NIE Networks urges vigilance around power lines at silage

It might sound like an obvious message for the silage season, but it is one which is hugely important.

In the rush to keep up with the harvester, to avoid a backlog of trailers at the clamp or to beat an incoming shower, it’s easy to forget to watch out for overhead electricity lines, whether in the field or in the farm yard.

Tipping trailers at the clamp are one of the biggest risks, with under-pressure drivers tempted to begin driving back to the field before the trailer has been fully lowered running the risk of catching overhead lines. Loading shovels or telescopics, buckraking at the clamp or loading round bales in the field, are also at risk, while the ever increasing size – and particularly height - of trailers and harvesters means clearance under overhead lines or around pylons has reduced sharply.

The consequences of machinery catching overhead electricity lines are severe. The huge voltages carried by lines can be life threatening to drivers and anyone coming to their aid, so it is extremely important that farmers do everything to avoid any such accidents.

Firstly, identify any overhead power lines on your farm or any land or building you might be farming which may be a risk and map them.

Secondly, make sure anyone operating machinery on the farm - family members, employees and particularly contractors - know exactly where those lines are and how much distance needs to be left between machinery and lines.

The Health and Safety Executive guidance ‘Avoiding danger from overhead power lines’, provides information for anyone working below overhead lines and NIE Networks can help provide details if in any doubt.

Thirdly, consider using a banksman to direct traffic in farmyards during busy times such as silage harvest where trailers will be tipping. It may seem like an additional labour cost but will be well worth it if an accident can be avoided.

Such caution is also essential outside harvest, and when working near underground electricity cables.

Bigger modern ploughs, harrows, mole ploughs and other equipment have the ability to work at deeper depths and run the risk of finding high voltage electricity cables, putting drivers and others in danger.

Again, it is essential that all underground cables are accurately traced across the farm to avoid coming into contact with them when digging drainage ditches or working the land.

In the case of both overhead lines and underground cables, it is critical for every farm and everyone who comes to work on the farm, to know what electricity equipment is present on site and understand what action is needed to avoid it.

It is important to be vigilant at all times. Make sure to look up and look out when operating machinery.

If contact is made with overhead lines when you’re in a vehicle, stay in the cab and call for help. If it is not safe to stay in the vehicle, jump clear of the machine as far as possible with both feet together and do not return to the vehicle. Make sure to keep the area clear. If there has been an accident involving electricity equipment you should inform NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.

For more information on farm safety visit www.nienetworks.co.uk/safety