In addition to CSA C.22.3 and utilities’ own standards, the 2009 Canadian Electrical Code—CSA C22.1—provides requirements in Rule 34-106(1) for the installation of signs in the vicinity of overhead electricity lines. The rule specifies signs must be located such that:
- people working on them are not likely to come into contact with overhead lines.
- no part of a sign or its support will interfere with normal work operations performed on electrical and communications lines, as defined by the utility; and
- no part of a sign or its support is in such proximity to overhead lines as to create a hazard.
It is easy to appreciate this rule identifies two distinct types of hazards concerning the proximity of signs to overhead lines, including:
- hazards to people installing or maintaining the signs; and
- hazards to utility personnel maintaining or making modifications to the overhead line systems.
Sign installers and maintenance personnel risking injury or death could also be in violation of provincial or territorial worker safety regulations. The danger to these professionals who risk contact with overhead lines is obvious. For unqualified personnel, meanwhile, the generally accepted limit of approach to electrical lines of up to 44 kV is 3.05 m (10 ft), as specified in CSA Z462-08, Workplace Electrical Safety, Table 1.
Safety standards are in place to ensure people installing and servicing billboards are not likely to come into contact with overhead electrical and communications lines. Photo courtesy Vann Media Group
What may not be quite as obvious to sign installers is that electrical and communications utility providers use large, specialized equipment and very complex safety procedures when their employees work many feet above the ground. Should the location of a billboard or other sign interfere with properly setting up this equipment or it becomes impossible to carry out work on overhead lines according to the established safety procedures, the well-being of the utility personnel could also be put at risk.
By way of example, one sign installer in Toronto was replacing a billboard face using a special tool when its long metal handle came into contact with an electrical conductor. Accidents and near misses are unfortunately commonplace among people working on signs. Education is key, so installers will be aware of the law and minimum requirements.
Les Stoch is president of L. Stoch & Associates in Mississauga, Ont., which provides professional engineering services, including electrical engineering, professional development and training, quality management consulting and auditing. He is a member of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), the Ontario Electrical League (OEL) and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) and develops and teaches educational programs. For more information, visit www.lstoch.ca.
