Farm Safety
Too easy to be lax around electricity
Many hazards farmers deal with are routine, everyday exposures. As a result, the danger can be perceived as less than it really is.
hile most of us keep our distance from transformers and equipment that requires large amounts of electricity,there are items that often are overlooked and can cause problems. They include: ELECTRICALPANELS
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Many newer electrical installations use breakers, but many older panels use fuses.
Always use the proper-sized fuses or breakers in the boxes. Use of the proper size will prevent overheating of the wire from excess current. If a fuse is repeatedly blown, or a breaker is repeatedly tripped, find the cause. All panels should lock, and fuse boxes should be locked in the “off” position. This will prevent turning on the power while you are working on equipment or wiring.
Periodically check the panel and boxes for spider webs and mouse and insect nests, particularly the older installations that may not be sealed properly. Cleaning around the panels may seem useless but can help to prevent overheating. OUTLETS
It is preferable that all outlets be of the three-prong grounded type. Many older outlets have only two slots, which will need an adapter for three-prong tools. Also, if old enough, the slots can be the same size rather than one slot being longer. Consideration should be given to replacing outlets that will not accept three-prong adapters. Upgrading outlets to the grounded type will provide the most protection.
In areas that tend to remain wet, a ground fault circuit interrupter is
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necessary. These devices can interrupt a power surge in as little as 25/1,000 of a second. Adapters to plug into three-prong outlets are available, in order to provide protection at the outlet. In addition, ground fault circuit interrupter breakers are available to protect a whole circuit. EXTENSIONCORDS
Many times an extension cord being used “temporarily” can become “permanent”. If a piece of equipment is going to stay in one place for any length of time, it should have a properly grounded outlet. Extension cords can be damaged from being walked on and by heavy items being dropped on them. Another misuse of an extension cord occurs when it does not contain wire long enough for the tool being used. Even if used only for a short period of time, a wire used with a tool that is too large for its capacity could cause heat to build up and damage the insulation on the wires. This damage could remain unseen for a long time, thus giving rise to a potentially hazardous situation.
OUTSIDEHAZARDS
Make sure outside electric lines are high enough to allow machinery to pass safely underneath.
Periodically check the grounding rods and wires around buildings and power poles. These rods and wires can become damaged and broken. If damaged, the overall system will not provide adequate grounding protection. Since electricity follows the easiest path to ground, these grounding rods and wires are the major source of providing that easy path. These recommendations are only a few of those that relate to electricity and its safe use. For specific questions related to your operation, your electrical provider is the best source for answers.
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