s

Technically Speaking

Hire an LEC Campaign5What’s

Inside 7 Electrical Workers Still at Risk3

45% PRICE DECREASE

BULLETINS INCLUDED

NEW DIGITAL FORMAT

Fall 2015

p.4

Find out what’s new with the Ontario electrical Safety Code!

News, Views and Updates from the Electrical Safety Authority

1-877-esa-safe esasafe.com

esasafe.com 1-877-esa-safe

Our Mission: To improve electrical safety for the well-being of the people of Ontario.

Our Vision: An Ontario where people can live, work and play safe from electrical harm.

2

Electrical Safety Enforcement

Technically Speaking

2015 Code Book Pricing

Hire an LEC Campaign

Customer Service Centre Update

Electrical Workers Still at Risk

Spotlight on Common Defects

Bonus Content

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Year-to-Date Convictions June 1, 2015 – Aug. 31, 2015

If you are aware of anyone doing electrical work in violation of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code or electrical contractor licensing regulations, report it to ESA at 1-877-372-7233 or at esasafe.com. ESA looks into every such report we receive.

Convictions of Unlicensed Individuals

Bast electric, operating as Bast electric, waterlooRestaurant renovation• $2,000fine,plus$300costs

– no EC licence• $1,000fine,plus$150costs

– failure to apply

Chi wah Mak, operating as e & K Renovation and Maintenance Co., Ottawa Commercial renovation• $1,000fine,plus$250victimsurcharge

– no EC licence• $1,000fine,plus$250victimsurcharge

– failure to apply

enio Dolcetti, Sturgeon FallsRestaurant renovation• $1,500fine,plus$385victimsurcharge

and costs – no EC licence

elpotech Inc., OttawaAs an unlicensed contractor, performed electrical work on multiple locations using permits obtained by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. (Has since obtained an Electrical Contractor Licence.)• $8,000fine,plus$1,040victim

surcharge & costs – no EC licence• $2,000fine,plus$260victim

surcharge & costs – failure to apply

OnSept.24,2015,werecognizedthreeofoursafetypartners for their unique, effective and interactive methods of educating the public and the workforce about electrical safety. Read all about the Ontario electrical Safety Awards on page 9 and 10.

The Safety Awards are open to all ESA stakeholders including LECs. If you have worked on an interesting safety initiative, or you have an electrical safety situation to share that you have encountered andrectified,ESAcouldbegivingyouanElectricalSafetyAwardatnextyear’s awards. watch for the “Call for nominations” in upcoming issues of Plugged In.

Joe Mastronardi, windsorKitchen renovation• $1,500fineplus$375victimsurcharge

– no EC licence

Bill Thomson, BarrieCommercial Renovation• $750fine,plus$125victimsurcharge

– hiring an unlicensed electrical contractor

Convictions of Licensed electrical Contractors

Garmack electric, OttawaPermitted unlicensed electrical contractor to work under their permits• $8,000fine,plus$1,040victim

surcharge

Jw electric & Controls, Leamington• $1,000fine,plus$250victimsurcharge

– failure to apply

Electrical Safety Enforcement

Honouring our Safety Partners

Connect with us: @homeandsafety

facebook.com/ ElectricalSafetyAuthority

Electrical Safety Authority

In the last several years, solar installations on buildings have increased, especially in Ontario. The new edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (Code), which comes intoeffectonMay5,2016,containsinteresting changes and new requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, including a requirement for rapid shutdown. This new requirement will help decrease the risk faced by emergency responders — particularly firefighters—whenarrivingatabuilding with a PV system. It will streamline the shutdown process to be similar to that of a utility service – readily accessible with a clearly labeled switch dedicated to this purpose. However, PV systems continue to produce power even after the rapid shutdown process; ashockhazardremains,sofurtheractions are required.

NewRule64-218“Photovoltaicsystem rapid shutdown” requires quickandsafede-energization of the downstream electrical equipment to address this inherent

shockhazard.TheintentoftheRule isnottoprovidedesignspecificationfor the rapid shutdown process, but rather to specify the required outcome, including:

• which circuits are required tobede-energized;

• acceptable voltage; and • time to archive that voltage.

Rapid shutdown requirements apply to solar PV systems installed on buildings and the entire system — including the PV source and output conductors, inverter input and output conductors, batteries, and charge controller input and output conductors.

These requirements apply to solar PV circuits that are more than three metres from a PV array orcircuitsthatextendmorethan1.5 metres in length inside a building (see Diagram 1). For example,whereacombinerbox is installed within three metres of a PV array on a typical roof-mounted PV installation, the PV output circuits and AC circuits

must be controlled by rapid shutdown. The PV source conductors (conductors between PV modules and from PV modules to the combiner)mayremainenergized.

Rapid shutdown does not actually mandate 0 volts on these controlled circuits. Instead, the Rule requires the source and output conductor voltagebelimitedto30Vand 240VAwithin10secondsofrapidshutdown initiation. A rapid shutdown initiator is required to be a single device and may be a utility disconnect switch, distributed generator (DG), disconnect switch or rapid shutdown switch.

Rule64-218doesnotspecifythelocation of the rapid shutdown initiator but, considering it is to be used by emergency responders, the most suitable location is typically at or near the service equipment.

A new sub-rule related to rapid shutdownmarkingsisRule64-200(2). A marking shall be provided at the disconnecting means for the PV output circuit (DG source disconnect). The marking must be in white uppercase letters (minimum height of 9.5 mm) and on a red background. See Figure 1:

New Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown Rule Helps Protect Emergency Responders

technically speakingTechnically Speaking

Figure 1 Sample marking

Once the 2015 Code is published, a newbulletin,64-6-0,willbeissuedtoprovidefurtherclarificationaboutthe requirements, including some examplesofhowtosatisfythem.

Diagram 1 – PV system conductors outside the marked area are required to be controlled with RAPID SHUTDOWN

1.5m

3m 3m

3m

EXTERIOR3mFROMARRAY

INTERIOR1.5mFROMARRAY

PV SySTEM EqUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN

• News, Views and Updates from ESA 3

ESA has collaborated with its safety partners to produce a new edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code that reflects feedback from stakeholders, technical reviews and new safety insights.

Thenew2015Codehasbeenfinalizedandwillcomeintoeffect asregulationonMay5,2016.Electricalworkconductedaftertheeffective date needs to meet its requirements. Changes to the 2015 edition are designed to enhance electrical safety and protect workers and the public.

Thisyear,ESAisexcitedtopartnerwiththeCSAGrouptooffertheCode book and all ESA bulletins – which provide important updates andinterpretations–togetherforonepriceandatasignificantlyreducedratefromprioryears.Itwillbeavailableinprintfor$219or asearchable,digitalformatfor$195–accessibleonsmartphones,tablets and desktops and compatible with Windows and iOS.

The 2015 Code is available for purchase at www.csagroup.org/oesc.

Essential Tool of the Trade Will Be Available at a New Lower Price

2015 Code Book Pricing

LeC Survey Results

new for 2015

• New lower price – 45 per cent less, including subscription for eSA bulletins!

• Available

electronically or hardcopy.

79% of LECs buy bulletins for the most up-to-date regulatory and industry information.

79%

4 • News, Views and Updates from ESA

technically speakingHire an LEC Campaign

Campaign Educates Consumers about Hiring an LECDid you know that consumers who saw ESA’s latest ads were twice as likely to hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC)? ESA’s fall campaign, which launched at the beginning of October 2015, will help ensure homeowners understand the legal requirements of hiring an LEC for any electrical work needed in the home.

Targeting Homeowners and RenovationsThe goal of this year’s campaign is to intervene at key moments in the consumer’s journey to a planned renovation.

Thefirstphase,runningfromOctobertoDecember,focusesonconsumers searching for service providers, budgeting and project planning. The objective is to increase awareness about the importance ofhiringanLEC,andtodrivetheconsumertothe“FindanLEC”toolon the ESA website.

The second wave of the campaign is planned for January to March 2016andwillfocusonconsumersintheearlystagesofplanningarenovation.Advertisingwillbestrategicallyplacedinmagazines such as Canadian House & Home, Canadian Living and Style at Home to capture the attention of this audience.

Earlier this year, ESA consulted with stakeholders through advisory councils and an open call for comment regarding wiring fee changes. ESA will be implementing an average one percentwiringfeeincreaseeffectiveJan.8,2016forthemajorityofwiringfeeitems,withthefollowingexceptions:

• AllServiceReconnectfeeswillequalizeatthe2015rateof$296followedbythe2016onepercentfeeincrease;

• AllMiscellaneousfeeswillequalizeatthe2015rate of$150followedbythe2016onepercentfeeincrease;

• LabourfeeandPlanReviewitemsincreaseby1.75percent;

• Fees for New Residential Single Family and New Apartment Buildings – an adjustment will be made to the way these fees are structured.

Detailed information on these fee changes and the consultation process can be found at www.esasafe.com/consultations.

A copy of the updated fee guide will be available in early December on www.esasafe.com.

Questions? Contact ESA at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233).

HIRE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR.DON’T GET BURNED.

Jim’s Electrical Associates416-000-0000

ESA/ECRA # 0000000

HIRE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR.DON’T GET BURNED.

Jim’s Electrical Associates416-000-0000

ESA/ECRA # 0000000

Jim’s Electrical Associates

HIRE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. IT'S THE LAW.

416-000-0000ESA/ECRA # 0000000

Wiring Fees Increase Effective Jan. 8, 2016

You Can Help Raise Awareness!The LEC Store offers customizablemerchandise(priced at-cost), such as lawn signs, door hangers, T-shirts and truck magnets. Each product has ESA campaign information on one side and can becustomizedwithcompanylogos and business information on the other. This is a great opportunity to support the campaign and spread the message about the importance of hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Order Online!

LeCStore.ca T-shirts, magnets and more!

• News, Views and Updates from ESA 5

Customer Service Centre Update

In the last several months, the Customer Service Centre(CSC)hasmadesignificantupdatestoESAOnline Services. These upgrades have improved thecustomerserviceexperienceandrepresentanumber of requests received from LECs.

More Flexibility and an Improved User ExperienceUpgradesmadeinJunenowallowLECsmoreflexibilityfor payments and taking out applications for inspection. LECs can now: • pay by credit card for permits and account

balances;• access a detailed invoice history;• delete applications that have not been processed; and• manage and update account information online.

A second upgrade in September improved the user experienceevenmore.LECs can now:• receiveanotificationnumberassoonasthey

submit their application, if all criteria are met;• view calendars to see when an inspector will be inthearea,andbookthe“ready”date/applicationfor inspection during those times (non-ACP);

• reschedule both ACP and non-ACP work online; and• schedule disconnect/hold inspections online upto60daysinadvance.

Whathasn’tchanged?Pre-authorizeddisconnect/reconnect applications must still be sent to the Customer Service Centre to validate ACP eligibility, whichcantakeupto24hours.

For additional information about ESA Online Services, contact1-877-ESA-SAFE(372-7233)oremail esa.cambridge@electricalsafety.on.ca.

Significant Updates Made to Online Application System

LOOK FOR THe “new” ICOn! Changes made to enhance existing features of ESA Online Services are highlighted by a “NEW” icon. Clicking on it provides a description of the changes. All future upgrades to existing features will be marked with this “New” icon to make it easier for you to identify changes.

New

AVERAgE CAll lENgTH

5 minutes 16 seconds

AVERAgE WAIT TIME FOR CAllS TO bE ANSWERED

38 seconds

SERVICE lEVEl

75% of calls answered in 30secondsorless

VOlUME

136,759 calls

CSC PHONE SERvICE UPDATE

April 1, 2015 – June 30, 2015:

CHAnGe TO CSC HOURS On DeC. 11CSC phone lines will be open from noon – 4:30 p.m. onDec.11toallowforaonce-annualstaffbriefingand training meeting in the morning.

The after-hours service line will continue to be available for emergencies only by calling 1-877-ESA-SAFE.

6 • News, Views and Updates from ESA

Worth Knowing

Lastyearmarkedthefirsttimeinfiveyearsthatnoelectrical workers died on-the-job from an electrical contactorfire.Statisticsshowthereisoneelectricalworker fatality on average each year, and more than 5,500 visits to the emergency room caused by critical electrical-related occupational injuries.

Whilethe2014fatalityrateisasignificantaccomplishment, there were still three critical injuries due to electrical contact last year – injuries that can have a devastating impact on the person injured, their families and their colleagues. More work needs to be done to ensure electrical safety on the job.

Although there were no fatalities for electrical workers lastyearduetoanelectricalincident,the2014Ontario Electrical Safety Report (OESR) states that eight Ontario workers died on-the-job in an electrical incidentin2013.In2014,thereweretwo.Althoughthisrepresentsa75percentdecrease,thefactremainsthat two workers lost their lives in an electrical incident in the past year. That’s two too many.

The OESR further reports that in the last 10 years, 30percentofoccupationalelectrical-relatedfatalitiesinvolved workers in the electrical trades.

Why are Electrical Workers Still getting Injured Every year?One of the main causes of occupational electrical-related injury is not following proper procedure. Anotherisworkingonenergizedelectricalequipment.

ESA investigations into electrical fatalities and injuries found that individual behaviour affects the decisions made by workers. In order to prevent future electrical injuries and fatalities, we need to understand why these decisions are being made.

Preventing Injuries and FatalitiesIt’s up to all of us to flag unsafe situations so we can improve electrical safety for all Ontarians.

AsanLEC,thereisalotyoucandotominimizerisksfor you, your team, and your customers.

The single most important action to prevent electrical-related injuries and fatalities is to turn the power off.

Electrical Workers Still at Risk

Five-year Average In Ontario For Occupational Worker Safety

41%DeCReASe

18%DeCReASe

All Occupations

Electrical Workers

Critical Injuries and Fatalities

Otherimportantstepstomaximizesafetyon-the-job:• always follow your electrical training, and remind

others working with or around you of the proper protocol;

• wear the required Personal Protective Equipment asoutlinedintheCSA-Z462WorkplaceElectricalSafety Training standard and ensure those around you do the same; and

• know and understand the equipment you’re working on.

What are the Next Steps?Thereareseveralfactors,bothinternalandexternal,that influence workers’ judgment, decision-making and behaviour. ESA is conducting behavioural research to understand the underlying dynamics that cause otherwise trained, professional electrical workers to take on unnecessary risks or choose to work unsafely. Oncethesefactorsareidentifiedandtheresearchiscompleted, ESA will share the results with the public, and work to design and implement effective interventions that will result in changed and safer workplace behaviour.

There are also proposals in place for an outreach to colleges to intervene early in the career path of electrical workers, and increase awareness of safety risks with electrical apprentices. ESA will take the insights from this research to design, implement and evaluate targeted policies, initiatives, communications and other interventions that produce the desired breakthrough in behaviour not only for electrical apprentices, but for all electrical workers.

• News, Views and Updates from ESA 7

2015 Licence Holder Meeting Nov.24,2015 – Belleville

Please send your comments or story ideas to plugged.in@electricalsafety.on.ca.We’d like your input

esasafe.com 1-877-esa-safe

technically speakingSpotlight on Common Defects

What’s HappeningClosuresDec. 11, 2015 – Customer Service Centre phone lines will

beclosedfrom7a.m.–noon(seepg.6)Dec. 24, 2015 – Christmas Eve Dec. 25, 2015 – Christmas DayJan. 1, 2015 –NewYear’sDay

26-700(11) GFCI Receptacles Required All 5-15R and 5-20R receptacles within 1.5 metres of sinks (wash basins complete with drainpipe), bathtubs, or shower stalls shall be protected by a ground fault circuitinterrupteroftheClassAtype,exceptwherethe receptacle is intended for a stationary appliance designated for the location, and located behind the stationary appliance such that it is inaccessible for use with general-purpose portable appliances.

26-710(n) Outdoor Receptacles – gFCI RequirementRule26-710(n)–Inresidentialoccupancies, all outdoor receptacles, exceptforautomobileheaterreceptacles installed outdoors and within2.5metresoffinishedgrade,shall be protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type.

SeeBulletin26-28-*foradditionalinformation.

Increase Safety, Save Time and Money – Know the Requirements

Outdoor Holiday DecoratingA GFCI-protected receptacle is recommended to protect people from shock when plugging in outdoors.Specificcovershavebeencreated for outdoor receptacles to help protect against the elements even when a cord is left plugged in. This is especially important during the holiday season for outdoor decorating!

Overthepastyear,ESAinspectorsidentifiedmorethan3,000defects related to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). The GFCI receptacle is animportantsafetytoolforreducingtheriskofshockhazardsinkitchens,bathrooms and other areas of the home where outlets are near sinks, wash basins (complete with drainpipe), bathtubs, or shower stalls.

Test GFCIs Monthly

Prefer to receive an e-version of Plugged In

rather than print?Email

plugged.in@electricalsafety.on.ca TODAy!Check out the

Digital Edition of Plugged In Today!

The digital copy is available at: www.esasafe.com/esa-newsletters

Digital extras include:•Photogalleriesandvideos•Convenienceofreadingitanytime,

anywhere on your smart phone or tablet•Bonuscontent

Spotlight on Common Defects is a new, regular section in Plugged In to help you better understand Code requirements to reduce defects.

technically speaking2015 Ontario Electrical Safety Award Recipients • BONUS CONTENT •

Recipients Honoured for Innovative Approaches to Improving SafetyWe all have a role to play in working to improve electrical safety in Ontario. ESA values the efforts of our safety partners to improve the state of electrical safetyintheprovince.OnSept.24,2015,threeoftheseorganizationswererecognizedfortheirunique,effective and interactive methods of educating the public and the workforce. All of the recipients took improving electrical safety to new levels through technology, social media and community involvement.

Their commitment to keeping our communities safe and building a safer Ontario is just one of the reasons they received their awards.

“ESA’sgoalistoeliminateelectricalfatalitiesandinjuries in Ontario and ensure the highest level of

public electrical safety,” said Scott Saint, ESA’s Chief PublicSafetyOfficer(CPSO).“Theeffortofthisyear’swinners to protect and educate both workers and members of the public on important safety messages ensureswearethatmuchclosertorealizingasaferOntario.”

Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Angela Coke, was on hand to present the awardswithESA’sChairoftheBoard,BrianBentz.

TheawardswereestablishedsixyearsagotoformallyrecognizetheimportantcontributionsofindividualsandorganizationstowardachievingthevisionofanOntario where people can live, work and play safe from electrical harm.

L-R:DavidCollie,President&CEO,ElectricalSafetyAuthority;ScottSaint,ChiefPublicSafetyOfficer,ElectricalSafety Authority; Ken Walsh, Chief Engineer and VP Operations, London Hydro; Steve Hibbert, Director of Energy & Building Services, TO2015; Cynthia Tetaka, Manager, Corporate Communications, Hydro One Networks Inc.; Lisa Williamson, VP, Health & Safety Environment, Hydro One Networks Inc.; Brian Buchan, Director of Media, Communications and Municipal Stakeholder Relations, Toronto Hydro; Deputy Minister Angela Coke, Ministry of Government&ConsumerServices;BrianBentz,ChairoftheBoard,ElectricalSafetyAuthority.

9 • News, Views and Updates from ESA

• BONUS CONTENT •

2015 Ontario Electrical Safety Award Recipients

Consumer/ Home SafetyToronto Hydro – for their consumer awareness campaigns aimed at keeping communities safe. Toronto Hydro covers such topics as electrical safety at schools, emergency preparedness events, Brighter Nights community events and other consumer-focused activities. TorontoHydroutilizesmultiplecommunications channels to proactively reach out to their communities, including social media, traditional media, customer newsletters and community events, which providethemwithanextensivereach to convey their important message.

Powerline Safety Hydro One networks Inc. – fortheir“ElectricityDiscoveryCentre,” a 1,000 sq. ft. mobile centre designed to engage and educate consumers about electrical safety, including powerline safety and energy savingtips.In2014,theexhibitwas updated to include a wire wall that offers visitors an opportunitytosafelyexamineHydro One’s powerlines. The opportunity to see this equipment up-close raises awareness on the dangers of downed powerlines.

Worker Safety London Hydro – for their dedication to worker safety through the development of three smart phone applica-tions that provide access to safety information and reporting tools. The applications cover topics like Substation Access Tools,Incident/DeficiencyReporting,andthe“Zapple”application provides employees with immediate access to a wide variety of health and safety information, emergency contacts and health and safety procedures/policies.

Chief Public Safety Officer Special Recognition AwardTO2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee – for their strong commitment to ensuring that athletes, workers, volunteers and spectators alike were able to participate in the Games free from electrical harm. Through their dedicated commitment to electrical safety requirements, theTO2015organizingcom-mittee ensured public safety at every stage, from construction through to the closing ceremo-nies. The committee went beyond simply complying with regulation as it related to Games venues and equipment; they paved the way for ESA’s involvement with ancillary groups responsible for other Games-related events such as the torch relay events.

2015 WINNERConsumer / Home Safety

TORONTO HYDRO

2015 WINNERWorker Safety

LONDON HYDRO

Chief Public Safety Offi cerSpecial Recognition Award

2015 PAN AM / PARAPAN AM GAMES

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

2015 WINNERPowerline Safety

HYDRO ONE NETWORKS INC.

• News, Views and Updates from ESA 10

Shutters restrict access in closed position

• BONUS CONTENT •

technically speakingDefect of the Month

Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

More than 1,400 defects written for Tamper-Resistant Receptacles last year!EveryyearinOntario,about80childrenunderthe age of 10 are brought to the emergency department because of a severe shock or electrical burn. Many oftheseinjurieshappenwhenlittlefingers,pens, power outlets. By installing Tamper-Resistant Receptacles, you add another level of safety that prevents little ones from inserting foreign objects into outlets causing a high risk of shock.

Do you Know the Requirements?The requirement for Tamper-Resistant Receptacles applies to new or replacement outlets in homes installed two metres or less from the floor. Although it’s not required to bring current outlets up to the Code if they were installed prior to the 2009 Ontario Electrical Safety Code, replacing the old ones with Tamper-Resistant Outlets can help keep kids safe from potentially serious electrical injuries.

26-712(g) Tamper Proof Receptacle RequiredAll 5-15R and 5-20R receptacles within a dwelling shallbetamperresistantandsomarkedexceptforthose receptacles located above 2 metres from the floor or grade, or those intended for a stationary appliance and located such that they are inaccessible.

Standard C22.2 No. 42, Clause 6.18 MarkingTamper-Resistant Receptacles aremarkedwith“TR”

See Bulletin 26-25-* for additional information.

11 • News, Views and Updates from ESA