- Do you locate overhead power lines before starting any work? Stay a safe distance away—at least three metres (10 feet).
- Are you using large equipment or objects that may come in contact with your power lines? Getting too close or making direct contact with power lines can cause electricity to travel through your body to the ground causing serious injury or death.
- Have you checked with SaskPower, SaskEnergy and SaskTel to find out the exact location of underground lines before you dig for any reason (e.g. fence posts, decks, etc.)? Call Sask 1st Call at 1-866-828-4888.
- Have you placed your grain bins, barns, fuel tanks and other structures at least 15 metres (50 feet) away from overhead power lines and six metres (20 feet) away from pad-mounted transformers or underground cables?
- Have you lowered large equipment like your grain auger, air seeder and air sprayer before moving it? This will prevent contact with overhead power lines.
- Do you have someone to act as a safety watch when you move tall equipment and machinery under power lines?
- Have you planned what to do to if there isn't enough clearance when moving tall equipment under power lines? You can take another route or call us to raise the wires. Never attempt to raise wires yourself.
- Have you ensured irrigation water is not directed at overhead lines? Electricity could be conducted through the water and irrigation pipe to you.
- Have you devoted a day to family safety instructions? Ensure your family knows how to work safely around electricity, too.
- Have you shielded dangerous machinery components, electrical boxes and wiring and fitted them with locks?
Be proactive and prevent accidents
All farming accidents are preventable if you're mindful of the dangers. Talk to your family and anyone else working on your farm about safety. Make sure they know how to avoid overhead power lines and what to do if an accident occurs.
