Agriculture Safety

Agriculture Safety

Equipment Safety

  • Keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines at all times and in all directions.  Use a spotter when operating large machinery near electrical lines. 
  • Look up and use care when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck or semi. It can be difficult to estimate distance and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks.
  • Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead lines.  Grain augers should always be positioned horizontally before being moved. 
  • Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance. 
  • If a power line is sagging low, contact Nemaha-Marshall Electric Cooperative at 1-866-736-2347.

Grain Bin Safety

An extremely dangerous situation for line crews and farm personnel alike is created when proper clearance isn't given for power lines near grain bins.  This is because of the portable augers and grain trucks that are often used to move grain.  The best way to avoid problems is to put bins a safe distance from any overhead power lines. 

Irrigation Safety

Keep Irrigation Equipment and water streams 15 feet away from overhead power lines. 
If contact is made with a power line, do not exit the equipment.  Make sure to warn others to stay away, and call 911.  Do not leave until the utility workers have de-energized the line and says it is safe to do so.  The only reason to exit is if the equipment is on fire.  If this is the case,  jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and machinery at the same time.  Hop as far from the equipment as you can with your feet together.  Keeping your feet together prevents you from getting a shock. 
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