LDC Scorecard Public Electrical Safety Measure Feedback Template

Transcription

1 LDC Scorecard Public Electrical Safety Measure Feedback Template Please review the documents outlining the proposed Public Electrical Safety Measure Please include the following information with your comments and the completed document to: Name: George Minow, CET - Electrical, CRSP Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. Telephone Number: (519) x259 Organization/Industry: Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. /LDC Address: 301 Victoria St. S., Kitchener, ON, N2G 4L2 Topic General philosophy that all injuries are preventable Support Having any other attitude than all injuries are preventable leads to other issues where people do not try and prevent all injuries. In a car crash where brakes fail and a pole is hit, the owner and driver of the car and the mechanic that may have done a brake replacement on it are the primary people who can prevent this incident. Building the pole line to withstand a reasonable amount of impact and still remain safe is the LDC role. Most LDCs also participate in providing education to anyone that will listen on what to in the event of an incident like this There is fundamental flaw in the perspective that LDCs should be measured on the actions or in action of others. The part of the consultation paper speaks to the Statistical Analysis of Electrical Incidents and Consumer Research. What does the statistical analysis undertaken to identify the nature of the electrical incident involving the LDC distribution network show? In the 2013 the ESA annual report for Ontario shows: From 2003 to 2012, 71 people died by electrocution (non-intentional death caused by contact with electricity) or by the effects of burns. Over this 10 year period that is 7.1 people on average per year. The ESA should continue the province wide education program with consistent messaging available through current media to educate and possibly influence public behaviour. LDCs should use this messaging as well. LDCs on the whole support the use of public education and provide education on the use of their product. LDCs should continue programs they have, as they are working. Look at the numbers and gauge the suggested effort to the reality of what they are saying. 1

2 From 2008 to 2012, there were 25 electrical-related fatalities, a rate of 0.38 per million population; a rate decrease of 48%. Over this 5 year period that is 5 people on average per year. For utility related equipment electrocution, from 2008 to 2012, 44% were powerline related (11/25). Over this 5 year period that is 2.2 people on average per year. From 2008 to 2012, 15 of the 25 (60%) electrical-related fatalities were occupational. This leads to the conclusion that very few of the 11 people who died in 2008 to 2012 were members of the public. Electrical tradespeople accounted for 29% of all electrical-related fatalities in the workplace between 2003 and Non-occupational electrical-related fatality rates have remained steady compared to last year. The small number of incidents makes trending challenging; however, five-year rolling averages can assist in identifying patterns: The five-year average number of non-occupational electrical-related fatalities has decreased from 3.8 to 2.0 over the last ten years. So there are 2 non-occupational electrical-related fatalities on average per year, 1 may be attributed to utility related equipment. Remove all criminal activity from consideration in these activities, e.g. copper theft. In no way are electrical fatalities or critical injuries belittled here. Effort must be valuable. Support LDC Public Electrical Safety Measure Working Group In October and November 2014, ESA convened and met with an LDC Public Electrical Safety Measure Working Group. The specific objectives for the Working Group were to: Ensure meaningful stakeholder input to ESA It must be meaningful and appropriately proportioned effort to the item. 2

3 LDC Public Electrical Safety Measure Working Group In October and November 2014, ESA convened and met with an LDC Public Electrical Safety Measure Working Group. The specific objectives for the Working Group were to: Ensure meaningful stakeholder input to ESA as the public electrical safety measure is developed; and Assist in ensuring the measure is an effective and meaningful one including its relevance to the issue of public electrical ability for LDCs to report against it, and relevance to the public. The ESA own 2013 report states: Non-occupational electrical-related fatality rates have remained steady compared to last year. The small number of incidents makes trending challenging; however, five-year rolling averages can assist in identifying patterns. Recommendation 1 Proposed Public Electrical Safety Measure: Public Awareness, Electrical Safety The level of public awareness within an LDC s territory of the most important electrical safety information and precautions related to the distribution network assets; The proposed measure recognizes that public awareness is a critical component of prevention. LDCs have a trusted relationship with their customers and the capability to communicate directly with them and community about public electrical safety. Consumers and members of the public consider LDCs a significant source of information on electrical safety. LDCs will be required to demonstrate the impact of their public education efforts through regular surveying of adults residing in their territory. Most LDCs currently proactively develop and deliver public safety awareness programs in their community. This proposed measure will define levels of public awareness of key safety concepts and precautions regarding LDC distribution assets. Do not include measurement of numbers. It will not have relevance. Lobby the provincial government to make electrical safety a mandatory part of the Grade 6 curriculum (not just electricity) and any electrical trade. Ask if programs are offered e.g. - is there a public electrical education portion on the website? - is there a free school education program provided? We cannot force schools to let us in, but can offer. - is there a contact for questions about electrical safety? - is there an electrical safety message available to commercial customers? - again we cannot force companies to let us in, but can offer. - is there a contractor outreach program? - again we cannot force companies to let us in, but can 3

4 Surveying the public on this topic would be an ineffective of a LDCs commitment and efforts to promote public electrical safety. It would be more of an evaluation of the public education system and business commitment to electrical safety. offer. - is there a power line safety program? LDCs offer programs but they are not universally accessed or requested. Recommendation 2 Support Proposed Public Electrical Safety Measure: Public Awareness, Electrical Safety The level of compliance with Ontario Regulation 22/04; In general, support this recommendation as LDCs have the ability to influence the outcome. Need specifics, however, on how the level of compliance will be reported. Recommendation 3 Proposed Public Electrical Safety Measure: Public Awareness, Electrical Safety The number of serious electrical safety incidents occurring on an LDC s assets per year as already defined by Ontario Regulation 22/04 per 10, 100 or 1, 000km of line. Do not include measurement of numbers. It will not have relevance. The ESA own 2013 report states: Non-occupational electrical-related fatality rates have remained steady compared to last year. The small number of incidents makes trending challenging; however, five-year rolling averages can assist in identifying patterns. A resident of another LDC can be involved in an incident and it can have no bearing on the public safety program that LDC offers. 4

5 Measure Methodology & Target Setting Stakeholder Consultation Process Other Support See above. To make meaningful contributions to the area of LDCs involvement in public safety they need to be involved. ESA should continue to monitor fatal injuries in the province of Ontario and lobby for improved electrical education. Additional Comments: 5