One more thing to do during harvest time? No thanks.
It’s already busy as tractors are bringing in produce and grain is going into silos.
We, at McLeod Co-op Power, don’t want to add anything else to your never-ending to-do list. Please remember to look up for power lines, to avoid a potentially costly and fatal situation.
“Avoid having more work to do during an already busy time, by taking the time to work safely,” said co-op General Manager Carrie Buckley. “Be aware of your surroundings and remember to look up. Those power lines are energized and bringing electricity to the farm. If you do come into contact with a power line, call 911 right away.”
If you do make contact with a power line:
- Call 911 as soon as possible and keep the area clear until help arrives.
- If you can do so without risking your machinery or damaging utility infrastructure, drive at least 40 feet away.
- If the vehicle is on fire or you must exit for other safety reasons, jump clear so that no part of your body touches the equipment and ground at the same time, and land with feet together. Hop to safety in small steps to avoid an electric shock by breaking the current’s path.
Other tips for operating farm equipment around power lines include:
- Physical contact with a power line is extremely hazardous and may cause a lethal shock. Equipment should not be operated under a power line in a manner that would cause contact or near-contact with the wires.
- Do not lift, elevate, build or pass under a power line any object, tool or vehicle that may make contact or near-contact with the wires.
- To help prevent arc flashing, it is recommended that equipment, antennas, and people stay at least 15 feet away from any energized power line wire.
- Equipment that can be extended, such as a stack mower or grain elevator, requires the utmost care when in the vicinity of a power line.
Have more questions about safety around power lines?
Download this pdf from Great River Energy for more information.