December 7, 2023 – The Infrastructure Health & Safety Association advises that the updated Electrical Utility Safety Rules book (EUSR) will include the following “significant changes”, effective January 1.

The term Testing Facility will replace Certified Laboratory throughout the EUSR. A Testing Facility tests in accordance with applicable standards, and has established specific testing standards for electrical equipment, tools, protective equipment, and aerial devices.

Rule 103 “Personal Conduct” will specify that electronic devices must not be used in workplace(s) where they will affect the safety of work being performed.

Rule 110 “First Aid” will be modified to require that AEDs [automated external defibrillators] be provided, maintained, and suitably located on site when two or more workers are working in an energized electrical environment.

Rule 114 “Safe Conditions for Work” will explain that:

• Work requiring the application of the Utility Work Protection Code (UWPC) must be strictly followed.
• Recertification in the UWPC must be completed every 27 months or earlier.
• All UWPC training must be given exclusively by Hydro One, IHSA, or an IHSA Member Employer who maintains certification through the Train the Trainer program.

Rule 119 “Use of Temporary Grounds” will require that temporary grounds be tested annually and marked with a legible expiry date.

Rule 122 “Working Alone” will outline that, when a second worker is required, they shall be:

• Knowledgeable in the hazards associated in the task being performed.
• A suitably equipped, competent worker who can perform rescue operations including CPR and AED.
• Available and positioned to see the worker performing the work.

The IHSA Supplemental rule on Line Clearing Operations will include a new addition—the “Ground- to-Ground Rule for Line Clearing Operations”—specifying that authorized workers may be permitted to ascend/descend vegetation without rubber gloves provided that it’s outside the restricted zone, according to Rule 129 “Safe Limits of Approach: For Authorized Workers,” and that all climbing equipment and the climber can remain outside of proximity while ascending/descending. Once aloft, appropriately rated gloves must be worn when entering proximity, maintaining the Safe Limits of Approach for tools, equipment, and the authorized worker while removing vegetation.

Visit IHSA to purchase the updated EUSR book and learn more about the new requirements, starting January 2024.

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