Farming – Overhead Powerlines
The presence of Overhead Powerlines (OHPL’s) is an everyday reality for a lot of farmers, it doesn’t provide any alarm as it is a constant feature on their land. And yet, Overhead Powerlines are an incredibly hazardous piece of equipment and if not understood or treated with respect, coming into contact with it, will probably end your life.
On average, 2 people per year are killed and many more injured when they come into contact with OHPL’s. It is a regular occurrence and with farm machinery getting bigger, the distance between the highest point of the machinery and the powerlines is reducing.
Overhead Powerlines
There are different types of powerlines that intersect across Great Britain, each one slightly different and conveying different power levels:
·??????? Low voltage, 11kv to 33kv lines have a minimum height requirement of 5.2 metres;
·??????? 132kv lines have a minimum height requirement of 6.7 metres;
·??????? Pylons for 275kv to 400kv lines have a minimum height of 7 metres to 7.3 metres.
If you consider how big your farming equipment is, what risk do these lines pose to you and your workers? Are you aware of what sort of OHPL’s you have on your land?
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So how can you stay safe?
There are always measures you can take to help you stay safe, here are a few basic suggestions:
·??????? Before you head out on the farm, check for lines above you.
·??????? Be aware of what is on your land, if you have maps, make sure the OHPL’s are marked on the maps.
·??????? Be aware of the height of your equipment and the estimated height of the OHPL’s.
·??????? If your farm machinery does hit a powerline, stay in the cab if safe to do so, call 105 and wait for help.
·??????? Never touch OHPL’s and never assume it’s dead. In fact, always assume OHPL’s are live or until the owner has confirmed the line is dead.
·??????? When machinery is in contact with an overhead line, anyone who touches both the machinery and the ground can be electrocuted. Stay in the machinery and lower raised parts in contact with the line or drive the machinery out of the line.
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·??????? If you need to get out, to call for help or because of fire, don’t climb out as usual – jump out as far as possible, without touching the line or machinery. Don’t touch any part of the machinery when on the ground. Once on the ground, take leaping strides or bunny hops to move as far away as possible from the area.
·??????? Call the DNO on 105 and ask to disconnect the supply. Even if the line appears dead, don’t touch it. 105 is applicable for all Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).
What is a Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?
Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are licensed companies that own and operate the network of cables, transformers and towers that bring electricity from the national transmission network to businesses and homes. Put simply, they are companies that are authorised to distribute electricity in the UK.
The DNO can be contacted by dialling 105 and this should be used only when necessary. For example, you may have safety concerns about the powerlines or there is an electrical emergency or power outage.
Preventing Problems
Where OHPL’s exist on your land there are some things you can do to prevent possible problems on your land:
·??????? Discuss with your DNO about undergrounding lines, especially around farmyards.
o?? In simple terms this just means replacing overhead cables with underground cables.
·??????? Consider alternatives uses for fields where OHPL’s exist.
o?? Carrying out tasks that do not require machinery operating underneath OHPL’s for instance.
·??????? Consider the use of exclusion zones around poles and lines to minimise the risk of contact with machinery.
o?? Make sure your documentation (maps, risk assessments etc) reflect these additions and also discuss this with the DNO.
·??????? Maps should include OHPL’s, underground services and utilities where known.
More detail can be found here:
EOS HSQE Consultancy has the experience and knowledge to help you to identify areas for improvement, so that you are compliant. It is our job to make sure we understand your requirements, timescales and challenges and provide you with that support.
If you need support from EOS HSQE Consultancy, contact us on LinkedIn or at [email protected].