FS Construction Services farm safety power lines

5 Tips for Staying Safe Around Power Lines this Harvest

While this year has certainly been a year unlike any other, the realities of the ebb and flow of time haven’t changed a bit. After spring came summer, after summer came fall, and harvest, as it always does, has arrived. While many of us have had to take a number of extra precautions in our everyday lives this year, the high level of caution needed during harvest has remained the same. And while there are many safety tips and practices to bear in mind, we here at FS Construction Services wanted to take a little time to talk specifically about staying safe around power lines.

Stay Safe this Fall Around Power Lines

There’s no way around it, as a farmer, at some point in time you’ll be working around electrical equipment. Often, you’ll be working around electrical equipment in large, tall machines. We have compiled some information from Safe Electricity to have on hand as a reminder this year.

  1. Know when you’ll be working areas near power lines. Have a plan to keep everyone safe.
  2. Use a spotter to help keep you at least 10 ft. away from power lines in all directions.
  3. Be careful when raising augers. Use a spotter if necessary. When not in use, lower equipment extensions as low as they can go.
  4. This may be obvious, but never attempt to move a power line, even if it’s in your way.
  5. If any equipment you are on comes in contact with a power line, don’t leave the equipment. Call professionals to come and safely de-energize the line. If the equipment is on fire, jump as far away from the line as you can, with both feet together, to keep a current from flowing through your body.

There is, of course, much more that could be said, but hopefully none of this information is new to you and is simply a reminder. We wish you a safe and successful harvest this year. If you have any questions about grain systems, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.