McMaster University's Electrical Safety Program is outlined in RMM #316.

Ontario Regulation 164/99 (O. Reg. 164/99) legislates that, provincially, electrical equipment and sytems must conform to the guidelines established by the Electrical Safety Code. According to O. Reg. 164/99, the Electrical Safety Code is defined by the document C22.1-1998, as developed and released by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and subject to amendments issued by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Implementation of the Code in Ontario is administered by the ESA. The ESA can also be contacted to arrange inspections of electrical equipment for purposes of approval.

According to the ESA's Electrical Safety Code,

all electrical products must be labelled with approved safety markings, notably the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) stamp.

Electrical shock hazards

Severity of electrical shock depends on the amount of current generated, which can heat and burn organic tissue and can disrupt natural nervous system function, potentially causing fatal heart fibrillation. The magnitude of the current in a shock situation depends on the voltage that causes the shock as well as electrical resistance of the item subjected to the shock.

Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) shocks can cause muscles to tense, making it difficult or impossible to move away from the source of the shock. Current as low as 8 mA is sufficient.

Sustained currents of 100 to 300 mA can be sufficient to cause death.

Electrical fire hazards

As in the case of electrical shock, electrical fire hazard stems from the heat generated when current flows through a conductive material.

Circuit components and wiring must be rated to sustain currents greater than those which cause circuit fuses to melt or breakers to trip.

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Sources:
1. O. Reg. 164/99, http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Regs/English/990164_e.htm, October 31, 2005.
2. Electrical Hazards Course Participant's Manual, Version 2, Worker's Health and Safety Centre, 2002.