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Author: Indiana Electric Cooperatives

Indiana’s Electric Cooperatives Remind Farmers to Consider Power Line Safety During Harvest Season

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News.

As harvest season ramps up in Indiana, farmers and their crews are busy moving equipment to and from the fields. This increased activity, however, raises the risk of accidents, especially involving electricity.

Combines and grain augers are large pieces of equipment. People assume that everything will fit under the power lines, but that isn’t always the case. The biggest cause of electrocutions on farms is equipment accidentally touching power lines.

Here are some tips for farmers to protect themselves and their workers:

  • Observe your surroundings. Always check above and around before moving or raising equipment. Remember, power lines can sag, especially in hot weather. Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet from all power lines and poles.
  • Never try to raise power lines to allow tall equipment to pass through. Even non-metallic objects like wood poles or branches can conduct electricity.
  • Measure the height of power lines and machinery. Know the distance between the ground and the power lines, as well as between the equipment, to avoid contact with one another.
  • Be cautious around power poles. Striking a pole can cause it to break, dropping live wires onto your equipment.
  • Lower the equipment properly. Ensure that equipment such as grain augers and other portable equipment is fully lowered before transport.
  • Use a spotter. When navigating near power lines, having a spotter can enhance safety by providing an extra set of eyes.
  • Plan your route. Stay informed about where power lines and power poles are on the property. If there’s any doubt the equipment will not fit under a power line, opt for an alternative route.
  • Stay put in emergencies. If you’re in equipment that touches power lines, assume the equipment and ground are energized. Stay in the cab and call for help. Tell others to stay away and do not let anyone touch the equipment. In the rare case of a fire and an emergency exit is necessary, jump clear without touching the ground and the equipment simultaneously, and land with your feet together. Then, shuffle with both feet together for at least 30 feet to avoid electrical shock.

Working the land has enough hazards in the work itself. With care and planning, moving to and from the fields shouldn’t be one of them.

Why Every Outdoor Project Should Begin with Safety

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News.

Outdoor projects such as landscaping, fence installation, tree planting, and mailbox replacement can improve your property. They can also create serious safety risks if utility lines are not properly identified first. Before starting any project that involves digging, homeowners should think about utility safety both below and above ground.

Before starting any digging project, homeowners should contact Indiana 811 online or by dialing 811 to have public underground utility lines marked. Underground utility lines may be closer to the surface than expected, making it important to locate them before digging begins.

Striking an underground utility line can cause injuries, outages, expensive repairs, or service disruptions for your neighborhood.

Indiana law requires contacting Indiana 811 at least two full working days before excavation begins, excluding weekends and holidays. After a request is submitted, utility operators will mark the approximate location of underground lines using paint or flags.

Indiana 811 marks public utility lines leading to the utility meter. Private utility lines, such as those connected to outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, detached garages, or fire pits, may not be marked and could require a private locator.

Homeowners should also look above ground before beginning outdoor projects. Ladders, long-handled tools, tree limbs, and other materials can come dangerously close to overhead power lines.

Trees and landscaping should never be planted too close to overhead power lines or utility poles. Trees growing into power lines are one of the leading causes of outages during storms and high winds. Branches contacting power lines can interrupt electric service and create dangerous conditions.

When planning landscaping projects, homeowners should also keep pad-mounted transformers and other utility equipment clear and accessible for utility crews. Shrubs, fencing, mulch, and decorative landscaping should not block access to electrical equipment.

Taking a few extra steps before starting a project can help protect your family, property, and electric service.

Source: Indiana 811

How to Stay Safe Around Water and Electricity This Summer

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News.

Summer means more time at pools, lakes, and rivers, but with that comes a risk many people don’t think about — electricity around water. Whether at home or on a boat, electrical safety should always be part of your plans.

Pools and spas

Electrical devices should never be near pools. Keep fans, speakers, and other appliances away from the water. Use battery-powered or waterproof equipment instead.

If someone feels a stinging or tingling sensation in the water, it may indicate electricity is present. Do not enter the pool to help. Instead, shut off the power and use a non-metal shepherd’s hook to pull the person to safety.

Before using long-handled pool equipment, always check for nearby power lines. Pools and hot tubs should be at least 25 feet away from overhead lines.

Lakes and rivers

Avoid using extension cords near the shoreline or docks. Never swim near boats connected to shore power or near docks with electrical services. Faulty wiring can leak electricity into the water, causing paralysis and drowning.

If you notice tingling while swimming, exit the water quickly but do not touch ladders or other metal objects. If someone is shocked in the water, do not jump in after them. Turn off the power source and use an insulated object to assist from land. Call 911 immediately.

Boating safety

Boaters should always know where power lines are located. Use caution when raising masts or fishing poles to avoid accidental contact. When docking, enlist someone to guide the boat and ensure it remains at least 10 feet from power lines.

Boats should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs). Portable GFCIs used near water should be labeled “UL-Marine Listed” and tested monthly.

To ensure safety, have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a certified marine electrician. Wiring should meet local and state codes, and all connections should be secured in a panel box.

Remember

Water and electricity can be a fatal combination. Stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and review them with family and friends before swimming, fishing, or boating.