Farm Workers Be Aware of Overhead Power Lines

Planting season will soon be underway, bringing with it long hours for farm workers in the fields. Before planting gets underway, OEC urges farm workers to evaluate their farm activities and work practices that take place around power lines.
Start by making sure everyone knows to maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance from the lines.
“Many farm electrical accidents that involve power line contact happen when loading or preparing to transport equipment to fields, or while performing maintenance or repairs on farm machinery near power lines,” says Kent Lyng, Vice President of Engineering. “It can be difficult to estimate distance and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks. A spotter or someone with a broader view can help, and keep in mind the minimum 10 foot distance is a 360-degree rule – below, to the side and above lines.  It may take a little more time, but ensuring proper clearance can save lives.”
Today’s larger farms require transporting tractors and equipment to fields several miles away. Before transit, avoid raising the arms of planters, cultivators or truck beds near power lines. Also, many tractors are now equipped with radios and communications systems that have antennas extending from the cab to fifteen feet above the ground.  When near power lines, these antennas are hazardous. 
        Some other equipment safety considerations.
1 Always lower portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level – under 14 feet- before moving or transporting; use care when raising them.
2 When moving large equipment or high loads near a power line, always use a spotter to help make certain that contact is not made with a line.
3 Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path!
4 Assume every power line is energized, even if it is a downed power line.
5 Always use the transfer switch whenever using your standby generator for emergency power.
6 Make sure there is ample clearance (at least 10 feet) for farm equipment to be moved.
7 When moving irrigation equipment, be extremely cautious. Long metal irrigation pipes are excellent conductors of electricity.
The overhead electric wires aren’t the only electrical contact that can result in a serious incident. Pole guy wires are grounded to the neutral; however, when one of the guy wires is broken, it can cause an electric current disruption and become very hazardous.  It is important to be alert at all times. If you hit a guy wire and break it, call the utility to fix it. Don’t do it yourself. When dealing with electrical poles and wires, always call the electric utility.
“It’s also important for operators of farm equipment or vehicles to know what to do if the vehicle comes in contact with a power line,” Lyng says. “It’s almost always best to stay in the cab and call for help. Warn others who may be nearby to stay away and wait until the electric utility arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off.”
“If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path to the ground and electrocution is the result,” says Lyng.  “Even if a power line has landed on the ground, there is still the potential for the area nearby to be energized. Stay inside the vehicle unless there’s fire or imminent risk of fire.”