CURRENT NEWS FROM THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUTHORITY WINTER 2010
PREVENTING
ELECTRICAL HARMS
Powerline Safety | Worker Safety | Product Safety
Aging Infrastructure | New Wiring Installations and Electrical Code
ESA INTRODUCES
ONTARIO ELECTRICAL
SAFETY AWARDS
In this edition :
ESA launches Five Harm
Reduction Strategy
- page 3
Technically Speaking...
When are defects written...
- page 4
ZERO
G E TTI NG T O
Independent Learning is
coming. ..
- page 5
www.esasafe.com
1-877-esa-safe
Ontario Electrical Safety Awards
In this issue of
Ontario Electrical Safety
Awards2
Message from the CEO
3
Technically Speaking
4
Training Update
5
Business Scorecard
6
Enforcement Stats
6
Product Safety News
7
Product Recalls
7
Senior Leadership
Academy8
Bill C-458
Upcoming Events
8
This past September the Electrical
Safety Authority (ESA) launched the
first annual Ontario Electrical Safety
Awards. The awards were announced
by ESA, CEO & President, David Collie
and presented by ESA Chair John
Wiersma and the Minister of Consumer
Services , The Hon. John Gerretsen, and
recognized leadership and achievement
in the promotion of electrical safety.
Ontario Electrical Safety Awards were
given in four categories that relate
directly to the key electrical safety
harms that Ontarians are facing today.
The recipients of these awards were
honoured for their commitment
and outstanding contribution to
improving electrical safety in the
following areas:
Worker Safety Award – Recipient
Dave Graham, past President of the
Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors
Association, for initiating the “Working
Live Task Force” to address the risks
associated with working on live
electrical systems.
“ Throughout my electrical career I have
heard of many preventable accidents
and often the lifelong consequences that
many suffer as a result. I want to arrive
home safe at the end of each work day
and desire the same for all workers. ”
Dave Graham, VP Business Development
Robertson Bright Inc. & McDowell Electric.
Powerline Safety Award – Recipient
Orillia Power Corporation for its
community education and awareness
programs that target electrical and
powerline safety.
“Winning the Powerline Safety award
and being recognized by ESA helps Orillia
Power Corporation in maintaining and
building support from the community
and our peers in promoting powerline
safety awareness.”
John Mattinson, President and Secretary,
Orillia Power Corporation.
www.esasafe.com
1-877-esa-safe
2
Product Safety Award – Recipient
Brian Savaria of Eaton Electrical Group
for his ongoing efforts to reduce
the presence of counterfeit products
that pose electrical safety risk.
Consumer and Home Safety Award
– A coalition of electrical equipment
manufacturers (Cooper Industries, Hubbell
Canada, Legrand Canada and Leviton
Canada) who achieved a requirement for
tamper-resistant receptacles in homes as
part of the Canadian Electrical Code.
“Cooper Wiring Devices is honoured
to be nominated and is appreciative of
the recognition of our safety efforts as
a recipient. This honour validates our
commitment to safety and the importance
of our continued development of electrical
devices designed to protect children.”
Jill Mungovan, Director, Marketing
Communications, Cooper Wiring Devices.
The creation of the Ontario Electrical Safety
Awards is an important accomplishment
for ESA. The awards are not only aimed at
recognizing safety leaders, but are also
intended to encourage our stakeholders
to identify and champion continued
achievements in electrical safety. “As a manufacturer and a parent, safety is
always at the forefront of our mind. It’s a
responsibility shared by everyone to make
sure that we provide a safe environment
where we live, work and play.”
Lisa Frank, Director of Service Excellence,
Legrand Canada.
Peter Marcucci, ESA’s, Chief Public
Safety Officer says, “we can’t do it
alone, we need to recognize those
people in the province that are making
outstanding contributions to electrical
safety by being leaders and innovators
as they shape the safety culture in
Ontario.” It is only by working together
with all participants in the electrical
system that we can achieve our vision of
an Ontario free from electrical fatalities
and serious injuries, damage or loss.
“At Leviton we continually strive to lead
our industry through the development
of innovative safety technologies. As the
recipients of this award of social approval
this confirms that our investment in
innovation is well worth it.
Barbara Tracey, Marketing Manager,
Leviton Mfg. of Canada.
OUR MISSION: TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO.
Message from the CEO
David Collie,
President & CEO
ESA Introduces
a Five Harm
Reduction Strategy
Over the past year ESA evolved our safety strategy to further
support our business in “Getting to Zero” electrical fatalities
and serious incidents. Essential to the strategic evolution
was the appointment of a Chief Public Safety Officer who
would define the direction of our Five Year Harm Reduction
Strategy. Peter Marcucci assumed this role in March 2010
and is dedicated to understanding the harms we need to
address, and the prevention strategies that will lead us to
zero. These strategies are driving the direction of our five year
business plan.
Electrical safety data from the Ontario Electrical Safety
Report indicated that 70% of injuries and fatalities
occur in five major categories:
Powerline Safety
High-Risk Electrical Worker Safety
Electrical Product Safety
Aging Infrastructure
New Wiring Installations and
Electrical Code
Our five year business plan identifies initiatives that can address
and reduce these harms. This plan recognizes the need to
develop prevention-based activities that appropriately focus
our attention and resources, complement the compliance and
enforcement activities we already have in place, and leverage
our existing safety and awareness initiatives.
Getting to Zero depends on ESA’s
ability to work with stakeholders
Getting to zero depends on ESA’s ability to work closely
with our stakeholders and to leverage new and existing
partnerships in implementing our five harm strategy. We have
taken many steps in this direction including the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding with the British Columbia
Safety Authority that will focus on developing innovative ways
to impact electrical safety. We will continue to work closely
with our contractor community, Ontario utilities and electrical
safety associations and safety partners to develop innovative
ways to improve electrical safety in Ontario.
OUR VISION: AN ONTARIO FREE OF ELECTRICAL FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURY, DAMAGE OR LOSS.
3
Technically Speaking
The Most
Common
Defects on
Installations
ESA Introducing Distance Learning Options
5.02-308(1) A minimum working space of 1 m (39”), with
secure footing, shall be provided and maintained about
electrical equipment. Rationale: Worker safety should be high on everyone’s
agenda, and the space required for working around electrical
equipment is crucial, in order to work safely.
When an Inspector issues a defect it indicates a code infraction and
a safety concern. In preparing the Code, specific consideration
has been given to prevent potential fire and shock hazards,
proper maintenance and operation. Compliance with the
requirements of the Code and proper electrical maintenance
are key steps to ensuring safe installations.
In Ontario, last year there were over 450,000 work orders relating
to electrical installations processed, and over 170,000 defects
were written in relation to these work orders.
1.10-406(2) and (4) Bond water or gas pipes
Rationale: This refers to the bond that applies if the water
pipe and gas pipe make contact with the electrical system and
it becomes a path for current flow.
Ontario Electrical
Safety Code
24th Edition / 2009
Rationale: The cover prevents contact with the conductors
or connections in a outlet box, serving as a barrier to people,
and protects the conductors and connections from accidental
damage. As well as containing the effects from failure of
joints, it prevents the spread of fire from arcing or sparking, if
there is a failure.
3.12-3026 Fill all unused openings in cabinets, boxes,
panelboards and fittings
Rationale: There is a requirement to have the integrity of
the enclosure maintained, thus preventing accidental contact
with terminals.
“This publication
contains the complet
e edition
of the 2009 Canadia
n Electrical Code”
The above represents the greatest number of safety
defects written by Inspectors. These defects are not
hard to solve. Failure to address these defects will
require further time, money and resources to correct.
Both the contractor and the Inspector benefit from a defect
free installation.
4.26-002 Receptacle polarity is reversed
Rationale: Maintaining correct polarity is important as most
equipment is connected via polarized plugs. Reverse polarity
can lead to metal enclosures being energized.
4
www.esasafe.com
1-877-esa-safe
OUR MISSION: TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO.
New Extended Learning
Opportunities Coming Soon!
ESA is pleased to announce that its 2011
training curriculum will be expanded
to include two new extended learning
opportunities. ESA will be offering both
“independent learning” and “online
learning” options to enable individuals
who cannot attend a classroom session
to benefit from ESA’s expert training.
Using well-designed course materials,
individuals can study when and where
it’s most convenient for them.
ESA’s Pre-Master Electrician Course is
the first program we will be offering
by extended learning beginning early
in the new year.
TOP FIVE DEFECTS - RELATED TO LIFE AND
PROPERTY DAMAGE & CORRECTION RATIONALE
2.12-3002 (4) Cover plates are required on all devices
ESA is recognized as an electrical
safety and technical training leader.
Our expertise with the Ontario Electrical
Safety Code, Pre-Master Electrician
training, and electrical training specific
to codes, standards, and recommended
practices is unmatched by any other
electrical training provider. This is
why thousands of participants have
taken, and continue to take ESA’s
training. Participants have told us that
in addition to our classroom training
they would like ESA to provide distance
learning options.
•Independent learning provides
a structured learning experience
for individuals to self-study the
Pre-Master student manual, complete
module quizzes, and access posted
Q&As.
• Online learning offers a supportive
learning environment where individuals
have the opportunity to utilize a variety
of educational materials including
visuals, audio, multimedia, and links
to internet resources.
ESA’s new extended learning options provide individuals with a learning environment
where they can navigate course content at their own pace, while completing
scheduled activities by established deadlines.
More information about
these new extended
learning opportunities
including course materials,
schedules, fees, etc. will
be posted on ESA’s website
early in the new year.
To learn more about ESA’s
training, please visit
the “Electrical Safety
Training” section of
www.esasafe.com
NEW
ESA OFFERS
INDEPENDENT
LEARNING OPTION
FOR PRE-MASTER ELECTRICIAN COURSE
IN EARLY 2011
COURSE INCLUDES:
· Comprehensive Pre-Master Electrician Course
Student Manual
· Access to Quizzes and Answers for the
12 Pre-Master Electrician Course Modules
· Weekly Question and Answer Postings (if applicable)
OUR VISION: AN ONTARIO FREE OF ELECTRICAL FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURY, DAMAGE OR LOSS.
5
Product Safety News
Business Scorecard
s
Operation
e
at a Glanc
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censes
d
# of License
# of calls
ricians
Master Elect
es as
(Valid Licens
e Centre
omer Servic
t the Cust
answered a
ions
# of inspect
rded
s reco
# of defect
# of Hazard
s (Z7)
n Request
Investigatio
l Inspection
# of Genera
8)
requests (Z
ntractors
# of ACP co
ronically
eated elect
cr
s
n
o
ti
ca
fi
on system
% of noti
e Applicati
in
-L
n
O
e
th
through
,2010)
of October 31
1, 2010
– October 3
31,201
as of October
ctors (Valid Li
d Contra
# of License
0
April 1, 201
Between January and December 2009, ESA’s Product Safety
department investigated 679 incidents representing a
43% increase from the 475 reports in 2008. In addition,
in 2009 ESA also received 145 reports that did not meet
ESA’s reporting threshold.
ESA’s Product Safety department
is continuing to deal with
Mandatory
electrical product safety issues,
Mandatory
25.8%
complaints and reports.
25.8%
7,006
9,873
283,141
301,000
159,378
5,822
7,144
2,564
27.3%
Ontario Regulation 438/07’s
mandatory reporting requirement
generated over 25% of
investigations opened in 2009.
(Figure 1)
Voluntary incident reports
were submitted by a variety
of constituencies including
Consumer
Enquiry
2.4%
Voluntary
Voluntary
71.8%
71.8%
Fig 1 Electrical Product
Incidents by Report
Category, 2009
consumers, ESA field investigators and product safety staff,
fire departments, other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (e.g.
Office of the Fire Marshal), and other groups.
ESA reviews and classifies
reported safety issues based
on an established risk
prioritization methodology.
The investigation type and
priority category determine the
required strategy and timelines
for response. Depending on
the findings of the product
investigation, ESA may direct a
range of corrective action plans
to ensure that subsequent
incidents or accidents don’t
occur. (Figure 2)
Priority 3
Priority
232 3
23234.2%
34.2%
Priority 1
22
3.2%
Priority
Priority 2 2
425
425
62.6%
62.6%
Fig 2 Distribution by
Priority Status, 2009
Product Recalls
En force ment Stats
April 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010
425 Enforcement Complaints
generated this activity:
Notices of Violation (cost recovery fee) 316
Enforcement inspections
221
Complaints still active, pending further investigation
70
Unlicensed persons currently under 41
investigation, involving sites 49 sites
Prosecutions against unlicensed persons 20
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Schneider Electric Recalls
Stab-lok Circuit Breakers Type
NA15 / NA20 / NB15 / NB20
Approximately 330 circuit breakers
were distributed across Canada in
which the handles of those breakers
were moulded with the ON and OFF
impressions interchanged. There is
the possibility for the circuit breaker
handle to indicate the OFF (open)
position when the circuit breaker
is still in an ON (closed) position.
This may result in the potential for
personal injury.
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The most recent product safety alerts and recall notices are also posted on the front page of the ESA website.
For a complete list of the affected products visit www.esasafe.com
6
OUR MISSION: TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO.
OUR VISION: AN ONTARIO FREE OF ELECTRICAL FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURY, DAMAGE OR LOSS.
7
ESA Hosts Inaugural Senior Leadership
Academy Graduation
The Electrical Safety Authority has
established a Senior Leadership
Academy (SLA). SLA provides an
incentive for Inspectors who are
interested in developing their skills to
support a well planned and consistent
succession strategy for leadership
positions at ESA.
The Academy provides interested
Inspectors with training that prepares
them to move into Senior Inspector
positions and front line supervision
roles. Front line supervisors play a critical
role in the successful implementation
of ESA’s Harm Reduction Strategy.
The SLA provides participants with the
necessary skills designed to support
these priorities and the organization.
Participants receive specific insights
into business acumen, practices and
processes; and leadership skills that
include team management, stakeholder
line supervisors as it relates to the
preventative measures identified in
ESA’s Harm Reduction Strategy.
ESA’s first Senior Leadership Academy
participants graduated in late October 2010.
With the addition of two new classes in
2010 the Academy curriculum has been
expanded to include a full mentoring
program in addition to the training
program. One-on-One mentoring
includes individual coaching from
existing Senior Inspectors to employees
interested pursuing the role of Senior
Inspector.
relations, and communication. SLA
also focuses on the role of our front
Upcoming
Events
Criminal Charges Laid
BER
S
For the past several years ESA has
worked to advance the safety of
electrical workers by informing
maintenance workers, electricians,
licensed contractors, and facility
owners/supervisors of the dangers of
“working live” and the importance
of safe work practices.
ESA reinforces in its worker
safety communication that non
compliance with safety codes and
standards could lead to charges
being laid under the Occupational
Health and Safety legislation or the
Canadian Criminal Code. Workers
and employers are familiar with
Ministry of Labour and OSHA rules.
They need to increasingly consider
amendments to the Canadian
Criminal Code effective March 2004
that introduced Bill C-45 and new
legal duties for workplace health
and safety that impose serious
penalties for violations resulting in
injuries and death.
In Ontario in October 2010 the first
charges under Bill C-45 were laid.
Four counts of criminal negligence
causing death and one count of
criminal negligence causing bodily
harm were laid against Metron
Corp, its President, and two other
managers of the company.
We’d like your input. Please send your comments or story ideas to:
plugged.in@electricalsafety.on.ca
8
www.esasafe.com
1-877-esa-safe
M
DECEM
W
T
S
F
T
M
S
JANUARY
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T
F
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27
Customer Service Centre
2010 Holiday Season
Schedule:
December 24, 2010 - 7:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M
December 27, 2010 - Closed
December 28, 2010 - 7:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M
December 29, 2010 - 7:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M
December 30, 2010 - 7:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M
December 31, 2010 - 7:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M
January 3, 2011 - closed
Normal business hours resume on
January 4, 2011