As farming machinery gets larger, the risk of contact with overhead powerlines increases. Did you know that electricity can arc from a live wire to a machine that’s close to an overhead powerline? The machinery doesn’t need to touch the wire for an arc to occur. If there is contact with an overhead powerline, or an arc flash has occurred, there is a high risk of an injury from electric shock or death by electrocution.
WorkSafe Victoria offer guidance for farm owners and workers to understand the hazard presented by overhead powerlines and plan work safely around them, as well as how you can claim your free entry sign from Energy Safe Victoria.
The first thing to do is observe where powerlines are on your property – remember that sometimes they are hard to see, for example when the sun is bright, or when trees obscure your view.
Plan to avoid powerlines whenever possible –
- Store, load and unload things in a safe place
- Tell people where the powerlines are
- Talk with your team and any farm visitors
- Prepare for deliveries or pickups
- Think about where you put new sheds or other infrastructure
When you can’t avoid working near powerlines –
- Be aware of where poles and lines are on your farm
- Know the height and width of machinery
- Pack up or fold up equipment away from powerlines
- Avoid entering No Go Zones set by Energy Safe Victoria
- Use a safety observer
- Know what to do in case of contact with powerlines or arcs
Read more and find out what to do if a powerline is contacted by equipment: Staying safe around overhead powerlines on farms | WorkSafe Victoria