What Farmers & Workers should know...Around Powerlines
- Look out for downed or damaged powerlines - stay at least 35 feet clear of downed powerlines, and contact your Local Distribution Company.
- Locate and remember where overhead powerlines are when working around the farm.
- Ensure clearances between buildings and powerlines are at least15 feet.
- Check equipment height. Powerlines are 20 feet above the ground. Weather conditions can impact powerlines causing them to sag – will equipment fit?
- Confirm the transfer switch on any standby generation equipment is properly operating.
In the event of a powerline emergency call your Local Distribution Company.
Getting Grounded
- Confirm your farm’s entire electrical system is properly grounded.
- Where Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI – receptacles or breakers) are used – check these monthly to ensure they are in good operating condition.
- Ensure electrical tools have proper grounding protection.
Electrical Service
- Ensure family members and all hired farm workers know where and how to disconnect power in case of an electrical emergency.
- Ensure outlets, switches, and light fixtures subject to weather, dust or damp conditions are water and dust-tight and made of corrosion-resistant materials.
- Conduct regular visual inspections of wiring and extension cords to identify any damage.
- Ensure that panels, circuits and outlets are not overloaded.
- Confirm there is at least 3 feet of clearance in front of all electrical panels.
- Look out for downed or damaged powerlines - stay at least 35 feet clear of downed powerlines, and contact your Local Distribution Company.
- Locate and remember where overhead powerlines are when working around the farm.
- Ensure clearances between buildings and powerlines are at least15 feet.
- Check equipment height. Powerlines are 20 feet above the ground. Weather conditions can impact powerlines causing them to sag – will equipment fit?
- Confirm the transfer switch on any standby generation equipment is properly operating.
In the event of a powerline emergency call your Local Distribution Company.
Getting Grounded
- Confirm your farm’s entire electrical system is properly grounded.
- Where Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI – receptacles or breakers) are used – check these monthly to ensure they are in good operating condition.
- Ensure electrical tools have proper grounding protection.
Electrical Service
- Ensure family members and all hired farm workers know where and how to disconnect power in case of an electrical emergency.
- Ensure outlets, switches, and light fixtures subject to weather, dust or damp conditions are water and dust-tight and made of corrosion-resistant materials.
- Conduct regular visual inspections of wiring and extension cords to identify any damage.
- Ensure that panels, circuits and outlets are not overloaded.
- Confirm there is at least 3 feet of clearance in front of all electrical panels.
Consult a licensed electrical contractor, and/or certified electrician, about any concerns regarding your electrical system.
If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with power lines, do not leave the vehicle unless you are in immediate danger. Touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time could be fatal.Work gloves and rubber boots offer no protection against contact with a power line.You don’t need to contact a power line to be in danger. Electricity can jump or arc from a power line to an object that gets too close. The best insulator is to leave a great deal of space between you and energized power lines. The safest way to move a ladder, pole, pipe or rod from one location to another is to have two people carry it. Carry these horizontally to avoid contact with overhead wires.It is recommended you keep equipment at least 3 metres away from power lines.
If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with power lines, do not leave the vehicle unless you are in immediate danger. Touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time could be fatal.Work gloves and rubber boots offer no protection against contact with a power line.You don’t need to contact a power line to be in danger. Electricity can jump or arc from a power line to an object that gets too close. The best insulator is to leave a great deal of space between you and energized power lines. The safest way to move a ladder, pole, pipe or rod from one location to another is to have two people carry it. Carry these horizontally to avoid contact with overhead wires.It is recommended you keep equipment at least 3 metres away from power lines.
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