Handwells

Salty, slushy water seeps into handwells, comes into contact with corroding wires and releases electricity. ❋ Unknown (2009)

We already knew about the dog that got electrocuted to death at Keele and Annette Streets and other dogs that have been shocked by sidewalk handwells, but now this danger has entered the human world. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Toronto Hydro started inspecting handwells after the first dog died in November, but with the latest incident involving a child, the company is increasing the scope of its operations. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Toronto Hydro President David O'Brien suggests maybe parents should avoid hand wells with children, orders all handwells tested and replaced. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The current handwells, which include a steel plate on the sidewalk and a box that goes underground, were installed about 50 years ago. ❋ Unknown (2009)

"It's time to look at handwells and a reasonable alternative." ❋ Unknown (2009)

Steel handwells seem to have been behind at least one of the dog electrocutions. ❋ Unknown (2009)

A spokesman for the utility confirms they are considering changing the 15,000 metal handwells with ones made from fibreglass. ❋ Unknown (2009)

In the meantime, people should not be afraid to walk on Toronto's sidewalks, but should try to step around any handwells they spot, O'Brien said. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Toronto Hydro spokesperson Karen Evans said the work began at 7 a.m. with hydro mobilizing 600 people to open the 15,000 handwells covered by the plates, inspect them for short circuits and replacing the covers with non-conductive ones. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Evans said Toronto Hydro expects handwells in Toronto's core to be taken care of by the end of February, then plan to branch out across the GTA. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Evans said Hydro is cautioning people to stay away from the handwells, even after the repairs are completed. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Toronto Hydro spokeswoman Karen Evans told the Toronto Sun Friday the utility has committed to changing all 15,000 of its steel under-sidewalk enclosures, or handwells, to ones made with a fiberglass resin, part of an $8.1 million effort to tackle all kinds of stray voltage. ❋ Unknown (2009)