Farm
Electrical Safety Is Never Out Of Season
The risk of electrocution remains one of the greatest hazards on today’s farms. Before heading back into the fields this spring, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and Safe Electricity remind farm workers to be particularly alert to dangers working near overhead power lines, and urges review of farm activities and work practices that take place around all electric lines.
Educate all who work on the farm about power line hazards. Make sure everyone knows the location of overhead power lines and remind workers to keep farm equipment at least 10 feet away from them.
If digging or excavating need to be done, to avoid costly damages or even loss of life, SVEC urges you to call the Cooperative at least three (3) working days before you plan to dig. For information about SVEC underground lines, call the Engineering Department at (423) 837-8605, your district office, or TN ONE CALL at 1-800-351-1111 before you dig.
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.”
Simply coming too close to a power line while working is dangerous as electricity can arc or “jump” to conducting material or objects, such as a ladder, pole or a truck.
Many farm electrical accidents involving power lines occur when loading or preparing to transport equipment to fields, or while working on farm machinery near power lines. Sometimes a power line is closer than it looks. When moving large equipment or high loads near a power line, always use a spotter to help ensure that contact is not made with a line.
Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting tractors on trailer beds. Also avoid raising the arms of planters, cultivators or truck beds near power lines. Be aware that many tractors are now equipped with radios and communications systems that have antennas extending from the cab to fifteen feet above the ground that could make contact with power lines. And of course, NEVER attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path
When performing other farm chores, as in any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equipment such as ladders, poles or rods into power lines. Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness and dust and dirt contamination. Do not try to clear storm-damage debris and limbs near or touching power lines or near fallen lines.
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; but, when one of the guy wires is broken, it can cause an electric current disruption. This can make those neutral wires anything but harmless. If you hit a guy wire and break it, call SVEC to fix it. Don't do it yourself. When dealing with electrical poles and wires, always call the electric utility.
Operators of farm machinery or moving equipment also should know what to do if the vehicle comes in contact with a power line. 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. 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.
In that case, the proper action is to jump – not step – with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Do not allow any part of your body to touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Continue to shuffle or hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.
Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Many electrocutions occur when the operator dismounts and, realizing nothing has happened, tries to get back on the equipment.
Farmers may want to consider moving or burying power lines around buildings or busy pathways where many farm activities take place. If planning a new out building or farm structure, contact your power supplier for information on minimum safe clearances from overhead and underground power lines.
Safe Electricity is an electrical safety public awareness program created and supported by a coalition of several dozen organizations, including electric cooperatives, educators and other entities committed to promoting electrical safety.