Farming safety

Before you cut that hedgerow, trim those trees, spread slurry or cut silage, be aware of electricity poles and power lines.

• Avoid operating plant or using equipment where any part is likely to approach close to, or touch, overhead power lines.
• Be particularly careful when moving plant or equipment from one place to another, especially with tall machines or those with long booms.
• If you have contractors working around your farm, remember to point out the location of poles, overhead lines and underground cables so they can work safely.
• Make sure that when handling or using platforms, scaffold poles, piping, ladders, tools etc, they are kept at a safe distance from overhead lines.
• Do not steady a suspended load, skip, hoist wire, sling etc. unless satisfied that there is no danger from overhead lines.
• Stay wires are attached to some poles to provide stability for the overhead power lines - check if there are any in the vicinity of your work. If you do damage a staywire, contact Electricity North West immediately on 0800 195 4141.
• Remember that when mobile plant such as a crane or excavator is operating near overhead lines, the raising or slewing of the jib may introduce danger. Never operate a machine unless carefully guided by an experienced banksman or slinger.
• Never ride on top of vehicles or loads.
• Never approach or touch any broken or fallen conductors or any plant in contact with an overhead line before Electricity North West confirms that conditions are safe.
• If a machine in contact with an overhead line cannot be disentangled by backing off, remain seated in the cab and warn others to keep clear of the machine until the electricity company confirms that conditions are safe. If it is essential to leave the machine while it is in contact with the overhead line, for example if it catches fire, jump clear - do not attempt to climb down in the normal way and do not touch any part of the machine when on the ground.

Click here to watch the Health and Safety Executive's video case study of an electrical accident.

Slurry Spreading

Liquid slurry can conduct electric currents and therefore spraying devices could become live if the jets were to come in contact with overhead lines. If a jet from a slurry tanker makes contact with electrical equipment, there is a risk that vehicle will become 'live' and electricity will pass through the body of anyone in contact with the machine. All forms of liquid manure, particularly when sprayed from tankers, should be kept well clear of electrical plant and all types of overhead lines.

Polytunnels

In recent years there has been increased use of polytunnels in agriculture. There have been a number of incidents including fatalities to people who come into contact with overhead lines whilst moving, erecting or dismantling polytunnels. The support posts, hoops and sheeting can all present a hazard if there are overhead lines in the vicinity and more so in high winds.

Download the AFAG804 Electricity at Work Forestry and Arboriculture leaflets free of charge.

Click here for an Energy Networks Association safety information leaflet for agriculture.