Utilities

Each time you work at a new site, check the location of the shutoffs for all of the utilities; that way you will be prepared for an emergency. Before you perform any trench work with power tools or equipment, you must locate any possible underground utility services.

Electrical

Electrical service panels may be temporary or permanent. Temporary service panels at the job site are located in a box mounted on a large pole or post driven into the ground. Inside the box is a panel with breakers and outlets to supply electrical power to the site. It should contain a main shutoff switch at the top and have several breakers that can be tripped when the circuit is overloaded by too many power tools on one circuit. The electrical panel must be properly grounded with ground rods/plates, according to the Canadian Electrical Code. The box must be waterproof and leak-proof, and the area in front of the box must be kept clear. Water must not be allowed to accumulate underfoot anywhere near the panel.Electrical cords from the panel should be orderly and not allowed to become tangled. The box should be located at a convenient height so that workers can reach all the switches, breakers, and outlets without using a ladder or other assistance.

On very large jobs you may find temporary electrical service boards on each floor of a high-rise building. A large cable supplies power to these boards. Keep the cable out of water and protect it from damage. Do not drag the cable when moving the service board; lift and carry it. You should know where the temporary service is located and learn how to shut off the power in an emergency.

When permanent services for the building have been completely installed and signed off by the authorized electrician, workers may then use them. Make yourself aware of the location of the main panel or sub-panels being used, and learn how to shut them off in case of an emergency. If you must shut the power off, do so and notify your supervisor immediately.

Water supply

Find out where the water shutoff is located at your job site. If a pipe breaks or bursts under water pressure, the water may damage material, tools and equipment, or work already done. Water may create an electrical hazard if it comes into contact with electrical panels or outlets. If you must shut the water off, do so and notify your supervisor at once.

Gas supply

Locate the gas shutoff at your job site. Escaping gas can cause an explosion that could injure someone or do great damage. Gas shutoff valves are always at the gas meter that will be located outside the building. If you must shut off the gas, do so and notify your supervisor immediately.

Other services

Other services, such as telephone and data, do not usually present any danger to people, and there is no way you can shut them off. If the lines for these services are broken or cut and/or if they must be located and repaired or moved, get in touch with the company that supplies the service.

Emergency shutdown systems

There are emergency shutdown systems or “panic buttons” in many shops. When you enter a shop or an industrial setting for the first time, locate the emergency shutdown. These are installed so that only one switch has to be thrown to kill the power to a large amount of equipment. These systems are to be used in the event of an emergency for immediate response.