It’s vital to keep farm equipment safely away from overhead power lines. Keep a minimum 10 foot safety radius around the electric line.
Farm operators, family members, and farm employees are urged to take these measures:
• Use a spotter when moving tall loads near lines.
• Inspect farm equipment for transport height and determine clearance with any power lines under which the equipment must pass.
• Make sure everyone knows what to do if accidental contact is made with power lines.
It’s almost always best to stay in the cab, call for help and wait until the electric utility arrives to cut off the power. If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path and electrocution is the result. Stay inside the vehicle unless there’s fire or imminent risk of fire. In that case, the proper action is to jump – not step – with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Jump clear, without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time and continue to shuffle or hop to safety keeping both feet together as you leave the area.