Farmers are being urged to be extra careful when working near overhead power lines.
Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD) is asking farmers to make sure that everyone who is working on their land, including independent contractors, are aware of the power lines which carry electricity overhead, and to take precautions during this busy period so their equipment does not come into contact with our electricity network.
In the first six months of 2016 there have been a number of high voltage and low voltage incidents in our network area involving accidental contact by agricultural plant and equipment.
Dale Cargill, Director of Customer Operations for SSEPD, said: “The use of agricultural machinery and equipment, such as combine harvesters, tipping trailers and booms, combined with activities like stacking can often bring farmers and agricultural contractors close to power lines. They should also be aware of any underground cables to make sure they do not cut through them by accident.”
“What many people don’t realise is electricity can jump through the air, so it is crucial that anyone operating agricultural machinery is aware of the optimum height their equipment can operate at and they are aware of the power lines near them while working on and travelling between fields.”
SSEPD recommends that if any part of the vehicle touches an overhead line, people should not get out of the cab. Once outside they no longer have the protective shield of the machine around them. The best advice is to phone SSEPD’s emergency telephone line on 0800 300 999 from the cab and you will be put through to its control room. The team will then advise people what to do, while making the wires safe for people to get out of the vehicle.
Allan Bowie, NFU Scotland’s President, commented: “This can be a busy time of year for farmers and crofters, but it is imperative that they continue to put their safety and that of those working around first. With Farm Safety Week taking place from 4 to 8 July, we encourage farmers and those right across the agricultural industry to ensure they take the relevant precautions to avoid injury.
“This can be simply getting out of a tractor the right way, securing a ladder correctly, or carrying out a risk assessment of the surroundings, for example if they are undertaking irrigation work around electricity lines. Simple precautions could prevent injury and save lives.”
There are more details on farm safety can be found on our website https://www.ssepd.co.uk/