FEBRUARY 2019 THE RIDER /37 Properly functioning block heaters prevent fires


By Jeanine Moyer Fire prevention is top


of mind for every farm owner, especially during the winter months with the increased use of portable heaters, extension cords and block heaters in trac- tors. Here’s some advice from Jim Zyta, Vice Presi- dent Loss Prevention, Heartland Farm Mutual and member of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Reducing the Risk of Barn Fires Advi- sory Panel on fire preven- tion, risk reduction and proper use of block heaters and extension cords to keep your barn fire safe this win- ter.


and electrical connections are an important step to ensure the safety of your barn and horses. But fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” reminds Zyta.


This article was produced as


part of the Farm & Food Care Ontario: Livestock Emergency


Preparedness Project and the Re- ducing the Risk of Barn Fires Ad- visory Panel (2016). A group of concerned Ontario Farm Com- modity Groups, Fire Prevention Officers, Electrical Safety Pro- fessionals and Government of Ontario staff. This project was funded in


part through the Canadian Agri- cultural Partnership (the Partner- ship),


a


federal-provincial-territorial ini- tiative. The Agricultural Adapta- tion Council assists in the delivery of the Partnership in On- tario.


Poor electrical connections can melt or damage plugs, extension cords or even block heaters. Regularly inspect connections and equipment to reduce the risk of electrical fires.


“I’ve inspected all kinds of horse barns and equine facilities over the years, and prevention is


to burn, even if all connections are in good working condition. Always use an appropriate length cord when connecting to a block heater and do not leave extra cord length coiled up.


the best defense against the risk of fire,” says Zyta. “Tractors and motorized equipment used and stored inside farm buildings are a significant risk, especially during the winter months when blocker heaters and additional extension cords are used.” Zyta explains that even properly functioning


block heaters can cause a fire if they are plugged into a cord with a poor connection. Poor connec- tions can include poor receptacles, plug ends and wiring, old or worn cords and the use of light duty or damaged extension cords. “It’s often assumed that a standard circuit breaker would just trip if there is a short in an extension cord, block heater cord or the block heater itself,” says Zyta. “But that’s not likely to happen.” Faulty equipment stored or parked in barns


and sheds is another leading cause of fire. Zyta cites mechanical failure or malfunctioning block heaters, electrical failure or damage to the exten- sion cord and electrical failure at the extension cord connection and bock heater plug as the top causes of fire-causing faulty equipment. [subhead] Reduce the risk of fire on your farm with block heater ‘do’ and ‘don’t’ tips Do • Closely examine the condition of the block heater plug and lead connection. Check for cracked or ex- posed wiring. • Make sure all motorized equipment is parked in a safe area away from combustible materials, es- pecially underneath the machine. • Install battery cut-off switches to de-energize equipment when not in use. This reduces the chances of an electrical fire. • Consider replacing standard electrical breakers on key circuits, with an “Arc Fault Breaker or Arc Fault Receptacle”, which will trip when dangerous electrical arcing is detected from a damaged exten- sion cord, plug or loose connection. • Install 15/20 amp arc fault device on 15/20 amp circuits to protect the electrical extension cords and block heaters. • Regularly inspect your extension cords and scrap those that are light duty or damaged. Most off the shelf extension cords are 16 gauge and should not


Coiled extension cords can generate enough heat


be used on a farm. • New 14 gauge and 12 gauge with heavier insula- tion are now more available at local retail- ers. • Regularly inspect and replace all dam- aged extension cords. • Inspect barn receptacles for evidence of corrosion or deterioration. • Consult a licensed electrician on any electrical changes. Don’t • Avoid the use of power bars with exten- sion cords to power multiple devices • Never use old, damaged, light gauge, or multiple extension cords – they can be an ignition source. • Never use an extension cord longer than required. A coiled extension cord plugged in and powering a block heater cannot dis- perse heat which can create extreme tem- peratures and become an ignition source. • Never use an extension cord buried under debris. • Never plug in a block heater in an area where combustible materials like dust, liq- uids or straw, are near or underneath the tractor.


More information on barn fire prevention For more information on reducing the risk of


found


barn fires, visit ontario.ca/omafra. This site in- cludes Publication 837, Reducing the Risk of Fire on Your Farm and a new resource outlining the top 10 best management practices to reduce fire risk, 10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Barn Fire. Additional equine fire safety resources can be on Equine Guelph’s website,


equineguelph.ca/Tools/fireprevention. “Properly functioning block heaters, cords


1-877-TRYAVIA (519) 264-2354


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