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Safety Corner
(Farm News - September 2009)
Working Safely Around Overhead Lines
When working with tall farm equipment, it's always important to be aware of the location of overhead electric lines. Coming in contact with overhead lines can cause injury and in some cases death.
Some types of equipment that are of particular concern are:
- Grain augers
- Hay stackers
- Pickers
- Fold-up cultivators
- Front-end loaders
- CB antennas on tractors and combines
It is very important to know the clearance height of all farm equipment.
Some tips to help keep you safe:
- Lower all equipment before passing near or beneath power lines.
- Have a person spot for you when moving equipment.
- Never attempt to raise or move a power line.
- Avoid guy wires. Running into these weakens the support for power lines.
- Show workers and family members potential danger areas. Point out guy lines and overhead lines and be sure they all know how to shut off power at the electrical panels.
