Following reports of unsafe behaviour — including play structures built beside pad-mounted transformers, children playing on electrical equipment (even hosting afternoon tea) and signs posted on power poles — BC Hydro is reminding British Columbians these activities can cause serious injuries and put lives at risk.
BC Hydro data shows electrical safety incidents increase during warmer months when people spend more time outdoors, children play outside and communities host seasonal activities such as yard sales, bringing them closer to BC Hydro electrical equipment.
“Recently, we’re seeing children playing on pad mounted transformers, the green metal utility boxes commonly found in neighbourhoods, and signs being posted on power poles for things like bake sales or advertising businesses,” said Susie Rieder, a BC Hydro spokesperson.
“Although designed to be safe and secure, this equipment is always energized and poses a serious risk. If a failure occurs, it can cause severe burns, electrocution, or even death.”
A recent survey¹ conducted on behalf of BC Hydro found almost 20 per cent of British Columbians are unaware it is dangerous to climb or play on pad-mounted transformers, even though warning labels are posted on the equipment. Nearly one in 10 said they have seen children playing on or climbing these boxes.
In a recent incident on Vancouver Island, children were observed sitting on a transformer while pretending to have a tea party. In another incident in the Lower Mainland, BC Hydro removed a playground built over a pad-mounted transformer with switchgear inside.
Unsafe behaviour also extends to BC Hydro power poles, where posting signs, posters or notices remains common across the province despite being prohibited and dangerous. While 61 per cent of British Columbians said they know attaching signs to power poles is unsafe or not allowed, six in 10 people who live near BC Hydro poles report regularly seeing signs posted on them. More than one-quarter also remain unaware that using nails, staples or other fasteners on poles and electrical infrastructure can seriously harm BC Hydro crews.
Power line technicians regularly climb poles to perform maintenance, respond to outages and carry out emergency repairs — often in poor weather, at night or under urgent conditions. Fasteners left in poles can puncture protective clothing or gloves, damage safety equipment or create a risk of falls if climbing gear slips or snags unexpectedly.
Beyond signage, British Columbians also report seeing other unsafe activity involving electrical infrastructure, including chaining objects to poles or hanging items from them. These actions can interfere with electrical equipment and create hazards for both workers and the public.
To stay safe outdoors, BC Hydro recommends the following:
• Keep clear of electrical equipment: Never climb, play on or place objects on pad-mounted transformers. Keep children and others at least three metres away from the front of the locked doors and one metre from all other sides. If a transformer is unlocked, open or damaged, stay at least 10 metres back and contact BC Hydro immediately.
• Leave it to the experts: Only authorized BC Hydro workers should touch or access electrical infrastructure. Attaching signs, chaining items or hanging objects from power poles is unsafe and not permitted.
• Teach kids early: Take advantage of BC Hydro’s annual Electrical Safety Week and Power Smart for Schools resources to educate children about the dangers of electricity, how to spot hazards around power lines and equipment and why it is important to keep a safe distance and never touch electrical infrastructure.
• Stay back: When working near overhead distribution lines in your yard, keep yourself, your tools and ladders at least three metres away from all power lines.
• Report hazards: If you see vegetation growing too close to wires, damaged equipment or unsafe activity near BC Hydro infrastructure, contact BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO rather than attempting repairs on your own.
For more information on electrical safety and how to stay safe while working and playing outdoors, visit bchydro.com/3metres.
