Month: August 2021

Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety Display Answers
1. Breaker is too large for the circuit.
2. Exposed wire at the base of the breaker.
3. GFCI is placed at the end of the circuit, leaving it unprotected.
4. Connecting wires are exposed.
5. Outlet is broken and exposed on the opposite side.
6. Ground is broken.
7. Wires are exposed.

Electrical Safety Fact Sheet

DESCRIPTION
The objective is to provide basic information regarding electrical safety dealing with the height of overhead powerlines, wiring facilities, and the use of extension cords.

OVERHEAD LINES
Based on the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and the National Electric Code (NEC):

Portable Auger Systems
Overhead lines must be at least 18 feet above the tallest point on the grain bin and the loading side of the grain bin; the post must be a minimum of 38 feet from the bin.

Fixed Grain‐Handling Sytems
Overhead lines must be at least 12.5 feet above the structure’s roof and not easily accessed by people. If the roof is easily accessible, the height of the lines must be at least 18 feet above the highest point.

Roadways for Agricultural Equipment
Overhead lines must be at a minimum of 18.5 feet above the ground. Ensures the tractor or implements do not come in contact with overhead lines.

Rooflines
8‐foot clearance is needed from any roofline that is easily accessible.

WIRING AGRICULTURAL FACILITIES

Non‐metallic Sheathed Cable
“Type NMC” or “UF” cable is recommended for damp environments which can occur in agricultural facilities.

The gauge of cable is determined by the length of run and the power demand of the equipment.

Metal or PVC (plastic) conduit provides extra protection to cables from livestock, rodents, and general wear. PVC is preferred due to its resistance to corrosion and less expensive.

Electrical cables need to be in open areas for inspection, and any switches or other electrical components out of reach of livestock.

Ground‐Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

• GFCI is a circuit breaker designed to prevent shock
  to people or animals in wet or damp conditions.
• Any equipment plugged into a GFCI protected
  receptacle will have ground‐fault protection.
• Do NOT remove the GFCI prong on electrical plugs.

EXTENSION CORD USE CHECKLIST

• Do not use in wet areas.
• Do not try and repair a damaged extension cord.
  Replace the cord.
• Keep cords away from sharp objects, heat, oil,
  and other solvents that could damage the
  insulation.
• Always check extension cords for damage before
  use.
• Do not overload the extension cord.

Ag Injury News Report

7/09/2021: White County man in hospital with life-threatening injuries after crash

7/06/2021: Missouri man killed in head-on crash with farm tractor

7/06/2021: Police: Teen recovering after farm accident

7/04/2021: Rancher pinned under ATV for two days survived on water, beer

6/30/2021: Saint Ansgar man killed in tractor accident

6/30/2021: Man pinned under tractor for half hour, rushed to hospital

Michael Plumblee

Hometown: Aiken, SC

Position: Corn and Soybean Extension Specialist

I am an Assistant Professor in Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University and I am the Corn and Soybean Extension Specialist covering the state of SC. I work with farmers, Extension agents, and other stakeholders on issues related to corn and soybean agronomics, as well as conduct applied research to support and update recommendations on products, new technologies, and production practices. I grew up in Lexington, SC, where I worked around the Agricultural Irrigation Industry with my father. Throughout most of high school and college, I worked on my cousin’s farm in Newberry, SC, where we grew cotton, corn, soybean, wheat, bermudagrass hay, beef cattle, and turkeys. I attended Clemson University and majored in Ag. Mech. Upon graduating from Clemson, I pursued an M.S. at the University of Georgia in Tifton in Agronomy, where I worked with corn and peanut. From there, I went to Mississippi State University and completed my Ph.D. in Agronomy, working in cotton. Since May of 2018, I have been working for Clemson University at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, SC.

How did you hear about the Ag Safety program?
I heard about the Ag Safety program through SC Farm Bureau at the Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting, where Hunter Massey at Clemson University shared his involvement with developing programs and demonstrations about agricultural safety.

How often do you run across the topic of agricultural safety in your position?
I do not come across agricultural safety very much in my position. With pesticide applicators, safety is emphasized with applicator training, but that is about it. I do not hear or see much about machinery safety at all. Fortunately, over the last several years, the equipment has become somewhat safer to be around with safety switches, shields, etc. however, there is still a lot of older equipment being used in the state of SC.

Why is safety necessary?
Safety is necessary because that will ultimately lead to the longevity of agriculture. If we have a dangerous career, it will likely discourage others from pursuing jobs, it will increase regulation on machinery manufacturing and chemical/pesticide use and handling, and be an overall bad thing for agriculture in general. Consumers seem to want to buy products that were grown in good conditions, which also applies to safe work environments.

What do you think is the best way to teach agricultural safety?
I think the best way to teach agricultural safety is in person demonstrations of what can happen to you in specific scenarios and visually showing people the end results of accidents. Once you have seen the result of an accident, it is something that you will not forget.

How do you handle a safety concern among your employees?
I hold one on one safety training with my employees at the beginning of the employment to discuss the dangers of specific equipment and products that they may encounter while on the job. I am very upfront with them that something can happen very quickly and that you must always be alert and aware of your surroundings. More important, if you are unsure of something, always stop and ask for assistance.