Spring planting safety

Use caution when operating large farming equipment

SPRING HAS NEARLY SPRUNG in Kentucky, and as farm activity increases, so do risks associated with operating machinery. Farmers should use caution when operating any large equipment—especially near power lines. As a good rule of thumb, try to maintain a 20-foot distance from power lines and power poles in all directions. 

Tall machinery calls for extra vigilance, since it can easily become entangled in power lines. Don’t assume equipment will fit under a power line. Before heading to the field, check the height of farm machinery and note of the location of overhead power lines to be sure farm equipment safely clears them in order to avoid electrocution. Plan your route to avoid them, and always look up and around before moving or raising equipment. You may even want to use a spotter, because it can be difficult to tell where you are in relation to overhead lines. 

Keep in mind power lines sag between poles, especially on hot days. Never try to raise power lines to enable passage of tall equipment. Even nonmetallic objects such as wood poles or branches can conduct electricity. 

Watch out for power poles, too. If you strike one, it could break, dropping a live line on your metal tractor or combine. 

If contact is made between farming equipment and overhead lines, guy wires or poles, it’s generally best to stay in the cab. Warn others to stay away, call 911 to alert emergency services and call your co-op. Do not get off the equipment unless there is a fire or imminent risk of fire. 

If you do need to leave the equipment, jump—don’t step—free and clear from the equipment, landing with feet together and shuffling as far away as possible, making sure both feet are always touching each other and touching the ground. Do not touch the equipment and ground at the same time. 

Finally, advice for off the field: Water, dust and farming often go hand in hand. Install waterproof and dustproof electrical boxes and outlets at the farm.

Be alert during spring planting 

It’s planting season for many of the state’s farmers. Here are tips for safe farm equipment operation: 

To prevent electrocution, make sure farm equipment safely clears overhead power lines. Tall equipment can easily become entangled in power lines. As a general rule, try to maintain a 20-foot distance from power lines—and power poles— in all directions. 

Contact 911 immediately if your equipment comes into contact with a guy wire or pole. 

Farming often involves water and dust. Install waterproof and dustproof electrical boxes and outlets at the farm.