Have a successful planting season rooted in safety A
s farmers make plans to return to their fi elds for spring plan ng,
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Coopera ve and the Safe Electricity program (www.
SafeElectricity.org) urge them to be par cularly alert to the dangers of working near overhead power lines. Opera ng large equipment near these lines is one of the o en overlooked, yet poten ally deadly, hazards of working on a farm.
Start by making sure everyone knows to maintain a 10-foot clearance minimum from power lines. “Some mes a power line is closer than it looks,” says Molly Hall, execu ve director of the Energy Educa on Council’s Safe Electricity program. “Helpful safety steps include using a spo er and designa ng preplanned routes that avoid hazard areas.”
Be aware of increased height when loading and transpor ng tractors on trailer beds. Many tractors now have tall antennas extending from the cab that could make contact with power lines. Avoid raising the arms of planters or cul vators near power lines, and never a empt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.
Simply working too close to a power line is dangerous as electricity can arc or “jump” to conduc ng objects, such as a ladder, pole or truck. Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, res, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust and dirt contamina on.
“If your equipment does come into contact with power lines, stay in the cab and call Northeast Oklahoma Electric Coopera ve for help,” explains Hall. “If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path to the ground. Even if a line has landed on the ground, there is s ll poten al for the area to be energized. Warn others who may be nearby to stay away and wait un l help arrives.”
If exi ng the cab is absolutely necessary because of fi re, the proper ac on is
to jump—not step—with both feet together, hi ng the ground at the same me. Do not allow any part of your body to touch the equipment and the ground at the same me. Hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.
For more ps and informa on on how to stay safe this plan ng season, visit
SafeElectricity.org.
April 2015 - 5
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