Safety Office, Commissary Building
University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Phone 519 888 4567 Ext. 33587
Fax 519 886 8082
Email: safety@uwaterloo.ca
Electrical hazards exist in every workplace. It is important that all work is conducted with electrical safety in mind and that equipment adheres to electrical codes.
Review the Electrical Safety Certification section below before purchasing electrical devices.
Training
All University of Waterloo employees are encouraged to take the Electrical Awareness (SO2033) training module.
Electrical safety certification
Every piece of electrical equipment that is sold, displayed, or connected to a power source in Ontario must have a valid Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) certification or field inspection marking. Download Ontario’s Electrical Product Approval Requirements (information card) to view a list of accepted ESA certification markings.
Requestors should ensure that equipment being purchased bears a valid certification marking. If equipment is brought to the University of Waterloo without a certification marking or field evaluation label, an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority or equivalent approved organization must be completed before the equipment is used. Plant Operations personnel will not connect any uncertified equipment.
When purchasing unapproved new equipment, field evaluation can be arranged by Procurement & Contract Services department. Additional funds will be required to pay for the cost of the inspection, and, to remedy any deficiencies found during inspection.
If equipment is imported to the University of Waterloo without accreditation, an inspection by the electrical safety authority or equivalent approved organization must be completed before the equipment is used. Plant Operations personnel will not connect any uncertified equipment. When purchasing unapproved new equipment, accreditation is arranged by Procurement & Contract Services department.
Request for electrical product approval by contacting:
Electrical Safety Authority
Electrical Product Approval
Phone: 1-800-559-5356
Fax: 1-800-559-5358
Email: field.evaluation@electricalsafety.on.ca
Further information available from Safety Office at ext. 33587.
Additional resources and information
University of Waterloo safety programs
Other information
CCOHS – Young Workers Zone physical hazards – electrical