Fire Services Resources
Electrical safety resources for fire services and related organizations
In this section:
► When to Contact ESA | ► Fire Safety Tool | |
► Stats, Facts & Reports | ► Social Media | ► Electrical Safety Handbook for Emergency Responders |
When to Contact ESA
- Electrical Inspection Order/Fire Marshal Order (FMO) application – Used when there is evidence of imminent life or property hazards in the form of electrical fire or shock hazards. Examples include exposed bare live wires (electrical) with open ends accessible to the public, service panel covers missing, live open exposed joints or terminations. Download the FMO Form (Word document).
- Fire Department Referral – Used when non-compliant non hazardous electrical code issues are identified and need to be addressed. Examples include incomplete or non code compliant wiring methods, device covers missing, overloaded extension cords, cable supports, luminaire/receptacles not working or broken, GFCIs not present / working, and water damage.
- Electrical safety hazards – A Fire Department may contact ESA at anytime report a possible electrical safety hazard using one of the methods below.
- Email: esa.cambridge@electricalsafety.on.ca
- Telephone: 1-877-372-7233
Fire Safety Tool for Solar Installation Identification
Increase your awareness of where existing renewable energy installations are located, and be better prepared to implement appropriate safety procedures.
New and emerging technology and renewable energy installations can pose challenges for firefighters responding to an emergency. Not being aware of solar systems on the roofs of houses or commercial/industrial buildings can lead to risks such as exposure to electrically energized ‘live’ components.
As a result of discussions with our public and fire safety partners, ESA developed a web portal for fire departments to locate solar installations in Ontario. The portal includes:
- A list of existing renewable energy installations (solar installations) that ESA is aware of in Ontario.
- The address and the size of systems (FIT1 and MicroFIT2) for approximately 18,000 renewable energy installations in the province. (Updated twice a year.)
- Access for all Ontario fire departments.
Please note the portal does not provide personal information or information in French. Further, ESA cannot guarantee that it is comprehensive (for example, it does not include renewable energy installations installed prior to 2010).
Any fire chief who wishes to access the portal should email esa.onlinesupport@electricalsafety.on.ca
Electrical Safety Handbook for Emergency Responders
Best Practices for Coping with Electrical Hazards in Rescue and Fire Situations
The Electrical Safety Handbook for Emergency Responders is designed to protect emergency personnel from electrical harms when attending a scene. It was developed to educate and protect emergency responders who are called to emergencies involving electrical systems, such as a motor vehicle accident involving downed powerlines.
Following these best practices will help you to respond safely and effectively to emergency situations,
Download the Electrical Safety Handbook for Emergency Responders
Stats, Facts and Reports
- Fire Department Resource Document — Download the list available resources on this page
- Ontario Electrical Safety Report — Published by ESA, this report shares the rate of electrical safety incidents in the province
- Product Recalls & Safety Alerts — Notices about unapproved and/or unsafe electrical products in Ontario
- Factsheet: Power Bars and Multi-Plug Devices
- Factsheet: Extension cords, Powerbars and Multi-tap Receptacle Safety
- ESA Warning: TikTok Challenge Poses Serious Electrical Risks
- Aging Utility Meter Assembly (UMA) Research Study (2018) — Overview of ESA research study determining the safety risk of A Base UMAs with a S Adaptor
- Storm Safety — How to stay safe during stormy weather and avoid electrical hazards
Follow ESA on Twitter and Facebook to get the most up-to-date public information and safety tips.