By Nebraska Public Power District
COLUMBUS, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) wants to remind equipment and drone operators to keep powerline safety a key focus when working around power lines.
When large equipment comes too close to a power line, electricity can arc to the equipment, leading to serious or potentially fatal injuries to the operator.
“Being safe out in the field starts with checking your surroundings and becoming aware of power lines in your area,” said NPPD VP of Energy Delivery Scott Walz. “We take safety very seriously, and we want to encourage everyone working around power lines to be aware of their surroundings, so they can complete their work safely as well.”
If a piece of equipment comes in contact with a power line, call 911 or your local power provider, and remain inside the vehicle until help has arrived, to de-energize the line. If a fire forces you to exit the vehicle, jump away from the vehicle, never touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land on two feet and shuffle as far away from the area as possible.
“Drone use is growing in both ag and non-ag areas of work, and we want to encourage these operators to also be careful when operating around power lines,” added Walz. “When a drone gets into a power line it can cause extensive damage to the drone and the power lines, which can cause outages to local customers and be expensive to repair.”
NPPD encourages agricultural operators to review the following safety precautions before working around power lines. More information on farm safety can also be found on NPPD.com.
- Review all farm activities and work practices that will take place around power lines and remind all workers to take precautions.
- Be aware of the location of power lines when setting up farm equipment and maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from them. Contact your local public power provider if this distance cannot be achieved.
- Use caution when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck or wagon. It can be difficult to estimate distance, and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks. For large equipment, use a spotter to ensure the equipment stays a safe distance from the line.
- Always adjust portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level – under 14 feet – before transporting them. Variables like wind, uneven ground, or shifting weight can cause unexpected results.