Ontario Electrical Safety Report

Transcription

1 Ontario Electrical Safety Report Electrical fatalities declining The long-term effect of electrical burns Electrical fires on the decline ESA initiatives and commitments to future 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 1

2 Executive Summary Ontario has reported 201 fatalities between 1998 and Of these 106 were the result of electrocution and 95 the result of fire 1 of an electrical nature. Of the four electrocutions in 2007, all were work-related; two were in the electrical trade, and all were male. The electrical fatality rate has declined steadily in the last ten years. In the five years between 1998 and 2002 the electrocution rate 2 was 1.03 and between 2003 and 2007 the number is 0.51, a decline of more than 50%. By year, the electrocution rate in 2007 was compared to the previous year of In comparison, fatality rate as the result of electrical fires for the 1998 to 2002 period was 1.03 and for the period from 2003 to 2007, The decline in electrocutions in the last ten years can be attributed largely to the combination of decreased powerline-related fatalities and non-occupational-related electrocutions. Between the two five-year periods of 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to 2007, powerline fatalities dropped 50% (representing 21 occurrences). In the same periods, non-occupational fatalities dropped 75% (representing 10 occurrences). Some of these were powerline-related. Despite the decline in powerline fatalities, this type of electrocution still accounts for 38% of all fatalities in the last five years. Occupational-related electrocutions have also declined between the two five-year periods, though not as dramatically, with a drop of 16% (representing six occurrences). In comparison, nonwork-related electrocutions declined by 43% between the two five-year periods. Twice as many people were electrocuted at the workplace than at home. Occupation-related electrocutions have only declined by 16% from the first five-year period (1998 to 2002) to the second (2003 to 2007). With the absence of female deaths continuing, the ratio of male-to-female deaths continues to rise. There are now 100 male deaths compared to 6 female deaths in the ten-year period. Workers in the electrical trade continue to be the trade group with the highest number of electrocutions. Between 1998 and 2002, electrician deaths accounted for just 8% of all occupational electrocutions in Ontario. Between 2003 and 2007, the prevalence has risen to 19%. Repair and maintenance work represents 57% of all work types when electrocutions occur in the workplace. Studies on electrical burn patients come to these conclusions: Electrical burns have a long-term effect, and these long-term effects are not restricted to physical disabilities alone. Most are not likely to return to work performing the same job as before the injury. The injuries have hidden costs to the victim, far outweighing the financial cost to the workplace or to the victim. Even low-voltage electrical injuries have long-lasting effects. Only 57% of the patients attempted to return to work and only 32% were successful in doing so. Electrical fires have declined by 23% in the ten-year span from 1997 to The decline in electrical fires stems from the decline in cooking and appliance fires; between the five-year periods (1998 to 2002 and 2003 to 2007), these types of fires declined 29% and 25% respectively. Cooking-related incidents decreased by 2292 between the two five-year periods. In contrast, fire incidents with distribution-related equipment changed very little between the two five-year periods, declining by 258 incidents. But in the last five years, the proportion of fires with distribution equipment has risen. In this period distribution equipment (as the ignition source) accounts for 33% of all electrical fires, up from 28% in the previous five years. The gap between the two most prevalent ignition sources of electrical fires, cooking appliances and distribution equipment, is slowly closing. In 1997, the difference between the two was 1 There was in error in the 2006 ESA Electrical Safety Report with the period reported for electrical fires. The period for electrical fires should have read 1997 to 2006 as opposed to 1998 to Number of deaths per million of population

3 20%. In the last six years, the difference had been reduced to 9% at the most (in 2006). The change in the prevalence of these two types of fires is reflected in fire fatalities. Between 1998 to 2001 and 2002 to 2007, there had been an 81% decline in cookingrelated deaths (25 occurrences) while for the same period, distribution equipment fires have increased by 69% (9 events). Based on the trend in the last five years, there is equal concern regarding fires initiated by cooking and distribution equipment. ESA Initiatives In fiscal year 2009, ESA has made a long term commitment to reduce fatalities, injuries, damage and loss to zero. This starts with a five-year plan to reduce overall fatalities, serious injuries and damages by 30%. Concentrated efforts will be made to address the following key issues: To address inadvertent overhead-powerline contact, ESA has initiated a six-pronged approach that includes: a) seeking improved engagement with partners to leverage the effect of overhead powerline safety campaigns b) encourage the promotion of behaviour change with public and workers when working in the vicinity of powerline c) educate stakeholders in the importance of hazard assessment prior to starting work d) improve enforcement efforts in the areas where they are most effective in reducing powerline related fatalities e) explore development in engineering controls and design to make overhead powerline safer f) improve database collection to enable stakeholders to prioritize actions and initiatives. To address fatalities and injuries to the electrical trades, ESA will: a) continue with its effort on multimeter and 347-volt lighting b) increase information campaign designed to raise awareness of facility owners, general contractors, electrical contractors their responsibilities to protect the workers and the danger of working energized c) continue to target apprentices at colleges, focusing on panel injuries d) continue to participate in training and development initiatives in regional electrical contractors meetings throughout the province and industry conferences e) continue in its participation of manufacturing and workplace standard development that can reduce electrical injuries. To address stove-top fires ESA will continue to: a) support the OFM in its studies on incidents of fires caused by stove tops b) raise public awareness of high-risk cooking activities c) raise stakeholders awareness of stove-top fires. To address distribution equipment fires ESA will continue to a) sponsor and support the development of standards that would identify and establish minimum standards for existing homes b) encourage home owners to hire licensed contractors so that wiring installation does not pose fire hazards. To improve electrical safety in Ontario, ESA must address both electrical fire and electrical incident fatalities. They are of equal significance.

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5 Contents Executive Summary Purpose Introduction Electrocutions and Electrical-related Injuries Total Electrocution Count Occupational Electrocutions and Injuries Special Report on Electrical Burns Non-occupational Electrocutions and Injuries Powerline Statistics Special Report on High-risk activities Electrical Fires Electrical Fires Resulting in Fatalities Electrical Incidents Special Report on Aging of Residential Electrical Systems Summation ESA Initiatives and Strategies 52 Glossary 55

6 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide stakeholders the state of electrical safety in Ontario. The report provides statistics of fatalities and injuries of electrical nature. In addition, the report also includes electrical fire incidents causing death, injuries and damage identified by the Ontario Office of Fire Marshal and local fire departments. The Electrical Safety Authority uses this report to identify the areas where ESA should focus its prevention, inspection and enforcement activities, making its action transparent to the people of Ontario. The Electrical Safety Authority operates within a broader electrical safety system. This system includes those organizations that generate, transmit and distribute electricity. It includes organizations that design, manufacture and supply electrical products and organizations that design and install electrical installations to the end user of electricity in commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential settings. Also included in the broader electrical safety system are other regulators that have a role related to electrical safety, various levels of government, Canadian and international organizations that develop standards for electrical installation and products, academic and commercial organizations focused on safety research and development, health care providers, various insurance organizations, workplace and community-based safety organizations, education and training organizations, and a vast array of organizations that provide public communication and awareness information. All of these organizations have a role improving electrical safety in Ontario. It is hoped that this report helps to educate and inform members of the broader electrical safety system, perhaps identifying to them key electrical safety risks that they may not have been aware. We also hope that this information is of use to organizations involved in the development and improvement 2.0 Electrocutions and Electrical-related Injuries This section of the report covers the period from 1998 to 2007, with statistics for a ten-year running period. It is a compilation of the Ontario Coroner s records 3, ESA records 4, the Ministry of Labour reports 5 and numbers provided by NWISP. Where there are discrepancies in the number of fatalities reported by various organizations, ESA uses the data provided by the coroner and the MOL. The electrocution cases in the report are all incidental electrical contacts. Suicides, deliberate intent to injure, and death by of standards; that it will help to identify areas for continued safety research, help to shape the development of workplace and community-based safety programs or leads to improvements in training, education and communications programs. 1.1 Introduction This report is the seventh report on the state of electrical safety in the Province of Ontario. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) operates as a delegated authority on behalf of the provincial government in accordance with Part VIII, section 113 of the Electricity Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c.15, Sched. A, and the Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c.19. Within its mandate the ESA is responsible for electrical safety in Ontario as designated by Ontario Regulation 89/99, 570/05 and Regulation 22/04. The matters arising from these regulations include administration, inspection and enforcement in regard to electrical installations, electricity distribution systems and the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians within the province. In 2007 the Government of Ontario established Ontario Regulation 438/07 Electrical Product Safety and ESA is the delegated authority for the administration of this new regulation. ESA thanks industry partners, as the report is not possible without their assistance. Specifically, ESA thanks the Coroners Office, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) for providing information, notifying ESA of occupational injuries (electrical) and cooperating with ESA in investigation of these incidents to prevent recurrence. ESA also thanks the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) for continuing support in providing information on fire-related electrical incidents and accidents. Other data used in this report are from The National Work Injury Statistics Program (NWISP) for occupational injuries and fatalities across Canada. lightning strikes are all excluded. However, electrocutions as a result of vandalism, prank or theft of electricity, or electrocutions as a result of a vehicle hitting a utility pole are counted as part of the statistics. This section analyzes occupational and nonoccupational fatalities and injuries as the result of incidental contact with electricity. Deaths resulting from a fall but initiated by an electrical contact to the worker would not be recorded as an electrocution. The report separates occupational from non-occupational incidents for reason of stakeholder interest and strategic initiatives. 3 Years from 1998 to Years from 1999 to Years from 1998 to ESA Electrical Safety Report

7 Total Electrocution Count In the ten-year period from 1998 to 2007, Ontario reported 106 deaths due to electrocution, with the average annual death rate of The rate of electrocution per million of population in Ontario for 2007 was 0.311, in 2006 and in The decrease in the fatality rate was 67% from 2006 to In 2007, Ontario had four electrocutions compared to nine in 2005, eight in 2004 and twelve in Figure 1 shows the electrocution rate (electrocution deaths per million of population) in Ontario from 1998 through Figure 1 Electrocution Rate in Ontario 1998 to 2007 Trending Events: The electrocution rate in Ontario has been declining in the ten-year period. The rate in the last five years has declined 50% compared to the previous five-year period. (see Table 1). Occupational electrocutions continue to prevail over nonwork-related electrocutions. All four electrocutions in 2007 were work-related and were attributed to not following correct work procedure. Two of the fatalities were electrical workers. One electrician dies by knowingly working live. Powerline electrocution incidents are on the decline. In the five-year period from 1998 to 2002, powerline deaths accounted for 62% of all electrocutions in Ontario (38 deaths). From 2003 to 2007, powerline deaths dropped to 38% (17 deaths) of the total. See Table 2. Despite the drop in incidents, powerline contact remains the largest electrically-related incident type causing death. Death/Population Table 1 Electrocution Rate in Ontario 1998 to 2007 Five-year Comparisons Five-year period comparison Fatality rate (death per population) 1998 to 2002 average rate to 2007 average rate Table 2 Powerline Deaths in Ontario 1998 to 2007 Five-year Comparisons Five-year period comparison Non-powerline deaths Powerline deaths Total deaths Ratio of powerline deaths to total 1998 to 2002 fatalities % 2003 to 2007 fatalities % 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 7

8 2.1 Ladder and antenna-related fatalities continue to decline (see Table 3). Ladder incidents have declined 80% between the two five-year periods. There were no antenna electrocutions in the 2003 to 2007 period. Figure 2 Deaths in Residential 1998 to 2007 Table 3 Ladder and Antenna-related Electrocutions in Ontario 1998 to 2007 Five-year Comparisons 1998 to 2002 fatalities 2003 to 2007 fatalities Total Antenna-related Ladder-related Total More Trending Events Outdoor electrocutions have outnumbered indoor electrocutions (77 versus 29 deaths, respectively). The high outdoor deaths were mostly powerline-related (55 cases). In 2007 there were no reported female electrocutions. In the ten-year period from 1998 to 2007, 100 males and six females were electrocuted. Males continue to have a higher risk of electrocution. Table 4 Electrocutions by Facility Type 1998 to 2007 Five-year Comparisons No fatalities involving work on 347-volt lighting have been reported since One serious injury involving a multimeter was reported. The drop coincides with ESA s 2004 implementation of programs specifically targeted at reducing fatalities and serious injuries related to work on 347-volt lighting systems and misuse of multimeters. The prevalence of residential sector deaths have changed little in the last ten years, though the actual number of incidents had declined from 20 (in the first five-year period) to 14 (in the latest five-year period). From 1998 to 2002, 33% of electrocutions occurred in a residential facility, declining to 31% in the 2003 to 2007 period. See Figure 2. Electrocutions in public places and residential facilities have showed consistent decline (shown in Table 4). This can be attributed to the decline of non-occupational electrocutions to to 2007 Percentage by total Campground 0 1 1% Commercial 3 7 9% Farm % Industrial % Institution 1 2 3% Marina 1 0 1% Military 1 0 1% Mining 0 1 1% Public place % Residential % Utility 2 1 3% Total % ESA Electrical Safety Report

9 Table 5 Fatalities by Facility in Non-occupational and Occupational 1998 to 2007 Five-year Comparisons Five-year period from 1998 to 2002 Five-year period from 2003 to 2007 Facility Non-occupational Occupational Total % of total Non-occupational Occupational Total % of total Commercial % % Farm % % Industrial % % Institution % % Marina % % Military % % Public place % % Residential % % Utility % % Mining % % Campground % % Total % % Non-trending Events: Fatalities are comparatively low in 2007, with the average number of deaths in the ten-year period over 10 per year. There were no non-occupational electrocutions in The inadvertent contact fatality count in 2007 outnumbers knowingly working live deaths by 3 to 1. In 2007 there were no farming fatalities. In the last ten-year period, there have been three years with no farmer fatalities. Seven of 11 farming-related fatalities were due to powerline contact. Table 5 shows ten-year statistics in five-year comparisons. In the facility types for marina, military, mining, and campground, electrocution fatalities occurred only once in the ten years. There is considerable drop in public place powerline fatalities. Table 7 Non-occupational to Occupational Fatalities 1998 to 2007 Five-year Comparisons Five-year period comparison Summary and Trending: Ten years of collecting information has offered us a better perspective of the occurrences in Ontario: Electrocutions continue to decline. The actual drop in numbers from 1998 to 2002 and the 2003 to 2007 period is 61 and 45 respectively, a drop of 16 deaths a 26% drop. Males account for 100 electrocutions and females six. The ratio of male-to-female electrocution increases as time goes by, as indicated in Table 6. Table 6 Male to Female Fatalities 1998 to 2007 Five-year Comparisons Five-year period comparison Female deaths Male deaths Total deaths 1998 to 2002 fatalities to 2007 fatalities Non-occupational deaths Occupational deaths Total deaths Ratio of occupational to total deaths 1998 to 2002 fatalities % 2003 to 2007 fatalities % Total deaths % 2.1 The total number of occupational electrocutions in Ontario for the ten-year period is 70, compared to 36 in non-occupational. The prevalence of occupational electrocution has continually increased. In the first period the ratio of occupational to total electrocution is 62%. In the more recent period, the ratio is 71%, an increase of 15% ESA Electrical Safety Report 9

10 2.1 Despite the drop in powerline-related fatalities, these deaths still account for 38% of overall electrocutions. Powerline fatalities are declining in the ten-year span. Through this span however, it accounted for 51% of electrocutions; this is down in the last five-year period to 38%. Residential electrocutions continue to be most common despite the drop in fatality incidents. If the trend of the last five-year period continues, commercial and industrial will become more prevalent. Figure 3 Electrocutions in Residential Facilities by Month in the Ten-year period 1998 to 2007 Number of electrocutions Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Occupational Non-occupational 2.2 Occupational Electrocutions and Injuries The numbers on Table 8 are based on data collected by the NWISP. Note that the numbers derived from NWISP can differ from actual electrocution count since the number of fatalities recorded by NWISP only reflects fatalities and injuries to companies registered with respective WSIBs in each province. For example, one-person companies, small family businesses, and a person performing work for other than monetary values were more likely not included in the fatality count. Benchmarking was conducted for the period of 2002 to 2006, a five-year period. In this period, Ontario had an occupational electrocution rate of per million population of labour force. Occupational fatality rates for the 2002 to 2006 period for four provinces in Canada, including Ontario, can be seen on Figure 4. 6 Based on NWIS records Table 8 Electrical Occupational Fatality Rate Five-year Average (per million population of labour force) to 2006 Electrical Occupational Fatality Rate Five-year average British Columbia Alberta Ontario Quebec To provide perspective, in the United States, electrical fatality rate for 2002 was 0.21 for 100,000 workers, which translates to 2.1 per million workers. There were 70 occupational-related electrical deaths in Ontario between 1998 and 2007 an average of seven deaths per year. In this ten-year span, 2007 is the second year that fatalities in the workplace have been less than seven. Occupational electrocutions have always outnumbered non-occupational ESA Electrical Safety Report

11 Figure 4 Occupational Electrocution Rate for Four Canadian Provinces Death/Labour Population Ontario British Columbia Alberta Quebec Figure 5 Rate of Occupational Electrocution in Ontario to Electrocution rate per million workers Table 9 Electrocution Rate of Workers in Ontario (per million population of labour force) 2000 to 2007 Year Death/million labour population Figure 5 shows the true occupational fatality rate in eight years 9 Table 9 shows the actual rate of death (electrocution) for million labour population in Ontario. Figure 5 graphically illustrates that there was no noticeable change in the rate of death between 2003 and Occupational electrocutions have always outnumbered non-occupational. 7 Based on NWIS records 8 Based on Coroner records 9 Number of deaths per million labour force population 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 11

12 2.2 Figure 6 Occupational versus Non-occupational Electrocutions to Number of deaths Occupational Non-occupational Twice as many people are electrocuted at work than at home. Figure 6 shows that only twice in the ten-year period the fatality count in the workplace has dipped below seven. Figure 7 shows, in comparing occupational electrocutions to total electrocutions, that occupational fatalities are increasing in ratio; since 1999, the prevalence of occupational death has never been less than 58%. Table 10 compares the last two five-year periods of occupational electrocutions to total electrocutions. The ratio of occupational deaths has risen in more recent years, though the number of fatalities has declined. 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% Figure 7 Occupational Electrocutions compared to Total Electrocutions in Ontario by percentage 1998 to % Based on ESA and MOL records ESA Electrical Safety Report

13 Figure 8 shows the most prevalent workplace facilities where electrocutions occur. These are industrial, residential, commercial, public place and farms. Table 11 shows five-year comparisons by facility of workplace electrocutions. What becomes more obvious is that the overall decrease in fatalities in the residential area did not occur occupationally. However, the decrease in farm and public place fatalities is consistent with the overall decline of electrocutions. While industrial facilities show an encouraging drop in fatality count from the first five-year period to the second, the yearly count of fatalities from 2004 to 2007 is not trending down. See Table Table 10 Five-year Comparison of Occupational Electrocutions to Total Electrocutions 1998 to 2007 Occupational Total fatalities Percentage of Occupational to Total Fatalities 1998 to % Fatalities 2003 to % Figure 8 Occupational Electrocutions by Facility Type 1998 to 2007 Table 11 Occupational Electrocutions by Facility Type Five-year Comparisons 1998 to 2007 Institution 4.3% Mining 1.4% Marina 1.4% Public place 14.3% Residential 18.6% Facility 1998 to to 2007 Commercial 3 7 Farm 6 3 Industrial 12 8 Industrial 28.6% Utility 4.3% Commercial 14.3% Institution 1 2 Marina 1 0 Mining 0 1 Public place 6 4 Residential 7 6 Utility 2 1 Farm 12.9% Total Table 12 Occupational Electrocutions in Industrial Facilities 1998 to 2007 Year Fatality ESA Electrical Safety Report 13

14 2.2 Figure 9 shows the shift to fatalities in the workplace. Compared to Figure 8, there had been almost a 50% increase in deaths in commercial facilities in the 2003 to 2007 period. Figure 10 illustrates that over 80% of electrocutions occur with repair/maintenance and construction work. It is the second year in a row that inadvertent contact fatalities have outnumbered knowingly working live fatalities. However, this has not decreased the number of electricians killed on the job. At the time of writing ( June 2008) another electrician has been electrocuted in the workplace thus the pattern continues. Institution 6% Figure 10 Occupational Electrocutions by Type of Work to 2007 Figure 9 Occupational Electrocutions by Facility Type 11 Five Years from 2003 to 2007 Mining 3% Public place 13% Industrial 25% Residential 19% Commercial 22% Utility 3% Farming 4.3% Farm 9% Repair and maintenance 57.1% Other 12.9% Demolition, Disassembling, Installation Moving, Packing, Production, Utility Vehicle Construction 25.7% Electrocutions amongst electricians, when compared to other trades, have increased by more than 100% in the last five-year period. 11 Based on ESA, MOL and Coroner records Figure 11 Occupational Electrocutions Probable Cause Lack of Old age 1.4% maintenance Poor design 1.4% 1.4% System failure 1.4% Incorrect procedure 57.1% 12 Based on ESA, MOL and Coroner records Unknown 10.0% Equipment failure 1.4% Faulty equipment 8.6% Human error 7.1% Improper procedure 8.6% Incorrrect installation 1.4% ESA Electrical Safety Report

15 Number of deaths Figure 12 Occupational Electrocutions by Likely Cause 1998 to 2007 (MOL) Live equipment Inadvertent Faulty equipment Table 13 Electrocutions to the Electrical Trade 1998 to Occupation Total Apprentice Electrician Lineperson Total Table 13 shows that on average, two electrical tradespersons die of electrocution each year in Ontario. The reductions of fatalities are apparent in sectors and/or facility types; however, an improvement in safety is not apparent with electricians. Figure 13 and Figure 14 show that while linepersons fatality count had been reduced in more recent years, electricians occupational electrocution by percentage has increased; fatalities have doubled from the last five-year period to the most recent. Three Figure 13 Occupational Electrocution by Job Type 1998 to 2002 Crane rigger 2.6% Electrician 7.9% Farmer 13.2% Lineperson 10.5% Labourer 15.8% Mechanic 2.6% Volunteer 2.6% Crane operator 2.6% HVAC 2.6% Maintenance 15.8% Millwright 2.6% Roofer 2.6% Supervisor 2.6% Driver 2.6% Siding 7.9% Apprentice 5.3% electricians died in the period from 1998 to 2002, and six in 2003 to Apprentice fatalities have remained at a similar level over the comparative years. Electrocutions to the occupation identified as maintenance worker disappeared in the 2003 to 2007 period. This could be attributed to a difference in occupation identification in latter years. The prevalence of electrocutions while performing maintenance has consistently appeared annually. In 2007, one electrician was killed while performing maintenance work. Figure 14 Occupational Electrocution by Job Type 2003 to 2007 Control Technician 3.1% Electrician 18.8% Farmer 9.4% Labourer 15.6% Handyperson 3.1% Painter 3.1% Sign installer 3.1% Tree trimmer 3.1% Crane operator 3.1% HVAC 3.1% Millwright 3.1% Operator 6.3% Roofer 3.1% Supervisor 3.1% Lineperson 6.3% Apprentice 6.3% Driver 6.3% 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 15

16 2.2 Table 14 shows electrocutions in industrial settings. More electrocutions occur with the electrician than with any other occupation; six died within the last ten years. The electrical apprentice rates second with three fatalities in the same period. The dramatic drop in ladder fatalities can be seen when comparing Figures 15 and 16. In the period from 1998 to 2002, electrocutions caused by ladder contact with overhead wires constituted 21% of all electrocutions. In the period from 2003 to 2007, ladder-contact incidents accounted for only 6% of total electrocutions, more than a 70% drop. The actual number of wiring fatalities has not dropped, but the decrease in the number of occupational fatalities between the two periods has caused the percentage of total to increase from 13% in the first period to 19% in the most recent period. The barrage of dumptruck powerline-related fatalities in 2006 has caused the prevalence of dumptruck fatalities to jump from 3% in the first period to 13% in the most recent period. Dumptruck incidents were the third most prevalent in occupational deaths in the 2003 to 2007 period. There is no significance to the increase in prevalence of other in the 2003 to 2007 period; it is attributed to single deaths using one particular tool. Table 14 Occupational Fatalities in Industrial Facilities 1998 to 2007 Occupation Total Deaths Apprentice 3 Crane operator 1 Electrician 6 Labourer 1 Maintenance 2 Mechanic 1 Millwright 2 Roofer 1 Supervisor 2 Volunteer 1 Total Figure 15 Occupational Electrocutions by Equipment Used 1998 to 2002 Drill 5.3% Pipe 5.3% Radial Boom Derrick 5.3% Wiring 13.2% Other* 18.4% Ladder 21.1% AWP = Aerial Work Platform Auger 7.9% Dumptruck 2.6% 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report Ballast 7.9% Crane 5.3% Panel 2.6% AWP 5.3% Figure 16 Occupational Electrocutions by Equipment Used 2003 to 2007 Crane 3.1% Wiring 18.8% Dumptruck 12.5% Panel 6.3% Auger 3.1% Ladder 6.3% Other* 37.5% Termination, antenna, broom, eavestrough, food processor, fuse, grounding, lamp, motor, multimeter, pliers, pole, scaffold, sprayer, stunner, test bench, transformer and tree trimmer AWP 6.3% Ballast 6.3%

17 Table 15 Ratio Between Electrocutions, Critical Injuries and Non-critical Injuries of an Electrical Nature to Electrocutions Critical injuries Non-critical injuries Ratio to electrocutions 4:1 11:1 The ratio of fatalities to critical injuries to non-critical injuries is 1 to 4 to 11 quite similar to the ratio in the nine-year period reported in the 2006 Ontario Electrical Safety Report. Table16 provides the actual count of electrical incidents reported to the MOL in the ten-year period, by year. The average number of critical injuries in five-year period 1998 to 2002 was 32.0 injuries per year compared 20.6 in the five-year period from 2003 to 2007 more than a 33% drop between the two periods. Overall panel injuries are on the decline but the years 2005 to 2007 show an increase; see Table 17. Serious injuries to the electrical trade have dropped and risen proportionally to all-worker injuries when working around the panel. Table 17 shows that electricians accounted for more than 40% of the injuries around the panel. Table 16 Occupational Fatalities and Injuries reported to the MOL to 2007 Fatalities Critical injuries Non-critical injuries Table 17 Panel Critical Injuries 1998 to All workers Electrical only Dumptruck incidents were the third most prevalent in occupational deaths in the 2003 to 2007 period. 13 MOL electrocution count is 69; ESA is 70, due to different reporting systems. 14 Based on ESA and MOL records 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 17

18 2.2 Long-term effect of Electrical Burns Medical Studies Historically, little has been known about the effects of electrical injury. Health care providers often focused on the management of the immediate physical symptoms of the injury overlooking the potential devastating long-terms effects. The most serious electrical incidents are fatal or result in permanent disability from external burns, internal damage, and amputations. Over the past 20 years Ontario hospitals have worked to enhance their understanding of electrical trauma burns. The creation of the Ross Tilley Burn Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre supported the advancement of patient care that was unique in specifically addressing electrical burns. Headed by Dr. Joel Fish, this unit became the busiest burn centre in Canada extending medical research around electrical burns and trauma, providing a repository for clinical and incident data, and driving treatment improvements. This is now the primary centre of expertise in Canada for individuals sustaining electrical injuries. To further advance the knowledge of effective electrical injury treatment, work is underway to establish a permanent Chair in Electrical Injury at Sunnybrook, to lead in the treatment and research of electrical injuries. Recently published research is providing new information on the effects of electrical injury. Study One: Long-term Sequelae of Low Voltage Electrical Injury Jennifer Singerman, Manuel Gomez, Joel S. Fish, Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and St. John s Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto. One study was based on information collected from January 2002 to December They report on the result of electrical injuries from approximately 20,000 emergency department visits each year in North America. Electrical injuries are the most common form of occupational-related burn injuries and the fifth-leading cause of occupational fatality in the U.S. Based on a 39-patient chart in Toronto, Ontario, thirty-two (92%) of the patients were male and 97% were workrelated injuries. 58% occurred with voltage less than 1000V. 55% were flash burns, with 81.6% neurological and 71% psychological damage The most common psychological symptoms were anxiety 50%, nightmares (45%) insomnia (37%) and flashback (37%). Nightmare was most common with injuries occurring with voltage under 1000V. Symptoms occurred after 1.5 to 5.3 months after the injury ESA Electrical Safety Report

19 2.2 Study Two: Quality of Life and Return to Work following Electrical Burn Jason Noble, Manuel Gomez, Joel S. Fish, Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook and Women s College Health Sciences Centre, 2005 Elsevier. The study concluded that low-voltage injuries produced more frequent long-term abnormal conditions than high-voltage injuries. A second study was conducted in Toronto with burn victims from January 1998 to May 2003, from Sunnybrook Hospital, investigating the psycho-social outcome of victims flowing electrical burn injuries. The study was based on 26 patients of 88 cases. (Sample number is low due to the inability to contact victims after hospitalization or death following the injuries.) The average age was 44 and 21 (96%) were male. 14 were a result of high-voltage contact (over 1000V) 91% were work-related. 74% had apprentice-educational background. Six (27%) suffered burns on more than 20% of the body. 64% (14) suffered high tension. Four (18%) required amputation. Five returned to work same duties (23%); ten changed duties (46%), seven (32%) never returned to work The average time off work was ten weeks. On the whole, quality of life was found to be poor. 20% of sufferers had high-spread impairment 56% sought emotional support. The conclusion of this study was that patients suffering severe electrical burns have relatively poor quality of life following rehabilitation and a significant level of emotional stress. The treatment does not end at wound healing. The patients require strong support from both family and professionals. Long-term follow-up is critical to ensure return to normal life. Summary of Occupational Electrocutions and Injuries: Though Ontario s electrocution rate rose in dramatically in 2006, Ontario s death rate per worker is still lowest when compared to British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec for the 2002 to 2006 period. In the ten-year period, Ontario had 70 electrocutions in the workplace an average of seven fatalities per annum. This year (2007) is the second time in the ten-year span that the fatality count has dropped below seven. Study Three: Return to Work Following Low Voltage Electrical Injury Kristin Theman, Manuel Gomez, Joel S. Fish, Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook and Women s College Health Sciences Centre The third study was conducted among patients admitted to the outpatient burn clinic of the rehabilitation hospital between Jan 1, 2002 and Mar 21, The study is consistent with the first two studies and revealed the same findings and conclusion. Only 57.5% of the patients attempted return to work and only 32.5% of the patients were successful in doing so. Conclusion: Electrical burns have a long-term effect, and these long-term effects are not restricted to physical disabilities alone. Most are not likely to return to work performing the same job as before the injury. The injuries have hidden costs to the victim, far outweighing the financial cost to the workplace or to the victim ESA Electrical Safety Report 19

20 Figure 17 Occupational Fatalities and Injuries reported to the MOL 1998 to Number of Occurrences Fatalities Critical Injury Non-Critical Injury The rate of death for occupational electrocutions is declining slowly in Ontario. Occupational deaths equal or exceed non-occupational deaths in the last ten years. With the drop in non-occupational deaths and little change in occupational deaths, prevalence of occupational deaths is increasing towards For example, in the period from 1998 to 2002, the ratio of occupational to all electrocutions was 62%. In the last five years, the ratio is 71%. The number of fatalities for the same period had dropped from 38 to 32. Reduction in occupational fatalities has occurred largely in farms and public places, where most were powerline-contact related. Repair and maintenance is most prevalent type of work when a worker is electrocuted. Human error continues to be the number one cause of electrocutions. Electrical workers continue to be the largest group killed occupationally. Between 1998 and 2002, electricians only ac counted for 8% of all occupational deaths. Between 2003 and 2007, electricians accounted for 18% of occupational deaths, more than 100% increase. Electrical burns have a long-term effect, and these long-term effects are not restricted to physical disabilities alone. Most are not likely to return to work performing the same job as before the injury. The injuries have hidden costs to the victim, far outweighing the financial cost to the workplace or to the victim. Consultation with stakeholders indicate that a) electricians work energized because of pressure placed by the facility owner, general contractor or the electrical contractor b) electricians, facility owner and project manager not knowing Regulations and workplace standards disallowing work at energized state unless working de-energized would have resulted in more danger to the workers c) electricians, facility owner and general contractors not aware of the potential injuries to workers when working energized, and in addition, the potential damage to the equipment and unplanned shutdown that could result ESA Electrical Safety Report

21 Non-occupational Electrocutions and Injuries 2.3 There were 36 non-occupational electrocutions between 1998 and 2007 in Ontario; none occurred in Figure 18 shows the fatalities per year, plus critical and non-critical injuries Non-occupational incidents have had the largest drop in fatalities (43%) between the two five-year periods of 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to The decline of non-occupational fatalities is directly related to the decline of powerline-related (non-occupational) fatalities, as seen in Figure 19. Twenty of the 36 fatalities are powerline-related. 10 Figure 18 Non-occupational Injuries to 2007 Number of injuries Critical Fatal Non-critical Figure 19 Non-occupational Fatalities All versus Powerline 1998 to 2007 Number of deaths All Powerline Table 18 shows that female fatalities have dropped 80% in the two fiveyear periods; male deaths are down 33% in the same two periods. In the five-year period from 1998 to 2002, male fatalities were more than three times that of female fatalities for that period. For 2003 to 2007, the ratio has increased to 12 to 1. Table 18 Five-year Comparisons in Non-occupational Fatalities by Gender Trending Female deaths Male deaths Total 1998 to to Change Percentage change down 80% down 33% down 43% 15 Based on ESA and Coroner records 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 21

22 Tables 19 and 20 show the variety of equipment used that have led to the fatalities. Antennae and ladders, the most frequently-used pieces of equipment, have not caused fatalities in the last five years. All non-occupational deaths were the result of inadvertent contact the victims were not aware the system was energized or were not aware of the hazard of contacting the energized powerline. Non-occupational male death occurred mostly when performing repair and maintenance or construction work. In the 1998 to 2002 period, 13 of 18 deaths were mostly related to working too closely to powerline. In the period from 2003 to 2007, the trend reversed. Twelve of 20 deaths were related to either working with electrical-powered devices or working near energized equipment. Most recent male deaths were attributed to working with old and unsafe wiring or devices and victims were unaware of the danger of working with these unsafe devices. Two deaths were attributed to the lack of awareness of the danger of working with older buildings. One death occurred in a cottage construction project where raising a building resulted in old wiring coming loose and energizing the metal pipe used to mechanically protect the wiring. The other fatality was the result of improper installation that inadvertently energized a junction box. Female non-occupational deaths can be separated into two categories fatalities in public places and in residential settings. Public place deaths were all powerline-related all transportation-related, such as driving or with a hot-air balloon. Residential deaths occurred when performing everyday chores. For example, one death occurred when the woman was bathing and another, the woman was found with an electrical cord in her hand. Table 19 Non-occupational Fatalities of Females by Equipment Used 1998 to 2007 Balloon 1 Car 2 Clock 1 Lamp 1 Toaster 1 Total 6 Table 20 Non-occupational Fatalities of Males by Equipment Used 1998 to 2007 Lawnmower 1 Antenna* 4 Car* 2 Computer 1 Fishing pole* 1 Flagpole 2 Handglider* 1 Ladder* 3 Pipe* 1 Plumbing 1 Pump 1 Tools 1 Tree trimmer* 1 Trouble light 1 Wiring 2 Unknown or n/a 7 Total 30 *powerline-contact related incidents Summary of Non-occupational Electrocutions and Injuries Male electrocution continues to dominate, even in non-occupational fatalities. Non-work-related male deaths, especially in the 2003 to 2007 period, are mostly associated with repair and construction work around the house, consistent with the occupational electrocution profile. Female-related deaths are associated to incidents when travelling (vehicle and hot air balloon) or when performing daily chores (bathing, vacuuming) ESA Electrical Safety Report

23 Powerline Statistics Powerline-related electrocutions accounted for 55 fatalities of the 106 fatalities in the period from 1998 to 2007, about 52% of all electrocutions. The year-to-year numbers of powerlinerelated electrocutions are presented in Figure 20. Figure 21 shows the steady decline in powerline fatalities in the two five-year periods. The prevalence of powerline electrocutions has dropped by more than 50% between the two five-year periods of 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to fatalities to 17 fatalities respectively. Figure 20 Powerline Electrocutions versus All Electrocutions 1998 to Number of deaths All electrocutions Powerline electrocutions Figure 21 Powerline Electrocutions Five-year Comparisons 12 Fatalities Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year ESA Electrical Safety Report 23

24 Tables 21 and 22 illustrate the magnitude of decline in powerline fatalities, especially in the non-occupational sector. In the five-year trending, fatalities in the non-occupational sector have dropped by 75% compared to the occupational side which has dropped 41% between the two five-year periods. As indicated in the 2006 Ontario Electrical Safety Report, the drop in non-occupational powerline electrocutions was primarily due to a drop in the overall electrocution count in Ontario for the ten-year period. Figure 22 shows the continuing decline of non-occupational powerline electrocutions in the last five years. Between 1998 and 2002, powerline electrocutions accounted for 63% of all electrical-related fatalities and between 2003 and 2007, the percentage dropped to 35%. The drop is illustrated in Figure 23 (see next page). Table 21 Powerline Fatalities Five-year Comparisons from 1998 to 2007 Occupational-related Deaths Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Average fatalities 1998 to to Table 22 Powerline Fatalities Five-year Comparisons from 1998 to 2007 Non-occupational-related Deaths Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Average fatalities 1998 to to Figure 22 Powerline Electrocutions Occupational versus Non-occupational 1998 to Occupational Non-Occupational ESA Electrical Safety Report

25 Figure 23 Percentage of Powerline Deaths to All Electrocutions 1998 to % 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Improved data collection since 2001 has allowed ESA to break down data in the following manner: Figure 24 clearly illustrate the downward trend in non-occupational deaths with powerline in the last ten years. Figure 25 shows similarities with its declining trend in recent years with powerline electrocutions in residential facilities. Non-occupational deaths are down and most of these occur is residential settings. Figure 24 Declining Powerline Deaths in Non-occupational Settings Number of Deaths Figure 25 Powerline Deaths in Residential Facilities 7 6 Number of Deaths ESA Electrical Safety Report 25

26 Figure 26 shows that in the first five-year period, from 1998 to 2002, ladder and antenna fatalities account for 12% of powerline electrocutions and 26% of all electrocutions. In the second period, from 2003 to 2007, ladder and antenna accounted for 12% of powerline electrocution and 4% of all electrocutions. Ladder and antenna incidents have dropped 38% between the two five-year periods. During the second five-year period, dumptruck fatalities quadrupled, with three dumptruck fatalities occurring in 2006 alone. Table 23 illustrates powerline fatalities by the type of facility and compares in the two five-year periods. Types of facilities where these occur have not changed much in this period. Residential and public facilities account for 70% of all powerline fatalities in the province. Industrial, military, mining, utility and commercial facilities are considered to be much lower-risk facility types than residential, public place and farms. Antenna Auger AWP Balloon Broom Car Crane Dumptruck Eavestrough Fishing pole Flagpole Handglider Ladder None Pipe Pole RBD Scaffold Sprayer Tree Trimmer Figure 26 Powerline Fatalities by Equipment Used Five-year Comparisons from 1998 to Table 23 Powerline Fatalities by Facility Type Five-year Comparisons from 1998 to Number of Deaths 1998 to to 2007 Facility 1998 to 2002 % of Total 2003 to 2007 % of Total Farm % % Industrial 2 5.3% 0 0.0% Military 1 2.6% 0 0.0% Public place % % Residential % % Utility 2 5.3% 0 0.0% Mining 0 0.0% 1 5.9% Commercial 0 0.0% % Total % % ESA Electrical Safety Report

27 3.0 Figure 27 shows that occupation plays a large factor in occupational deaths with powerline, especially with farmers, labourers and linepersons. These three occupations contribute to more than 50% of occupational powerline deaths in the first five-year period. In the second five-year period, the group of three (farmers, labourers and linepersons) constitute only 38% of overall powerline deaths, with more even distribution amongst all occupations. Figure 29 (see next page) shows the decline in fatalities in the seven-year period, contrary to critical and non-critical injuries, which have risen. The dramatic rise seen in non-critical injuries can likely be attributed to better reporting. The rise in incidents is also reflected in the near miss and property damage reported as presented in Table 24 (see next page). 3.0 Figure 27 Occupational Powerline Fatalities by Job Type Five-year Comparisons from 1998 to Crane operator Crane rigger Driver Farmer Labourer Lineperson Maintenance Operator Painter Roofer Siding Sign installer Tree trimmer Number of Deaths 1998 to to 2007 Figure 28 ESA-reported Powerline Incidents 2001 to 2007 Comparison of Voltage Fatalities Critical Injury Non-Critical Injury Property Damage Near Miss Number of Incidents 750V or Under Over 750V ESA Electrical Safety Report 27

28 Table 24 shows the breakdown of powerline incidents by voltage. The increase in incidents reported is not necessarily reflective of an increase in actual incidents. In more recent years there has been better reporting. The increase shown in higher voltages is due chiefly to more overhead line contact. Table 25 illustrates in which sector the contacts have taken place. Construction has far more reported incidents than any other sectors. This may be due, in part, to better reporting in the construction sector. Figure 29 Powerline Contact of over 750V Incidents reported to ESA and MOL 2001 to Number of Incidents Fatalities Critical Injury Non-critical Injury Table 24 ESA-reported Powerline Incidents 2001 to 2007 with Voltage Comparison Year Total Fatalities 750V or under Critical Injury Noncritical Injury Property Damage Near Miss Total Fatalities Over 750V Critical Injury Noncritical Injury Property Damage Table 25 Powerline Incidents by Sector Year Construction Public Farm Transport Utility Near Miss ESA Electrical Safety Report

29 Overhead powerline contact is most prevalent, as shown in Figure 30. Again, this may be due to better reporting. Roofing, eaves, siding, and exterior painting-type activities resulted in six fatalities between 2001 and 2007 the most compared to other groups of activity types. This makes this group of activities identified as high risk. High ladder contact observed in 2005 and 2007 (see Figure 32) requires further consideration in the future. Figure 31 shows further detail on the equipment involved when performing roofing work (also eaves, siding, painting exterior-type work etc.). Despite a decline in ladder fatalities, ladder contact still leads the industry with most incidents with powerline contact. Scaffolding also shows consistently in the seven-year span. A relatively new trend is the incidence of copper theft. ESA is aware of the problem as the incidents were relayed to ESA through ESA s Utility Advisory Council. This trend is not isolated to Ontario. In early 2008, a man was fatality wounded in an attempt to steal copper from a substation. In a separate incident, two other men were found injured after entering a substation for the same reason. Figure 30 Powerline Incidents by System Type 250 Number of Incidents Overhead Underground Substation and pad-mounted equipment Table 26 Powerline Incidents by Activity Year Roofing, eaves, siding, painting exterior work Haulage/waste material Tree trimming, cutting, removal or planting Aerial lifting Excavation or landscaping Other 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 29

30 Number of Incidents Figure 31 Powerline Incidents with Equipment Involved in Roofing Activities Ladder Scaffold or lift Conveyor Metal pipe or eavestrough Figure 32 shows that dumptrucks are involved in the highest number of incidents when involved in hauling activities with large equipment. The increases over the period could be due to better reporting systems. Table 27 shows a high number of incidents with backhoes and excavators both overhead and underground. Backhoe and excavator contact leads all incidents by more than 3 to 1. There had been no fatalities recorded since 1989 to indicate there had been a fatality or serious injury as a result of inadvertent contact with underground contact. Though underground contact resulted in reported 743 incidents, statistics showed the inherent safety net in underground system is much better than overhead system. Number of Incidents Figure 32 Powerline Incidents when Conducting Haulage Work Dumptruck Concrete truck Snow removal or garbage truck 16 Based on ESA data 17 Haulage work refers to the act of moving large amounts of material from one place to another ESA Electrical Safety Report

31 Table 27 Powerline Incidents when Conducting Excavation Activities 18 Year Backhoe or Excavator OH Directional bore or drilling rig OH Backhoe or excavator UG Directional bore or drilling rig UG Vac truck UG Saw chipper or jack UG Auger UG Shovel UG Total Totals by Year Number of Incidents OH refers to contact with overhead powerline. UG refers to contact with buried conductors. Vac refers to a vacuum truck. Figure 33 Powerline Incidents when Performing Excavation Work Backhoe or excavator OH Directional bore or drilling rig OH Backhoe or excavator UG Directional bore or drilling rig UG Vac truck UG Saw chipper or jack UG Auger UG Shovel UG The most recent high electrocution numbers of roofing or siding-type work with respect to powerline contact makes this activity high risk. 18 Based on ESA data 19 Based on ESA data 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 31

32 3.0 Ontario Powerline Incidents and High-risk Activities In January 2008, the Electrical Safety Authority conducted a study for the purpose of identifying high-risk activities and high-risk groups involved in electrical powerline incidents covering the period of 2001 to the second quarter of Data about 1,431 powerline incidents was reviewed. The total reported fatalities from powerline incidents were 34; all but one were incidents involving overhead powerlines. These electrical powerline incidents were categorized in a number of ways. The incidents were sorted by the sector (construction, public, farm, utility, transportation ) in which they occurred. The leading sectors for powerlines incidents were the construction sector with 1,140 incidents (including 14 fatalities) and the public sector with 198 incidents, (including 9 fatalities). The report identified the consequences of the incident (fatality, critical injury, non-critical injury, property damage, or near miss). Totals Fatalities 34 Critical injuries 68 Non-critical injuries 58 Property damage 234 Near misses 1,037 Totals 1,431 The report identified the activity or event preceding the incident (eg. roof/exterior work on building or structure), the type of equipment involved (eg. scaffold or man lifts) or the type of contact made. Among the five sectors the report categorized 48 specific activities that resulted in a powerline-related incident. To help identify and prioritize the high-risk activities and groups, two risk-ranking tools were applied on the statistics. The Electrical Severity Measurement Tool developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE/EFCOG Revision 1 dated April 16, 2007) and the Electrical Safety Authority s Electrical Risk Ranking Tool. (ESA Revision 1.0 dated December 20, 2007). The activities which were identified as the most hazardous include: Overhead contact while loading/unloading during haulage of waste or material by dump trucks, cement trucks and garbage trucks within the construction sector. Overhead contact during roof, eavestrough or exterior work on homes or buildings within the public and construction sectors. Overhead contact while aerial lifting using cranes, boom trucks and forklifts during construction or demolishing of buildings within the construction sector. Overhead contact while trimming, cutting or planting trees within the public and construction sectors. Overhead or underground contact from excavators, bulldozers, drilling rigs and portable augers during construction trenching, demolishing of buildings and landscaping within the public and construction sectors. Activity Haulage of materials or waste Roof/eavestrough/ exterior work on buildings or structures Aerial lifting Excavating or landscaping Tree trimming or cutting Equipment involved/contact type Dump trucks, cement trucks, garbage trucks, snow trucks Ladders, scaffolds, man lifts, extension poles, conveyors Cranes, boom trucks, forklifts Backhoes, bulldozers, vac truck, shovels Trimmers, chainsaw, ladders, bucket trucks Sectors involved Construction Public and construction Construction Public and construction Public and construction ESA Electrical Safety Report

33 Number of fires 4.0 Electrical Fires This section covers electrical fire incidents from the period of 1997 to For electrical fires resulting in fatalities, the period covered is 1998 to 2007 (similar to the rest of this 2007 Electrical Safety Report). Fire incidents are based on reports submitted to the office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) by local fire departments, while fire fatalities were based on OFM investigation and reports from local fire departments. In the period 1997 to 2006, there were 33,739 reported electrical fires in Ontario for the ten-year period. In the period 1998 to 2007, 95 fatalities occurred in Ontario caused by electrical fires. Figure 34 Fires in Ontario (reported from the OFM) 2002 to ,000 15,000 13,000 11,000 9,000 7,000 5,000 3,000 1,000 Figure 34 was extracted from the OFM website. It displays all fires with loss from 2002 to In 2006, the OFM recorded 14,920 fires, where 2,989 (see Table 28) were reported as electrical fires. Electrical fires constitute approximately 20% of all fires in Ontario. Extrapolating from the 2006 safety report (Figure 40 in last year s report), all loss fires totaled 19,500. The incidence by 2006 has dropped to approximately 15,000, a drop of 24%. Table 28 shows a breakdown of reported fire with loss and no loss for the ten-year period. It shows a steady decline of incidents in the ten-year span, declining by 28% All loss fires Structural loss fires Residential loss fires Table 28 Electrical Fires in Ontario 1997 to 2006 Year Number of fires with loss Number of fires with no loss Total electrical fires Total 29,153 4,586 33, ESA Electrical Safety Report 33

34 Table 29 and Figure 35 show the profile of electrical fires when sorted by facility type. The largest number of fires, with or without loss, occur in residential-type facilities, 77% of the total. Cooking equipment was reported as the number one source of ignition in electrical fires (see Figure 36), followed by electrical distribution equipment 21. These two sources accounted for two thirds of all electrical fires in Ontario. Table 29 Electrical Fires by Facility Type to 2006 Facility type Fires with loss Fires with no loss Assembly occupancies Business and personal services occupancies Industrial occupancies Institutional occupancies Mercantile Residential Structures and properties not classified by OBC Total 29,153 4,586 Figure 35 Electrical Fires by Facility Type 1997 to 2006 Structures or properties not classified by OBC 2.3% Assembly occupancies 4.7% Business and personal services occupancies 2.6% Industrial occupancies 8.2% Institutional occupancies 1.7% Residential 76.8% Mercantile 3.8% 20 Based on OFM records 21 Distribution equipment includes all devices that carry electrical current from one location to another, such as temporary and permanent wiring of any kind, appliance cord, termination boxes, fuse, or distribution panels ESA Electrical Safety Report

35 Figure 36 Electrical Fires by Ignition Source 1997 to 2006 Electrical distribution equipment 30.3% Heating equipment, chimneys etc. 4.9% Lighting equipment 4.6% Miscellaneous 2.4% Open flame tools, smokers articles 0.8% Other electrical or mechanical 3.9% Processing equipment 1.5% Undetermined 0.8% Appliances 10.6% Cooking equipment 40.1% As shown on Table 30, the greatest decrease in fire incidents is seen with cooking equipment, appliances, and processing equipment. Distribution equipment has undergone only a 5% change between the two five-year periods, though in actual numbers, the reduction is the third largest next to cooking and appliances. The decrease in cooking appliance fires has dropped in prevalence from 43% in the first five-year period to 37% in the second five-year period, while electrical distribution equipment prevalence has risen from 28% to 33% in the same timeframes. Table 30 Electrical Fires by Ignition Source Comparisons in five-year increments Comparisons in five-year increments 1997 to 2001 Percentage of total 2002 to 2006 Percentage of total Percentage change Appliances % % down 25% Cooking equipment % % down 29% Electrical distribution equipment % % down 5% Heating equipment, chimneys etc % 763 5% down 15% Lighting equipment 827 4% 718 5% down 13% Miscellaneous 449 2% 372 2% down 17% Not reported 0 0% 4 0% up 1% Open flame tools, smokers articles 149 1% 120 1% down 19% Other electrical or mechanical 615 3% 714 5% up 16% Processing equipment 292 2% 215 1% down 26% Undetermined 140 1% 146 1% up 4% Total 18, % 15, % 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 35

36 Figure 37 shows the difference in numbers of incidents between cooking fires and distribution equipment. The difference between the two types of equipment fires is narrowing. In the first period, the difference between the two was 2,682, and down to 648 in the second period. This closing of the gap is quite evident with Figure 37. Cooking fires are gradually declining to meet the more constant level of distribution equipment fires. Figure 38 shows the slow shift between cooking and distribution equipment as ignition sources, by percentage, over the ten-year period. In 1997 the difference between the two sources was 20%; in the last six years the largest gap between the two is 9%. Figure 37 Electrical Fires by Ignition Source 1997 to 2006 Cooking Equipment versus Distribution Equipment 2500 Number of fires Cooking equipment Distribution equipment Figure 38 Shift in Prevalence of Fire by Ignition Source Cooking versus Distribution Equipment 60% 40% 20% 0% Cooking equipment Distribution equipment ESA Electrical Safety Report

37 Electrical Fires Resulting in Fatalities The rate of death caused by electrical fires has been declining steadily as seen in Figure 39. In 1998, the rate of death was 1.58 deaths per million population. In 2007, the rate has declined to 0.54 almost a 66% drop. Figure 40 was extracted from the OFM website, covering fatal residential fires from 1997 to The chart gives an overall view of fire fatalities in Ontario. Cooking, appliances and electrical wiring are most likely electrical in origin. Cooking and electrical wiring contribute to 23% of all fatalities in the ten-year period. Note that improper use, incorrect installation, incorrect procedure, lack of maintenance are all human error-related. Figure 39 Rate of Death by Electrical Fire 1998 to 2007 Fire deaths per million of population Figure 40 Residential Fire Fatalities Fires by Ignition Source * 1997 to 2006 Cooking 18% Electrical wiring 5% Cigarettes 30% Matches or lighters 12% Heating 4% Lighting (excluding candles) 1% Candle 5% Arson 20% *Excludes fires where ignition source is unknown Miscellaneous 2% Other open-flame tools 1% Other electrical or mechanical 1% Appliances 1% 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 37

38 Figure 41 illustrates the number of electrical fires that have resulted in fatalities. The figure shows the number of people fatally injured in the 1998 to 2007 period. There were 79 fire events that resulted in 95 deaths an average of 9.5 fatalities per year. Eleven events resulted in multiple deaths. None were cooking-related. Last year s 2006 Electrical Safety Report shows five fatalities in This has been amended to six with this year s report. Tables 31 and 32 show that the number of fatalities has dropped dramatically from the first five-year period to the most recent fiveyear period. Table 31 shows fire fatalities versus electrical fire events per annum. Looking at five-year periods (see Table 32) the total count of fatalities has decreased by close to 50% from 63 in the first period to 32 in the more recent period. The decrease in these fatalities is directly related to a reduction in cooking fires and cooking-related fatalities (see Figure 42). Figure 41 Fatality Numbers in Electrical Fires to 2007 Number of incidents Number of events Actual number of people killed Figure 42 Fire Fatalities with Cooking and Distribution Equipment to 2007 Number of incidents Total Cooking Total Distribution Equipment 27 Based on OFM records 28 Based on OFM records Table 31 Fire Fatalities versus Electrical Fire Events Year Fire events Total fatalities Total Table 32 Fire Fatalities versus Electrical Fire Events Comparisons in five-year increments Period Total Fatalities 1998 to to ESA Electrical Safety Report

39 4.1 Table 33 Fire Fatalities with Cooking and Distribution Equipment to 2007 Comparisons in five-year increments Period 1998 to to 2007 % decrease or increase Cooking-related 31 6 down 81% Distribution-related up 69% Figure 43 Fire Fatalities with Distribution Equipment by Likely Cause 1998 to 2007 Undetermined 14.3% Mechanical or electrical failure 57.1% Misuse of ignition source or equipment 14.3% Other or not reported 11.4% Design/construction/ installation or maintenance deficiency 2.9% Figure 44 Fire Fatalities with Cooking Equipment by Likely Cause 1998 to 2007 Design/construction/ installation or maintenance deficiency 2.7% Figure 42 illustrates the gradual and steady decline of cooking-related fire deaths in Ontario in the last ten years. At the same time, for the last two years, fatalities involving distribution equipment, mainly wiring, has increased dramatically. In 2002 to 2005, death associated with distribution equipment averaged 3.25 deaths per annum. The nine deaths in the last two years with this type of equipment increased the annual death average in the last five years by 250%. This is a pattern that warrants attention. Table 33 provides a clear picture on the dramatic decline of cooking fire fatalities in Ontario in the ten-year period. In the last five years, fatality with cooking equipment averaged one death per year, compared to six deaths per year in the previous five-year period. This coincides with the overall drop in cooking incidents. Distribution-related fatalities are on a striking increase. Figure 43 shows that, in the ten-year period, the majority of fires were a result of misuse where cooktop-related deaths played a major part (26 of 37 occurrences). Also note that mechanical or electrical failure accounted for only one fire of the 37 fires that occurred. Consistent with Table 45, Figure 44 shows the main cause of fires with distribution equipment as mechanical failure. In these cases, ESA was able to investigate the cause of the fatalities with the OFM and confirm that from the five fatalities, the cause was misuse of the device leading to failure of electrical equipment the misuse ranging from overfusing to improper use of extension cords. Misuse of ignition source or equipment 70.3% Other or not reported 18.9% Mechanical or electrical failure 2.7% Misuse of material first ignited 2.7% Undetermined 2.7% The prevalence of electrical fire fatalities associated with electrical distribution equipment is on the increase. 29 Based on OFM records 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 39

40 4.1 Figure 45 shows the building age where cooking-related equipment fire fatalities occurred. More than 80% of the fatalities occurred in buildings built prior to Further investigation is required to determine the age of the cooking equipment, to see if there is a correlation between old stoves and old buildings. Figure 46 shows that though older buildings are high with distribution equipment fires, it is not as prevalent as cooking-related deaths (50% compared to 70%). Figure 45 Fire Fatalities with Cooking Equipment by Building Age (Construction date of building) 1998 to 2007 Constructed prior to % Constructed after % Figure 47 shows that ignition of apparel or soft goods is the most frequent cause of cooking fire fatalities. See a further breakdown in Table 34. Figure 46 Fire Fatalities with Distribution Equipment by Building Age (Construction date of building) 1998 to 2007 Constructed prior to % Constructed % Other or not reported 10.8% Renovated after % Renovated after % Constructed after % Constructed % Other or not reported 17.1% Figure 47 Fire Fatalities with Cooking Equipment by Object First Ignited 1998 to 2007 Undetermined or not reported 13.5% Soft goods and wearing apparel 37.8% Flammable or combustible liquids 16.2% Furniture 2.7% Gases 2.7% Miscellaneous 18.9% Materials 8.1% ESA Electrical Safety Report

41 4.1 Table 34 shows that ignition of apparel or soft goods fire fatalities occurred primarily between 1998 and 2001, with 13 fatalities. After 2001, there was only one fatality involved this type of ignition source. The years not shown had no fatalities. Fire fatalities that relate to wearing apparel have declined dramatically in the last five years, only accounting for one fatality, as opposed to the 1998 to 2002 period, where these types of fires were responsible for 13 fatalities. Figure 48 shows fire fatalities with distribution equipment with an even distribution of objects first ignited. Figure 49 shows that most fire fatalities occur in residential building as opposed to industrial or commercial buildings. Unlike electrocutions which tend to be a workplace-related issue, electrical fire fatalities occur mostly in the home. Table 34 Electrical Fire Fatalities with Cooking Equipment by Soft Goods and Wearing Apparel 1998 to 2007 Period Total Fatalities Total 14 Figure 48 Electrical Fire Fatalities with Distribution Equipment by Object First Ignited 1998 to 2007 Undetermined or not reported 25.7% Building component 11.4% Flammable or combustible liquids 2.9% Furniture 5.7% Gases 2.9% Soft goods and wearing apparel 11.4% Other Objects 22.9% Materials 14.3% Miscellaneous 2.9% Figure 49 Electrical Fire Fatalities by Facility or Property Type 1998 to 2006 Dual/residential/business/apartment 7.4% Miscellaneous property 1.1% Detached or semi-attached residential 54.7% Multi-unit dwelling 22.1% Mobile home or dwelling 3.2% Other residential 1.1% Road vehicles 2.1% Unlike electrocutions which tend to be a workplace-related issue, electrical fire fatalities occur mostly at home. Vehicle sales/service 1.1% Not reported 7.4% 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 41

42 4.1 Table 35 Electrical Fire Fatalities by Area of Origin 1998 to 2006 Area of origin Total fatalities % of Total Attic area 5 5.3% Basement or cellar not partitioned 3 3.2% Concealed ceiling area 2 2.1% Cooking area or kitchen % Engine area 1 1.1% Garage 3 3.2% Laundry area 8 8.4% Living area (eg. living, TV room, recreation, etc) % Other storage area 1 1.1% Passenger area 1 1.1% Sleeping area or bedroom (including patient room, dormitory, etc.) 9 9.5% Supply storage room (including maintenance or document storage etc.) 1 1.1% Other or not reported 8 8.4% Total % Table 35 and Figure 50 illustrate where the fatal fire originated, across a ten-year span. The kitchen or cooking area is the most dominant, with living area as second. Figure 50 Electrical Fire Fatalities by Area of Origin 1998 to 2006 Living area (eg. living, TV room, recreation, etc) 18.9% Laundry area 8.4% Garage 3.2% Engine area 1.1% Cooking area or kitchen 36.8% Table 36 showed the dramatic drop of cooking fatalities in the ten-year period in the kitchen or cooking area. The drop is almost 90% from the first five-year period to the most recent. The reduction of wearing apparel-related fires mentioned earlier was one of the main reasons for the reduction of cookingrelated fires. Other storage area 1.1% Passenger area 1.1% Sleeping area or bedroom (including patient room, dormitory, etc.) 9.5% Supply storage room (including maintenance or document storage etc.) 1.1% Other or not reported 8.4% Attic area 5.3% Basement or cellar not partitioned 3.2% Concealed ceiling area 2.1% Table 36 Electrical Fire Fatalities in Cooking Area or Kitchen Comparisons in five-year increments Area of origin 1998 to to 2007 Cooking area or kitchen fatalities ESA Electrical Safety Report

43 Table 37 Fire Fatalities with Distribution Equipment by Living Area Total 11 Table 37 shows a slight drop in fatalities with distribution equipment in the living area from the first five-year period to the second, dropping from six to five. The years not shown had no fatalities. Table 38 Electrical Fire Fatalities by Building Age (Construction date of building) 1998 to 2007 Other or not reported 14 Renovated after Constructed after Constructed prior to Constructed Total 95 Table 39 Fire Fatalities with Distribution Equipment by Area of Origin 1998 to 2007 Area of origin Total % of Total Attic area % Basement or cellar not partitioned 3 8.6% Concealed ceiling area 2 5.7% Cooking area or kitchen 1 2.9% Garage 2 5.7% Living area (eg. living, TV room, recreation, etc) % Other storage area 1 2.9% Sleeping area or bedroom (including patient room, dormitory, etc.) % Supply storage room (including maintenance or document storage etc.) 1 2.9% Other or not reported % Total % Summary and Trending of Fire Statistics Electrical fires have been decreasing at a rate of approximately 25% in the last ten years. The decrease can be attributed to a reduction in cooking and appliance-related fires at 29% and 25% respectively. The decrease in cooking-related fires has reduced its prevalence in electrical fires from 43% in the 1997 to 2001 period, to 37% in the 2002 to 2006 period, as a percentage of all electrical fires. The cooking fire drop can be attributed to a decline in stovetop fires, which decreased from 6012 fires (1997 to 2001) to 4317 (2002 to 2006). There was little change in the number of distribution equipment incidents in the last ten years. Despite the drop in cooking fire incidents in the last five years, its ten-year count is still higher than the electrical distribution fires but the gap is narrowing. Between the two five-year periods, the gap has narrowed by 2000 incidents. There was a large drop in dryer fires between the 1997 and 2001 period and the 2002 to 2006 period 291 incidents, representing a 30% drop. The total count of fire fatalities has been reduced by 50% (63 to 32) from first five-year period to the most recent five-year period. There has only been one year with fire fatalities over 10 since There is a shift from cooking fatalities to wiring fatalities in more recent years. In the two five-year periods, cooking fatalities went from 31 to 6 (81% drop), compared to wiring fatalities from 13 to 22 (69% increase). A noticeable drop is with wearing-apparel fatalities (as item first ignited) while cooking. From 1998 to 2002, there were 13 incidents; from 2003 to 2007, there was only one. When the OFM performed a study on smooth-top versus coil-top stoves, it was found that ignition of clothing took longer on smoothtop as opposed to coil-top. This was attributed to the lower maximum temperature allowed in smooth-top stoves. The Canadian Appliance Manufacturing Association also indicated an increase in market share of smooth-top stoves. Both these factors may have contributed to the decrease in wearing-apparel fire incidents and fatalities ESA Electrical Safety Report 43

44 Electrical Incidents Electrical Fires by Electricity-fueled Sources Cooking appliance electrical fires Figure 51 shows that overall, misuse was most prevalent as the cause of ignition, consistent with data on cooking equipment. Table 40 shows all of the likely causes of electrically-fueled ignition source 22 fires. The largest cause is misuse of equipment or the ignition source itself. The second largest cause is mechanical or electrical failure. Misuse is reported as the most prevalent cause with cooking appliances, accounting for over 60% of all causes, with misuse of material first-ignited as the second most prominent. Figure 51 Electrical Fires by Electricity-fuelled Ignition Source Cause of Fire 1998 to 2006 Misuse of material first ignited 8.6% Misuse of ignition source or equipment 45.3% Mechanical or electrical failure 20.3% Other, undetermined, or not reported 14.5% Arson 0.5% Vehicle Accident 0.0% Children playing 0.7% Design, construction or maintenance deficiency 10.0% Table 40 Electrical Fires by Likely Cause as Cooking Appliances Comparisons in five-year increments Cooking Appliance Fires 1997 to to 2006 Arson Children playing Design, construction or maintenance deficiency Mechanical or electrical failure Misuse of ignition source or equipment Misuse of material first ignited Not reported 15 2 Other Undetermined Vehicle Accident 0 5 Total 7,915 5, The OFM categorize all devices, equipment and machines that are electrically powered as electricity-fuelled ignition sources. Examples of items fitting this category are electric stove, dryer, toaster, drills, vacuum cleaner, and heavy presses in industrial buildings ESA Electrical Safety Report

45 4.0 Table 41 Electrical Fires with Cooking Appliance as Source of Ignition Comparisons in five-year increments Cooking appliance 1997 to to 2006 % change Deep fat fryer down 28% Microwave oven down 12% Open-fired barbeque fixed or portable 9 6 down 33% Other cooking devices (eg. toaster, kettle, electric pan) down 39% Oven down 32% Range hood up 21% Stove or range-top burner down 28% 4.2 Table 41 allows a more detailed look at the decrease of incidents in cooking appliances as the source of ignition. There is a large reduction in stove top fires (28%), followed by other cooking items and deep fat fryers. With cooking devices (see Figure 52), stove and range-top accounted for over 75% of fires with cooking appliances. Appliance (other than cooking) Electrical Fires The stovetop survey conducted by the OFM for the period of August 2005 to July 2006 indicated that the key factor in contributing to fire was cooking left unattended (see 2006 Ontario Electrical Safety Report). Table 42 shows the number of fires in the five-year period, other than cooking fires, and the decrease in number of incidents and percentage change compared to the five previous years. The largest decrease in the number of appliances catching fire is with the clothes dryer, followed by washing machines and televisions, radios, stereo etc. as indicated on Table 42. Despite the large decrease in numbers in dryer fires, the prevalence of dryer fires only went down from 48% to 44%. Figure 52 Electrical Fires with Cooking Appliance as Source of Ignition 1998 to 2006 Stove or range-top burner 76.3% Range hood 0.4% Oven 12.4% Table 42 Electrical Fires with Appliances (other than cooking) as Ignition Source Comparisons in five-year increments 1997 to 2006 Deep fat fryer 2.2% Microwave oven 2.0% Open-fired barbeque fixed or portable 0.1% Other cooking devices (eg. toaster, kettle, electric pan) 6.6% Ignition Source 1997 to to 2006 Decrease % change Air conditioner window or room down 45% Clothes dryer down 30% Electric blanket or heating pad down 30% Iron or pressing machine down 49% Other appliances down 4% Refrigerator or freezer (includes vending machine) down 1% Television, radio, stereo, tape recorder, etc down 29% Washing machine down 67% Total 2,037 1, down 25% 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 45

46 The OFM cited mechanical or electrical failure as the number one cause of likely causes for appliance fires (see Table 43), followed by deficiency in design, construction or maintenance. It should be noted that fire departmental reports classify devices as Failure of mechanical or electrical system regardless of use or the way the equipment or device is maintained. For example, when equipment or a device overheats and causes a fire for reason that it is overloaded or not properly maintained, the fire department and the OFM classify the cause as a mechanical or electrical failure. Figures 53 and 54 (opposite page) show graphically the little difference in prevalence of fires caused by these appliances between the two five-year periods. Air conditioner, clothes dryer, television, radio and stereo all had a decrease of at least 29%, but since the decrease of incidents of each appliance were proportionate in percentage with each other, the profile of incidents did not change. Unlike appliances and cooking equipment, little change shows in the numbers of electrical fires with distribution equipment as the ignition source (see Table 44 on the opposite page). Table 43 Appliance Fires 23 by Likely Cause of Fire Comparisons in five-year increments 1997 to to 2006 Arson 5 4 Children playing 4 5 Design, construction or maintenance deficiency Mechanical or electrical failure Misuse of ignition source or equipment Misuse of material first ignited Not reported 1 2 Other Undetermined Total 2,037 1,536 Figure 53 Electrical Fires with Appliances (other than cooking) as Ignition Source 1997 to 2001 Electric blanket or heating pad 2% Clothes dryer 48% Other appliances 23% Iron or pressing machine 2% Refrigerator or freezer (includes vending machine) 8% Television, radio, stereo, tape recorder, etc. 8% Washing machine 6% Air conditioner window or room 3% 23 Based on OFM records ESA Electrical Safety Report

47 4.0 Electric blanket or heating pad 2% Figure 54 Electrical Fires with Appliances (other than cooking) as Ignition Source 2002 to 2006 Clothes dryer 44% Other appliances 29% Iron or pressing machine 1% Refrigerator or freezer (includes vending machine) 11% 4.2 Electrical Fires by Distribution Equipment Only with distribution equipment as the ignition source is there a change equal to that of appliances or cooking equipment, with a decrease of 20%. Copper circuit wiring as the ignition source stayed reasonably consistent across the two periods. Half of the items in this category decreased only in low numbers, translating to less than 10% of the decrease. Television, radio, stereo, tape recorder, etc. 7% Washing machine 3% Air conditioner window or room 2% Table 44 shows an increase in the number of fires in a few items, namely aluminum circuit wiring, service lines and extension cords or temporary wiring as the ignition source. The largest drop in numbers is found with panel board-related incidents and copper terminations, while fire with copper wires as the source decreased only by 21 in the five-year span. Table 44 Electrical Fires with Distribution Equipment as the Ignition Source Comparisons in five-year increments Number of fires 1997 to to 2006 Decrease or increase % change 24 Circuit wiring aluminum up % Circuit wiring copper down 21-2% Cord or cable for appliance or electrical articles down 11-2% Distribution equipment (includes panel boards, fuses, circuit boards) down % Extension cord or temporary wiring up 36 +8% Meter up 8 +15% Other electrical distribution item up 29 +5% Service/utility lines (includes power/hydro lines) up % Terminations (includes receptacles, switches, lights) aluminum down 25-21% Terminations (includes receptacles, switches, lights) copper down % Transformer up 10 +5% Total 5,233 4,975 down 258-5% 24 Negative change indicates an increase in prevalence from the previous five-year period ESA Electrical Safety Report 47

48 Figure 55 shows fires involving distribution equipment. Copper wiring, distribution equipment and cords for appliances accounted for more than 50% of the fires involving distribution equipment. ESA-investigated fires on distribution items found that fires around distribution panels were mostly wiring connections either in the panel or going into the panel. Figure 55 Distribution Fires by Source 1997 to 2006 Distribution equipment (includes panel boards, fuses, circuit boards) 17.9% Extension cord or temporary wiring 9.0% Meter 1.1% Other electrical distribution item 11.9% Cord or cable for appliance or electrical articles 12.5% Circuit wiring copper 21.7% Circuit wiring aluminum 1.8% Terminations (includes receptacles, switches, lights) copper 10.4% Transformer 4.0% Service/utility lines (includes power/hydro lines) 7.6% Terminations (includes receptacles, switches, lights) aluminum 2.0% Table 45 Electrical Fires with Distribution Equipment as the Ignition Source Comparisons in five-year increments 1997 to to to 2006 Decrease or increase % change Arson down 1 5% Children playing down 1 8% Design, construction or maintenance deficiency down 21 3% Mechanical or electrical failure down 70 2% Misuse of ignition source or equipment down 11 4% Misuse of material first ignited down % Not reported 7 13 up 6 86% Other up 30 14% Undetermined down 87 20% Vehicle accident 6 17 up % ESA Electrical Safety Report

49 The largest cause of distribution equipment fires is mechanical or electrical failure (see Table 45). Again, ESA investigation leads us to believe that these fires were caused by misuse rather than failure of the electrical system; lack of all the facts makes it difficult for ESA to confirm. Table 45 shows little change in relative levels of each cause in the compared periods. Figure 56 is based on 278 fires investigated by ESA from 2002 to The profile of likely cause of fire differs from the OFM because of definition of causes. The lack of detailed descriptions of the incidents makes it difficult for the ESA to determine if the mechanical or electrical failure was caused by misuse of application by users. An example of such a case is where an extension cord is placed under a carpet in heavy traffic where eventually, the insulation of the cord breaks down which is followed by excessive heat. Eventually a fire results in these stress areas. The extension cord was used for something that it was not designed to do. ESA would have classified the cause of fire as incorrect installation as opposed to electrical failure, in this case. Figure 56 Likely cause of Fire 25 of ESA-investigated fires 2002 to 2007 Old age 1.8% Misuse 3.2% Loose connection 0.4% Lack of maintenance 7.6% Incorrect procedure 5.4% Incorrect material 0.7% Overfusing 0.4% Water leak 1.1% Incorrect installation 26.6% Other or unknown 16.6% Improper use 13.3% Equipment failure 11.5% System failure 5.0% Faulty equipment 0.4% Weather 1.4% Animal 0.7% Improper procedure 0.4% Human error 3.6% The largest cause of distribution equipment fires is mechanical or electrical failure. 25 Based on ESA info 2007 ESA Electrical Safety Report 49

50 4.2 Residential Electrical Systems Aging Research Report, Fire Protection Research Foundation, April 2008, prepared by David A. Dini, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. In 2002 the Fire Protection Research Foundation initiated a research and development project to survey the condition of residential electrical systems in older homes to get additional information on the influence of aging and installation quality on electrical fire safety. The results of this study have recently been published by the Fire Protection Research Foundation. The electrical systems and equipment in approximately 30 homes ranging in age from 30 to 110 years and slated for demolition were surveyed and photo documented. Samples of selected electrical equipment (wire, receptacles, luminaires etc.) were harvested from these buildings and sent to Underwriters Laboratories for testing and analysis. The study indicated that the effects of natural aging over time on the electrical system wiring and equipment, misuse and abuse of the electrical system component in the home by the occupants, and non-code compliant installations upgrades and repairs are the three factors that contribute most to the likelihood of an electrical fire. Effects of Aging Conductors using rubber based insulation (pre 1950s) can become brittle with age especially when the wire is subject to bending, abrasion or harsh use. However, thermoplasticinsulated conductors, typically used after 1950, continued to perform well under most conditions. Old armored cable without a bonding strip exhibited unacceptably high levels of resistance. Luminaires (light fixtures) were affected as much by age as they were by misuse or mis-installation. Residential overcurrent devices and circuit breakers continued to perform unless they had been subject to misuse or abuse. Receptacles showed some signs of aging perhaps as a result of rough or misuse. Receptacles with broken faces, hot plugs and loose plug blade retention can be identified by informed users. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) can be prone to failure with age because of the inherent electronic components. This highlights a need for additional consumer education about periodically testing GFCIs. Misuse and Abuse Examples of misuses and abuse found in older homes were: Poorly performed electrical repairs by the homeowner or other unqualified persons Defeated or compromised overcurrent protection (primarily fuses) Misuse of extension cords, where extension cords were used as permanent wiring this of often the result of not having enough receptacle outlets in these older homes Makeshift circuit extensions Broken receptacles due to hard use or damage from furniture Overlamping of light fixtures. Overlamping is a term used when a lamp of higher wattage is used that what is recommended by the light fixture manufacturer. Non-code Compliant Installations Non-code-compliant installations typically result in hidden hazards which can remain undetected for many years until they result in electrical fire or electric shock. Non-code complaint installations were the result of several factors including: Lack of local laws and wiring-code requirement at the time of the original construction Unqualified homeowners performing their own electrical work Professional installers not understanding or complying with the Code requirements of the time Wiring-related code violations included improper connections and open splices, using the wrong type of cable, not properly supporting the wire and using indoor wire outdoors, or not properly identifying conductors. Code violations at or near the entrance of the electrical services Improperly-installed light fixtures and recessed luminaires (pot-lights). Use of grounding-type receptacles on older circuits without a ground path. 26 According to a study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in ESA Electrical Safety Report

51 5.0 Summation 5.0 ESA has committed to a long-term plan to reduce serious injuries and fires by 30% in the next five years. In order to do so, key electrical safety issues must be addressed. These key safety issues can be summed up as the following: Electrocutions and Injuries Contact with overhead powerline Despite showing consistent decline in occurrence, electrocution caused by powerline contact still accounts for 38% of all electrocutions in the last five years. Contacts not resulting in fatalities are still prevalent. Most are occurring in the workplace and most do not involve electrical trades. Highest-risk activities associated with powerline contact include exterior work on buildings such as roofs and eavestroughs, excavating and landscape and tree trimming in the vicinity of powerline. Workplace fatalities and injuries to electricians and apprentices Death and serious injuries to electricians and apprentices continue to occur. Most were the result of knowingly working with energized equipment. Critical injuries to electricians mostly involved distribution panels. Electricians death accounts for 19% of all occupational death and is the largest occupational group being electrocuted. Gaps identified during incident investigations and discussion Electrocution Fatalities Occupational powerline 35 Non-occupational powerline 20 Electrical trades 19 Maintenance unskilled 5 Other workers 7 HVAC 2 Millwright 2 Non-occupational, female, non-powerline 3 Non-occupational prank 2 Non-occupational using defective or improper equipment Non-occupational improper wiring 1 Non-occupational other or unknown 5 Farmer non-powerline, non-occupational 2 Totals around the Greater Toronto Electrical Contractor s Association working group include: unawareness of the potential injuries; damages to the equipment; lack of awareness of Occupational law and Regulations that forbids work to be performed energized unless practicable. Non-occupational Fatalities There is a shift shown in most recent statistics to identify fatalities when using defective electrical devices and equipment and working in old homes where old or improper wiring exist. Two other fatalities occurred in older facilities, where improper wiring and lack of awareness of work process attributed to the fatalities. There seems to be a lack of public awareness of the hazards when working with defective electrical equipment and devices. There is also unawareness of the public when working around older homes and the potential danger from old and/or incorrect installation. Electrical Fires Key safety issues with electrical fires and fatalities resulting from electrical fires are: Older buildings are of higher risk for electrical fires and fatalities as a result of fires (62 of 95 fatalities were in buildings built prior to 1975) Distribution-related equipment, accounting for 69% of all fire fatalities in the last five years, with causes of these fires attributed to misuse or improper installation of the device and or wiring. Cooking-related activities accounting for 19% electrical fires in the last five years, with misuse, leaving the cooking appliance unattended as most common cause. The tables summarize the electrical fatality profile in the last ten years (1998 to 2007). Areas of immediate concerns are highlighted. Electrical Fire Fatalities Stoves 33 Other cooking 4 Distribution equipment 35 Lighting equipment 2 Appliances (non-cooking) 5 Space heater or heating equipment 7 Other or not specified 9 Totals ESA Electrical Safety Report 51

52 ESA Initiatives and Strategies Addressing powerline-related fatalities and injuries: Looking ahead, ESA has developed a five-year Ontario Powerline Safety Strategy. The development of the Ontario Powerline Safety Strategy was coordinated by the Electrical Safety Authority with the Powerline Safety Strategy Workgroup as part of the ESA s stakeholder Utility Advisory Council. In order for the working group to make some sense of all historical incident data a comprehensive report was prepared in January entitled Ontario Powerline Incidents & High Risk Activities. In addition, a report of Coroners Jury recommendations was also prepared for the working group. Together, these two reports provided the background material for the working group to prepare for the workshop held in February The powerline safety strategy provides a roadmap for ESA and stakeholders on how to reduce electrical powerline fatalities by 30% over the next five years. The plan is built around six strategic elements: Engagement development of partnerships with others to implement initiatives to reduce powerline-related contacts and fatalities. Encouragement promoting behavior change, in partnership with others, towards powerline safety, including changing attitudes and procedures when working around powerlines in general. Despite showing consistent decline in occurrence, electrocutions by contact with powerline still accounts for 38% of all electrocutions in the last five years. Contacts not resulting in fatalities are still prevalent. Most are occurring in the workplace and most do not involve electrical trades. Awareness of the danger of working near powerline must be improved. Education Direct education, awareness and training efforts into areas where they are most effective in reducing powerlinerelated fatalities. Enforcement Direct enforcement efforts into areas where they are most effective in reducing powerline-related fatalities. Engineering Explore developments in engineering controls and design that will improve safety around powerlines. Evidence Maintain a comprehensive incident database and analytical system to inform priorities for action, and ensure the effective monitoring and evaluations of initiatives. Action plans associated with each strategic element, including resource estimates, are to be identified for each year. The powerline safety strategy can be found on ESA s website. Responding to increased incidents in 2006, ESA targeted a campaign at Ontario s dump truck industry cautioning them to Look Up, Look Out for overhead powerline. ESA established a relationship with industry associations, the MOL, independent operators, municipalities, and construction companies to define campaign requirements and establish effective channels. Campaign components included information cards, safety stickers, ads, and roadway signage. Material was well received with a total distribution of 320,000 campaign components and a 37% recall of the important message Look Up. Powerline safety campaign: ESA continues to increase awareness related to key powerline safety risks. Previous campaigns have focused on the farm community and dumptruck and other large equipment operators. ESA s latest campaign will focus on the roofing and siding industry. Incidents of copper theft experienced by Local Distribution Companies have increased in the last 18 months. ESA issued a bulletin to LDCs with recommendations for them to increase monitoring of substations and the need to take remedial action when copper theft occurs. ESA worked with the Ministries and issued a bulletin to all Chiefs of Police in March 2008 that highlight public safety risk as a result of copper theft, encouraging the Police to work closely with ESA and the LDCs. ESA will need to increase its prevention activities to prevent copper theft as theft incidents increase ESA Electrical Safety Report

53 5.1 Addressing fatalities and injuries to electricians and apprentices ESA s initiatives to reduce 347-volt systems and multimeter injuries have been expanded as follows: Working with electrical trade associations, ESA continued to influence safe electrical practices with 347-volt systems and multimeter usage. ESA participation at the IAPA conference and the aggressive coordination of campaign ads preserved campaign messaging. Communication efforts were supported by an Ontario Electrical Safety Code change, which requires disconnect switches on all new installations of 347-volt system luminaires and the promotion of fused leads. No electrical incidents were reported among commercial and maintenance electrician in fiscal year Safety messages will be maintained through training, ongoing participation at the IAPA and the introduction of the new Don t Work Live campaign targeted at reducing arc flash incidents. This follows reports that 53% of electrical incidents causing injuries are associated with working on energized electrical equipment and 39% of these injuries from 1998 to 2006 involved burns from an arc. ESA s participation in Ontario s apprentice outreach program included the delivery of 38 electrical safety training presentations to more than 1200 electrical apprentices. Continued effort on addressing multimeter injuries as a result of user error ESA continues to promote the use of fused leads with multimeters. ESA continues to advocate for a change to the CSA multimeter standard. ESA in conjunction with Hydro One is sponsoring further research on multimeters to better understand how incidents with these devices can be prevented. Participation with the Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association working group, addressing working energized issues with the view to developing: A Work Live endorsement to augment the existing trade certification. A handbook and notification system that will require those whom intend to work live to post a notification complete with sign-off from the facility owners as to the need for such undertakings. internal panel board stickers warning the worker that they have entered the Danger Zone Targeting panel injuries to electricians ESA produced a working live video in 2008 to encourage electricians and contractors to work de-energized, especially when working around electrical panels. The video emphasizes: The understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations that working energized is only acceptable when there are no other options. The amount of energy released on an arc flash when working on a panel. The seriousness of the injury that can result. The impact of working energized can have on family life. Potential damage to electrical equipment Unplanned shut down that could likely be longer in duration than if the work was done in a de-energized state. Making general contractors and facility owners share responsibility when insisting that the work must be performed energized. The industry to change its working culture, seeking methods to de-energize first instead of seeking method to work energized first ESA Electrical Safety Report 53

54 5.1 Information targeted at building owners and operators, designed to increase awareness of building owners and operators legal responsibilities and obligations with respect to workers safety, in particular, when directing electricians or electrical contractors to work energized to avoid plant or facility shut down. Codes and standards changes will be developed and submitted to CSA in the following areas Clearer definition of not practicable as applied in CSA standards Standard change to eliminate energized components inside panels especially where user-serviceable parts are contained, mirroring finger-safe requirements as per International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Requirement for improved nomenclature on panels as per CSA Z32, Electrical safety and essential electrical systems in health care facilities or beyond. Training and awareness initiatives: Development and delivery of panel-board safety presentations at ESA-sponsored regional electrical contractors meetings throughout the province, and at industry conference such as the IAPA s annual safety conference. ESA is sponsoring and supporting the CSA in the development of a national standard that would identify and establish minimum electrical safety requirements for existing homes. This is one important step towards addressing the number of electrical fires in older homes. ESA-sponsored electrical apprentice trade school presentations targeted at advanced and beginner intakes in community colleges across Ontario continue. The initiative with the apprentice trade school will be expanded in fiscal year Sponsorship of CSA/ESA conference introducing the new electrical standard Z462, Electrical Safety in the Workplace. ESA has entered into a joint venture with CSA to develop and sponsor an electrical safety conference in November 2009 in conjunction with the launch of CSA Z462 Standard. Addressing serious fires and fire fatalities Reducing electrical hazards in homes Responding to the public s request for electrical safety information, and equipped with insights on the public s risk association with electrical installations and systems, ESA piloted a risk awareness campaign. Kitchener-Waterloo/Cambridge, Peterborough and Thunder Bay provided pilot locations and channels. Messages were created to introduce potential electrical risks in stages: correcting quick-fix hazards, identifying hidden hazards, understanding risks when renovating or buying a home. Impact assessment surveying identified a 31% recall of campaign materials. As part of the Plug in Safety campaign, ESA is seeking to increase public awareness of the risks associated with having unqualified people perform electrical installation at their home. ESA recommends the use of a licensed electrical contractor when considering modification to home or cottage electrical systems. ESA is sponsoring and supporting the Canadian Standards Association in the development of a national standard that would identify and establish minimum electrical safety requirements for existing homes. This is one important step towards addressing the number of electrical fires in older homes. Reducing stove top fires in homes Though the incidents of stove-top fires are decreasing, ESA will continue to support the OFM with its studies on reducing incidents of fires caused by stove tops. Though the incidents of stove-top fires are decreasing, they still represent the largest cause of electrically-related fatalities. ESA will continue to work with the OFM and will: raise appliance manufacturers, homeowners and the insurance industry s awareness of the significance of stove-top fires direct public education efforts towards high-risk cooking activities continue to research and promote improved designs and advocate change to the standards of stoves ESA Electrical Safety Report

55 Glossary Accident An undesired or unplanned event, resulting in property damage, injury or fatality. Aerial Work Platform (AWP) a self-propelled work platform device, capable of lowering and lifting its work platform by mechanical means. AFI Application for Inspection, an application for performing electrical installation that requires inspection, as defined by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. CIHI Canadian Institute of Health Information, a subsidiary of Health Canada, a not-for-profit organization responsible for collecting all health information across Canada. Cost of Injury Cost of injury as calculated by the WSIB in compensation, medical aid and pension. CSAO Construction Safety Association of Ontario, an accident prevention advisory organization, funded by the WSIB, serving the construction sector. ECAO The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario a contractor association for unionized electrical contractors. Electrician A worker whose occupation is identified as working primarily with electricity. Electrocution An accidental death, caused by contact with electricity. Fatality an injury resulting in a death. Human error An inappropriate or undesired human decision or behaviour that reduces or has the potential to reduce the safety or system performance. IAPA Industrial Accident Prevention Association one of the Safe Work Agencies, responsible for monitoring safety performances of industrial companies in Ontario. IEC International Electrotechnical Commission LDC Local Distribution Company. LTI Lost Time Injury, a term defined by the WSIB for an occupational injury that resulted in a worker missing more than one shift of work. MOL Ministry of Labour of Ontario. Non-Occupational injuries Injuries occurring other than in the workplace. NWISP National Work Injury Statistics Program, an organization that serves as a repository of all occupational injuries in Canada. OBC Ontario Building Code Occupational Injury an injury occurring in a workplace. OEL Ontario Electrical League a contractor-based association of non-unionized electrical contractors. OFM The Office of Fire Marshal, a provincial organization responsible for the prevention of fires in Ontario. Overlamping The practice of installing lamps with larger wattage than what is recommended by the lighting manufacturer. Powerline Outside/outdoor electrical cable or wire, used to distribute electrical energy. RBD Radial Boom Derrick Sequela (s.), Sequelae (pl.) A morbid condition following or occurring as a consequence of another condition or event. Traumatic Injury Injury as a result of a sudden or violent act. WSIB Workplace Safety Insurance Board, an organization responsible for compensation of workplace injuries ESA Electrical Safety Report 55

56 This document was prepared by the Engineering and Regulatory Division of the Electrical Safety Authority. For queries and additional information, please contact Francis Hardy at