business days in advance.
Wait for underground utility locations to be marked before starting.
Respect locate markings and dig with care.
Do not dig within one metres of the marked power lines.
⚠️ A public utility locate is free and required by law under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
If your business involves pools, hot tubs, spas or water features (e.g., hotels, gyms or multi-unit properties), keep the following in mind:
- Electrical equipment must meet clearance regulations for both overhead and underground wiring.
- Contact OntarioOneCall.ca before digging or installing structures to have underground utilities located and marked.
- Get the necessary permits.
- Consult a licensed electrical contractor to ensure compliance with Electrical Safety Authority requirements.
Download our brochure for more guidance on how to safely install a hot tub or swimming pool near electrical wires.
Hydro Ottawa crews work in all conditions to maintain reliable service. If you see crews near your business, follow these safety tips:
- Follow all signage and safety instructions from crew members.
- Keep vehicles and pedestrians clear of active work zones.
- Notify your staff and customers if access points or entrances are temporarily blocked.
Report safety concerns
To report unsafe conditions near a Hydro Ottawa crew, call us at (613) 738-6400 or visit our Contact Us page.