Camping In Ontario Update Newsletter June 2019 March 2013 | Page 4

CAMPING IN ONTARIO UPDATE | 4 Are There Hidden Electrical Hazards in Your Campground? Camping season is almost here. Keep your campers safe by making sure your campground doesn’t contain hidden electrical hazards. In the last couple of years, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has discovered hidden hazards in several Ontario campgrounds and trailer parks. These hazards were significant in that they posed an immediate danger of fire and shock. Improperly installed and maintained electrical systems can cause serious personal injury, death or property damage.  1 Improperly maintained electrical equipment such as distribution panels and safety switches. 2 Using flexible cord, such as extension cords, as permanent or underground wiring. 3 Improperly maintained primary and secondary conductors/ pole lines. 4 Missing covers on outlet/switch boxes. 5 Incomplete/incorrect labeling of circuit breakers, fuses, and switches on the distribution panel directory. Raising awareness, education and training are critical to improving electrical safety. ESA undertakes its own programs and also collaborates with others across the safety system to improve awareness of the risks and knowledge about the responsibilities under the OESC. Proactive inspections coming soon In one particular case where an imminent danger existed, ESA was required to take action to have these issues fixed immediately. The timing was unfortunate, nearly resulting in a disconnection of power to the park during a long weekend. Being proactive about the safety of your campground’s electrical system can help ensure your campers and property stay safe, while also ensuring there’s no disruption to your business. What you need to know In response to these occurrences, ESA would like to increase awareness amongst campground and trailer park owners and operators regarding their obligations under the Electricity Act, 1998 and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC).  Oesc Fast Facts… Fact 1 The OESC defines the legal requirements and minimum safety standards for electrical installations, products and equipment used in Ontario. Fact 2 Anytime you undertake electrical work covered by the OESC, you need to file an application for inspection with the ESA. Fact 3 All electrical equipment, including RVs and trailers/campers, are re­ uired to be approved and bear a recognized approval mark. For a list q of recognized approval marks refer to ESA website www.esasafe.com. Fact 4 The top five fire/shock hazards seen in campgrounds and trailer parks as a result of non-compliance with the OESC are: ESA also undertakes proactive inspections and targeted campaigns that focus on protecting the general public and consumers from potential electrical risks, and ensuring that safety requirements are understood and followed by owners and operators in an effort to reduce the occurrence of electrocution, shock and fires. ESA will be conducting a series of proactive inspections focusing on electrical hazards in privately-owned campgrounds from April – June 2013. ESA will be randomly selecting sites throughout the province. During the inspection, an ESA inspector will review the campground’s electrical infrastructure. If one of your sites is selected, you will be contacted prior to the visit to arrange a time and provide a contact person who our inspectors can meet with on-site. ESA will waive the fee for this inspection. If deficiencies are identified, a return visit charge may be required dependant on the repairs required. To request more information regarding these proactive inspections, please contact ESA via email at [email protected] The Electrical Safety Authority The Electrical Safety Authority’s (ESA) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As a designated administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province. For more information on the ESA, the requirements of the Act, the OESC, or the Ontario Electrical Safety Report visit our website at www.esasafe.com.