Safety Around Dams
We operate and manage over 200 dams, spillways, powerhouses and other hydraulic structures on reservoirs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. These areas and structures pose inherent safety hazards, which may not always be obvious to people in the area.
Our hydraulic plants generate the electricity that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians use every minute of every day by using and regulating the flow and levels of water. This means the water in the rivers and reservoirs around our dams and generation plants can rise and fall rapidly, and sometimes without warning.
We take these hazards seriously and follow the measures of the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) Guidelines for Public Safety Around Dams as well as our own guidelines for safety.
As dam owners, we have a responsibility to take necessary measures to ensure public safety and increase awareness of the dangers that come with recreational activities near these structures.
How we keep you safe around our structures
Once we determine a risk area, typical control measures we take include:
- Fencing and vehicle barriers to prevent access to dangerous areas.
- Signage to warn of the hazard and consequence.
- Alarms that sound when spillway gates are opening or closing.
- Camera monitoring.
- Safety booms and buoys in waterways to prevent watercraft from coming too close.
- Procedures that require us to check certain areas before operating equipment.
We also promote public awareness campaigns and issue public advisories when needed.
Learn more about safety around dams and reservoirs.
What you can do to keep safe
It’s important to be aware of the risks that dams and hydraulic structures bring. Whether you’re on the water or on shore, make sure you stay safe by respecting warning signs and other safety features at these sites and by following some simple safety rules.
- Stay clear of generating facilities including dams, powerhouses, power lines and all electrical equipment.
- Obey all warning signs and keep out of fenced, gated, and restricted areas.
- Listen for sirens warning that water levels are suddenly changing.
- Stay outside of public safety booms and buoys.
- Always supervise children and help them to learn how to keep safe.
- Stay on clearly marked designated trails and within observation areas.
- Stay well back from the edge of a waterway where footing may be slippery or the bank unstable.
- During the winter, keep off the ice. Because the currents and water levels are always changing, the ice is unstable and not safe for ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling or walking.