From the Assistant Manager/COO Mark Doebele
As spring arrives and farming operations ramp up, safety should be at the forefront of every task. At 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, we are committed to ensuring our members and employees stay safe, especially when working near electrical equipment and power lines. Whether you’re preparing fields, moving large equipment, or conducting controlled burns, being aware of electrical hazards can prevent accidents and save lives.
LOOK UP, LOOK AROUND AND LIVE
One of the most common electrical dangers in agriculture is contact with overhead power lines. Combines,
sprayers, augers, and other large equipment used by our farming friends can easily contact power lines, if not paying attention, creating a deadly situation. Before heading into a field, take a moment to identify power lines and plan your route to avoid them. Always maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from overhead lines, and if you must maneuver near them, have a spotter guide you.
When moving large equipment, check clearance heights before crossing under power lines, and ensure no part of your machinery extends into energized space. If your equipment does contact a power line,
stay inside the cab and call 911 immediately. The only exception to staying put is if there is a fire — then, exit by jumping clear with both feet together and shuffle away without lifting your feet. Also, watch for guy wires that are supporting our poles — damaging a guy wire can destabilize the structure and lead to a very dangerous situation.
USE CAUTION AND HAVE A PLAN BEFORE BURNING
Controlled burns help clear pastures for new growth but pose risks near power lines and poles. Fires can cause outages, property damage, and personal injury if not properly managed.
Before lighting a fire, check local regulations, obtain permits, and notify neighbors and your local fire department. If burning near power lines, consult 4 Rivers for guidance.
Maintain at least 15 feet of clearance from power poles and clear dry grass and debris around them to prevent ignition. Wetting the area near poles before burning can help but never spray water directly on a pole. Burn only in favorable weather conditions, avoiding windy days when embers can spread. Keep fire suppression tools like rakes and
extinguishers on hand. Never leave a fire unattended, and if flames approach power lines, call 911 immediately. After extinguishing the fire, monitor the area for smoldering embers, and report any damage to 4 Rivers.
HONORING OUR LINE CREWS
April 14 is Lineworker Appreciation Day, a time to recognize the hardworking men and women who keep our power on. Lineworkers face all kinds of conditions while maintaining our electrical system, ensuring farms, homes and businesses have reliable power. The next time you see a 4 Rivers lineworker, be sure to thank them for their dedication and service.
From all of us at 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, we wish you a safe and productive season. If you have any questions about electrical safety on your farm, don’t hesitate to reach out.
(Originally printed in April's KCL Centerspread)