Nebraska Public Power District is urging farmers to ‘look up and look out’ for overhead transmission lines following two recent incidents. Both incidents involved boom sprayers coming into contact with overhead transmission lines, and creating power outages in several communities.
“We want to remind farmers to ‘look up and look out’ when entering and leaving fields,” said Tom Kent, transmission and distribution manager for NPPD. “We have had two recent incidents where the boom sprayers were raised, and came into contact with overhead transmission lines. Fortunately, no one was electrocuted or shocked in either incident, but unfortunately several communities – including residents and businesses – were left without power for a period of time.”
Kent urges farmers to be aware of their proximity to the lines and what they can do to protect themselves in the event equipment makes contact with power lines.
Kent explained that every effort should be made to avoid having farm equipment come into contact with power lines and ensure that there is plenty of clearance. “Farm equipment should maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance from lines because electricity can arc through the air between the line and grounded equipment,” said Kent. He also explained that rubber tires should not be counted on as an insulator from electricity since many contain steel belts that conduct electricity.
Some safety tips for farming operations include:
Move irrigation pipe, augers, and other farm equipment with extreme caution. Aluminum irrigation pipe is light, easy to carry and conducts electricity. It is difficult to control when the wind catches it. Instead of fighting the wind, drop the pipe if there are power lines nearby. Lower equipment before pulling it under power lines and make sure that truck beds are completely lowered.
If your machinery or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, stay inside your vehicle and wait for utility personnel to de-energize the line. Warn others to stay away. If there is danger of fire, jump clear. Be careful not to touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Land with your feet close together. Keeping your feet together, shuffle or hop away until clear of danger. Electricity can spread out through the ground in a concentric circle from the area of the downed line.
Exercise caution after a storm; stay clear of downed power lines. Report outages to your local power supplier as soon as possible.
Always have an emergency plan in place. Teach all family members what to do in case of an emergency. Don’t touch or move anyone who is in contact with electricity. You could be shocked. When calling 911 or your local emergency number, be sure to report an electric-contact accident.
Category: News
