Farmer on tractor -- credit FortisAlberta

By Dori Modney

keep your head up!

Don’t allow your farm equipment to tangle with overhead power lines

Jun 3, 2020 | 9:30 AM

CALGARY, AB. — As it provides roughly 60 per cent of electricity distribution to Albertans in over 200 communities, Fortis-Alberta is concerned about the safety of those customers…particularly farmers.

They have reason to be concerned. Last year, FortisAlberta recorded 47 power line contacts with tractors and other agricultural implements. This spring, there have been 20 contacts so far.

When equipment makes contact with overhead power lines, farmers risk serious injury or death. Other consequences include extensive power outages and utility repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.

It’s a growing concern, given that the height of farm equipment has doubled since the 1950s, but the height of power lines has remained the same.

Fortis recommends that if you purchase a new tractor, check the height, update your GPS with any changes and consider your route to ensure you can cross safely under power lines…and always enlist the help of a spotter.

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Also, map your route and locate any overhead power lines and guy wires. If you don’t know whether it’s safe to cross under or work near a power line, call FortisAlberta for help.

Other advice includes:

— If your equipment or load is over 5.3 metres in height, you will need to contact your electric utility to arrange an escort (FortisAlberta’s High Load number is: 1-888-251-3907).

— Stay seven metres away from power lines. Keep this in mind when parked and operating grain augers or air seeders, or when lifting truck boxes or back hoes.

— Stack and store wisely. Whether it’s a grain bin or bale storage, stack and store it seven metres away from power lines.

— If you contact with a power line or damage a power pole, assume the lines and ground around you are energized. Warn others to stay at least 10 metres away and call 911 and your electric utility. If you need to get out of the cab or off the equipment in the case of fire, make sure you jump free of the equipment with BOTH FEET TOGETHER; don’t contact the machinery, and hop at least 10 metres away.

Fortis has updated www.fortisalberta.com with a safety plan farmers can download to help them plan to work more safely. Reminders include the importance of knowing the height and width of farm equipment which includes tractors, grain augers, air seeders and sprayers. Have a power line safety plan and stay safe.