Electricity is a vital part of all farming operations, just like it is a vital part of our homes. Farms utilize electricity to power irrigation, heating, lighting, and much much more! While electricity is vital to the functionality of farming, it is still very dangerous and can result in electrocution, fires, and damage to personal property. Awareness of the hazards of electricity can drastically reduce the risk of an accident.
Common Electrical Hazards in Agriculture
- Overhead Powerlines
- Machinery, portable augers, and sprayers can come in contact with overhead powerlines, energizing the equipment and the ground if the powerline falls.
- Step Potential:
- Underground Lines
- Before every digging, always call 811 to mark underground lines.
- This practice will help reduce the risk of damaging property and the risk of electrocution.
- Wet and Damp Areas
- When running electicity in wet or damp areas, always use Type NMC wiring. This wiring does not have paper insulators inside and reduces the potential for corrosion.
- Always use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interupters) when wiring in damp/wet locations. GFCIs work by closing a circuit when a voltage drop is detected by the current taking an alternative path.
- GFCIs should always be placed at the beginning of the circuit to ensure the whole circuit is being protected.
- All wiring should be ran in conduit. PVC conduit is preferred over metal because it will not corred in wet/damp areas.
- Improper Use of Extension Cords
- Extension cords should never be used in wet areas.
- Never try to repair a damaged extension cord that has been cut or the plug removed. The extension cord should be immediately thrown away.
- Never use extension cords near sharp objects, heat, oil, or any other solvents that could damage the insulation around the cord.
- Never overload an extension cord, this can cause the extension cord to heat up and damage the cord its self, along with the potential of starting a fire.
Safe Practices for Working Around Agriculture
- Disengage power before working on electrical components on equipment or working on circuits.
- Use Lockout/Tagout kits to ensure that power cannot be restored to equipment or circuits while you are working on them.
- Make sure you have on the proper PPE before working around electricity.
- Rubber Gloves
- Rubber Boots
- Safety Glasses
Emergency Reponse to an Electrical Incident
- If someone is electrocuted:
- Call 911 immediately
- Turn off power – never touch the person till power has been disengaged. If the power is still on the current will flow from them to you!
- Using a non-conductive object, such as wood or rubber, move the person away from the source of electrocution.
- Electrical fire:
- Use a Class C fire extinguisher to put the fire out – never use water!!!
- Disengage power.
- Call 911 and evacuate the area.
