Safe Electrical Farm installations

Farming is tough work, and can be dangerous. While accidents do happen, with lots of things are out of your control, there are things that you can control that will make sure that risks are minimised and that your electrics are as safe as they can be.
Unsafe electrical installations can cause serious problems: The working environment for electrical equipment on farms is much tougher and more onerous than in a domestic situation. The presence of water especially, and dust – as well as the greater likelihood of physical damage from animals and vehicles – can increase the risk, if incorrect electrical fittings are used.

Things to watch out for:

1. Fallen electricity wires – keep away!

Always stay safe. Bad weather (such as high winds, ice and snow, freezing rain) fallen timber or other windblown debris can bring down overhead electricity wires. Every year valuable cattle and sheep are electrocuted after storm damage when trees fall on overhead lines. Do not put yourself at risk when trying to intervene. Always assume that fallen or low-lying overhead wires are live until ESB Networks informs you that the power has been switched off and made safe. Even if the wires appear to be safe, it may become live.

2. Wiring installation –check it out!

One thing you can do to limit the risks of any electrical problems is to make sure that you have your electrical supplies checked regularly. We have come across quite a few installations where over the years problems have arisen with earthing, cabling, corroded lights, switches and outlets. We regularly see worn cables, either from traffic or weather. We also regularly see dampness creating problems. It can happen very easily but regular checks and replacement of any unsuitable or damaged fittings can ensure that any risks are minimised.

It makes sense to upgrade and have the safest equipment possible.
Electrical equipment such as lamps and motors generate heat, so it is important not to locate flammable materials too close.
Handyman-type installations and temporary repairs are the cause of many serious electrical accidents on farms. Damp or dusty locations increase the potential for electric shock. Installing a Residual Current Device (RCD) tripswitch provides protection against electrical shock and is one of the most significant safety measures you can take. Modern IP rated lights, switches and outlets especially in damp conditions ensure the safest possible working environment. You can also save yourself money with decreased running costs as modern LED light fittings use a lot less energy to produce the same amount of light and less heat than almost all of the older types.

 

3. Portable tools

Portable tools are one of the most frequent causes of electrical accidents on farms.

Do:

• Use a plug-in Residual Current Device (RCD) for portable tools.
• Replace damaged equipment immediately.
• Carefully inspect for damage, paying particular attention to flexes and replace immediately.
• Fully un-coil any extension lead to prevent over heating.

Don’t:

• •Never use equipment which is damaged.

4. Equipotential bonding

Solve your stray voltage problem! Stray electricity arises because of poor electrical connections, between all exposed metal work and solid earth. This is caused by corroded switches, defective wiring, frayed insulation, faulty equipment.

Do:

• Install a metal equipotential bonding grid in the floor of milking parlours and other livestock housing.
• Double-up the connections from floor grid to main bond structure of parlour.
• Regularly check all earth connections for damage and have them repaired.

Don’t:

• Do not take short cuts with bonding.
• Never put off doing electrical repairs.

5. Electric fencers:

Avoid creating a hazard! Incorrect installation gives rise to electric shocks on the metalwork of dairies and sheds. Where possible, locate the fence wire well away from the overhead power line. Be Safe!

Do:

• Position the fence wire at least 1-2 meters from ESB pole and at right angles to overhead power line.
• Always mount the electric fence wire on its own supports.

Don’t:

• Do not erect electric fences closer than 6 metres (20 feet) to overhead power lines.
• Never support the electric fence using an ESB pole.
• Never use an ESB power line to support an electric fence crossing a road.

6. Standby Generators

Special rules apply: Stand-by generators are a convenient source of electricity in emergency situations when the ESB Networks supply is unavailable. Special rules apply to the installation of stand-by generators which your registered electrical contractor will be familiar with.

Do:

• Always ensure a proper change-over switch is installed at the main distribution board.
• Always use a registered electrical contractor.
• Always notify ESB Networks of the presence of a stand-by generator.

Don’t:

• Never use a temporary generator without a change over switch.
• Never plug a portable generator into a socket.

7. Machinery and high loads

Making contact with overhead electricity wires or even coming close puts you at serious risk of injury or death from electrocution. Electricity from power lines can jump gaps when machinery is close by, so you don’t need to make contact to be seriously injured. The majority of accidents occur because of failure to notice the overhead power lines and to take sensible precautions. Cutting hedges and trees can be a high risk activity. Electricity wires that run parallel to hedges or along the edge of forests blend into the scenery.

Do:

• Look around you and it could save your life.
• Take precautions to ensure equipment does not come into contact with overhead power lines.
• Be careful using irrigating equipment, rain guns and sprinklers or spreading slurry. You could be electrocuted if liquid hits the overhead electricity power line.
• Be aware of stay wires and take steps to avoid striking them, as damage caused to both machinery and the electricity network can be substantial.
• Know that portable grain augers are a particular risk due to their operating height.

Don’t:

• Do not work too near to overhead power lines.
• Do not raise wide spray booms, tipper lorries, cranes, ladders, scaffolding or telescopic handlers near overhead power lines.

All of this information and more is available on the ESB website, it’s also well worth downloading the following safety leaflet:

We can provide a check-up and inspection of your electrical installations and as registered RECI contractors we can guarantee the most modern wiring and electrical standards available. We also provide changeover switches and systems for that emergency situation when the power goes down and you need to use one of our backup generators to keep everything rolling smoothly. Why not head on over to our contact page and drop us an email or give us a ring. It’s far better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your safety and welfare.