VALE Powerline Safety Awareness

Qualified Observer Training

NOTE: Only contractors and approved VALE employees working on VALE property may register for this course. You must complete this training before you can get an “Authorization To Work Around Energized Overhead Conductors” at VALE Ontario properties. VALE requires this when work on the surface may cross the limits of the approach to powerlines.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify powerlines and the hazards they pose
  • Understand the rules of working near powerlines when:
    • Operating high reach equipment
    • Loading and unloading material.
  • Describe what to do if a worker or equipment comes into contact with a powerline.
  • Understand your responsibilities:
    • Under the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act. As a qualified observer or “spotter”  under VALE’s Standard Procedure.

Discussion Topics:

  • Who is ESA?
  • Powerline Contact Statistics
  • The Electrical Distribution System
  • Ground Gradients
  • Powerline Safety
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • Duties of a Signaller, or Qualified Observer
  • Powerline Incidents
  • VALE Ontario Ops – Maintenance Standard Procedure:  Authorization to Work Around Energized Overhead Conductors.

ESA offers this course in-class.

IN-CLASS: We currently do not have any in-class sessions.

Please contact the Mining Services office for more info at 705-523-1985 or esaminingservices@electricalsafety.on.ca