THE danger of overhead power lines has been doubled as we head into the depths of the 2024-25 fire season.
Particularly as farming machinery gets larger, increasing the risk of contact with overhead powerlines.
Electricity can even arc from a live wire to a machine that’s close to an overhead power line, but not touching it – which is known as an arc flash.
If contact is made with an overhead power line, or there has been an arc flash, there is an extremely high risk of:
* Injury from electric shock
* Death by electrocution.
If the line is broken and comes down there is also the risk of sparking causing fires, depending on the location.
If your property, or anywhere you are working, has overhead lines you need to consider the following:
* The location, height and visibility of power lines.
* Weather conditions. Stormy weather, for example, may cause powerlines to sag and sway.
* The type of machinery or mobile plant being used near overhead power lines, and how tall it is when folded and unfolded. Consider this when programming your GPS to avoid power lines.
* The height and width of towed equipment (like field bins) and whether there is the potential to hit power poles or power lines. Consider this when programming your GPS to avoid power lines.
* The use of drones near power lines.
* The type of tasks and how often they’re done.
* The skills and experience of those doing the work.
* Setting up and packing up processes.
When you can’t avoid power lines, you should:
* Be aware of where overhead power lines and power poles on your farm.
* Know the height and width of your machinery.
* Make sure packing up or folding up happens in a place away from power lines.
* Avoid entering the No Go Zones set by Energy Safe Victoria.
* Use a safety observer where necessary.
No Go Zones are areas near power lines where strict rules and restrictions apply to protect people from electrical risks.
Often power poles or power lines are hit when unfolding equipment or towing loads significantly wider than the tractor pulling them. This is when you should be on high alert and operate away from power poles and power lines.
