Farmers are routinely subjected to all kinds of danger, including danger involving electricity. There are approximately 60 farm workers who are electrocuted every year. Fortunately, there are some simple safety tips you can follow to protect yourself and your farm. Learn about them below.
Look out for power lines when using heavy equipment.
Are there power lines running close to your farm? If so, it’s imperative for you to be careful when operating heavy equipment around them. There are many pieces of equipment, including dump trucks and grain augers, that can get tangled up in power lines and cause serious injuries or even death.
Avoid placing grain bins too close to power lines.
If you have power lines near your farm and you’re looking to install a grain bin somewhere on it, you should place the grain bin far from the lines. Most states require farmers to make sure power lines are about 20 feet above the tallest point of a grain bin. But if possible, you should steer clear of putting a grain bin near power lines at all.
Make sure electric fences are serviced regularly.
Many farms are equipped with electric fences that are used to keep animals contained. While these fences can come in handy, they can also pose a threat to farm workers and the animals themselves if they’re not operating properly. You should have electric fences inspected and serviced on a regular basis to make sure you don’t have an unsafe current running through them.
Work with licensed electricians whenever you do electrical work.
Whether you’re installing an electric fence or adding electrical outlets to a barn, you should always, always, always work with a licensed electrician while doing it. They will take the necessary steps to help you avoid an accident involving electricity.
Could your farm benefit from the services of an agricultural electrician? Always On Electric can send someone to do any electrical work you need done on your farm. Call us at 970-309-2616 today to schedule an appointment.