Farming

Farming can be a dangerous business - and if anyone knows about the risks involved, it's farmers themselves. 

At Orion we know electricity - and we also know that every year there's at least one fatality resulting from accidental contact with overhead power lines while working on farmland. Overhead lines can become just another feature of the landscape, but disregarding them can be deadly. 

Farming safely

By following some simple rules you can ensure that you and those working on farmland don't become one of the statistics. 

Watch that line

• keep four metres away from any lines - equipment does not actually need to touch the lines, as electricity can 'arc' over in a high voltage system
• treat every electric wire as a 'hot' wire

Working off trucks

• park away from overhead lines; and work as much as possible away from the lines and poles
• keep clear of power lines when working on the upper levels of stock trucks or on high loads
• don't load or unload metal irrigation pipes close to power lines

Moving equipment around lines

• when moving tall machinery, choose the route where power lines are high enough to give adequate clearance
• always have lifting equipment in a lowered position before moving it under electrical lines
• make sure you know where power lines are when moving vehicles with raised apparatus such as grain augers, ladders, drills and dump truck beds 

Fencing

• do not erect fence wire along the same path as overhead power lines, or strain wire where it could contact lines. A broken wire flicking upwards can come into contact with nearby power lines 

Irrigation equipment

• keep jet irrigators and the booms of rotary irrigators clear of all power lines
• make sure the tips of rotary irrigators are kept four metres from power lines when operating and moving down a paddock, and when being shifted along bumpy roads or across bumpy paddocks

Working with power tools

• when working with power tools, use a safety switch (RCD) which can trip the power before any harm occur 

Working near power poles

• take care working around the guide wires on electrical poles - bumping these wires can cause the lines to sag

If power lines are down

• downed power lines are extremely dangerous; if you see lines down, call us immediately and make sure people and stock keep well away
• if power lines hit your vehicle while you are in it, stay still until help arrives
• if you must get out of the vehicle, do so without touching metal and ground at the same time. Jump as far as you can. 

Learn CPR and first aid

If there's an accident, you could save a life with some basic first aid knowledge and training. Information on CPR and first aid can be found on the St John website.

View more safety information.