As you prepare for planting season, don’t forget to plan for safety. There are many aspects to safety on the farm, but electrical safety is often overlooked. Keep these safety tips in mind as you prepare for planting.
TRAIN OTHERS
Train anyone working on your farm, including family members and seasonal workers, about electrical hazards.
SAFETY FIRST
Have daily meetings to review the day’s work and discuss safety implications. Know and review where the power lines are, the clearance required, and the proper position of extensions as they are transported.
WAIT TO UNFOLD
Remind workers to fold or unfold extensions well into the field, not close to the field’s edge where power lines are typically located.
USE A SPOTTER
When working in the vicinity of power lines, always have a spotter on the ground, who can direct you away from power lines or poles if you are getting too close.
DO NOT EXIT YOUR CAB
If your machine or truck makes contact with a power line, pole, or guy wire, you could become electricity’s path to ground and become electrocuted if you step out of the cab. Stay in the vehicle.
CALL 911
Call 911 to have your electric utility dispatched to de-energize the power source. Only exit the cab if your equipment is on fire. If that happens make a solid jump out, and hop away with feet together, as far as you can.