UBC Safe Vancouver app
Understanding your safety role at UBC
The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
Occupational Hygiene
Research Safety
General Lab Health & Safety
Safety & Advisory Committees
Advisory Committees
Safety Committees
Safety Programs
Student Safety
Co-Op Student Safety
Graduate Student Safety
Practicum/Clinical Placement Student Safety
Undergraduate Student Safety

Electrical Safety

Menu

Electrical Safety

Reduce your risk of a fire, shock, or injury
Reporting an electrical incident
Additional Resources

 

 

We rely on electricity, but sometimes we underestimate its capability of causing injury. The voltage of the electricity and the available electrical current in regular homes, offices, and workplaces have enough power to be a dangerous hazard.

All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. Electrical equipment has the ability to cause fires, electrical shock, skin burns and tissue damage, and disruptions to heart & breathing patterns, which can lead to serious injuries, death and/or major structural damage.

Reduce your risk of a fire, shock, or injury

The following tips are designed to keep you safe and remind you of the steps you should take in order to work with and handle electrical equipment safely.

Purchasing equipment

  • Only purchase equipment/appliances that are certified by a qualified testing laboratory (e.g. CSA, ULC, ETL, etc.).
    Canadian Standards Association certification mark
    Intertek certification mark for Canada
    LabTest Certification Inc. certification mark for Canada
    Underwriters Laboratories certification mark for Canada
    TÜV Rheinland of North America, Inc. certification mark for Canada
    TÜV SÜD America Inc. Product and Service Division certification mark for Canada and US
  • To ensure your equipment has the approved certification marks for electrical products, visit the Technical Safety BC.

Plugging and unplugging appliances/devices

  • Only plug-in one heat-producing appliance (e.g., a coffee maker, kettle, space heater or microwave) directly into a wall outlet at a time.
  • Do not use power bars or extension cords for heat-producing or major equipment/appliances. Unplug unused devices to prevent phantom power loss and reduce equipment wear. Unplug electrical equipment before servicing.

Electrical outlets

  • Not all electrical outlets have a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed. Ensure that electrical sockets and circuits near water have a GFCI. GFCIs are most often found in kitchens, bath, and laundry rooms. Contact UBC Facilities for more information.

Using space heaters

  • Make sure space heaters are never left unattended and are kept well away from soft furnishings, curtains and other flammable materials. Make sure the heater is clean and dust free, and that the heater’s cord is not damaged. Learn more about plugging in a space heater on campus.

Charging devices

  • Supervisors and Administrative Heads of Unit are responsible for making sure that any personally owned charging devices and batteries brought into UBC buildings meet the requirements outlined in the Purchasing Equipment section (above), and that they are kept in good, safe working condition.
  • Never leave charging devices unattended for extended periods. For devices that use lithium-ion batteries, unplug them as soon as they reach a full charge to prevent “thermal runaway.” This dangerous condition occurs when the battery overheats uncontrollably, potentially leading to high temperatures, cell venting, smoke, or even fire (common in devices like e-scooters and e-bikes).
  • Always unplug chargers when leaving home or the workplace, or if you’ll be away for a significant period.
  • Do not attempt to charge or use damaged or malfunctioning batteries. If a battery is damaged, store it safely and securely outside. Visit the UBC Sustainability search engine (Type key words: “Batteries (Damaged, Defective, or Recalled”) for disposal.
  • Charge devices in dry areas, away from moisture, trash, cardboard, and other flammable materials. Keep an appropriately rated fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
  • If you notice any signs of trouble—such as a leaking battery, excessive heat, deformation, or a strong odor—immediately unplug the device (if safe to do so) and contact your local fire department or call 911 in case of emergency.
  • In-building storage rooms intended for charging multiple e-bikes and e-scooters must be approved by UBC Facilities. Please contact the UBC Service Centre for approval.

Extension cords and power bars

  • Extension cords should only be used temporarily. Stress on extension cords (walking on, hanging, pinching) can lead to damage. Inspect regularly for damage.
  • Use surge protectors on power bars to prevent damage to equipment due to high or low voltage situations. Surge protector will help prevent damage to electronic equipment from voltage spikes or variation in current of frequency.
  • Power bars with switches can offer protection to surges and be used to turn off equipment in groups.
  • Replace extension cords and power bars if worn, old, or damaged.
  • Avoid placing extension cords and power bars where they can be easily damaged, pinched, or stepped on.

 

For information on the removal of hazardous energy, visit the de-energization and lockout page
^ Back to Top

Reporting an electrical incident

Contact the UBC Facilities Service Centre at 604-822-2173 if you observe any of the following:

  • Flickering light bulbs or lights that dim when you use certain appliances.
  • Light switches or outlets that are hot to the touch.
  • Outlets that spark when you plug something in.
  • Outlets or electrical wires that create any sound or heat.
  • Circuit breakers that trip constantly.
  • Any other electrical safety concerns.

Additional Resources

For more information on electrical safety, visit the links below:

^ Back to Top