Farmers are being urged to be extra careful when working near overhead power lines after a tractor struck an electricity pole near Winterborne Abbas recently.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is asking farmers to make sure that everyone who is working on their land, including independent contractors, is aware of the poles and power lines which carry electricity overhead, and to take precautions during this busy period so machinery and equipment does not come into contact with them.
Thankfully there were no injuries at the incident at Winterborne Abbas, but striking a pole or coming into contact with electrical equipment can have serious, potentially fatal consequences for those involved, as well as cutting off power to the local community. At Winterborne Abbas, 19 customers had to be temporarily disconnected from the power supplies to allow the tractor driver to get out of his cab safely, and for SSEN to then install a new wooden pole.
Jo Niven, SSEN's Head of Customer Operations for the Wessex Region, said: "The use of agricultural machinery and equipment, such as combine harvesters, grass cutters, tipping trailers and booms, combined with activities like stacking can often bring farmers and agricultural contractors close to our poles and power lines. They should also be aware of any underground cables to make sure they do not cut through them by accident."
"What many people don't realise is electricity can jump through the air, so it is crucial that anyone operating agricultural machinery is aware of the optimum height their equipment can operate at and they are aware of the power lines near them while working on and travelling between fields."
SSEN recommends that if any part of the vehicle or equipment touches an overhead line, the driver and passengers should not get out of the cab as, once outside, they no longer have the protective shield of the machine around them. The best advice is to call SSEN on single emergency number 105 from the vehicle and you will be put through to SSEN's emergency contact centre. The team will then advise you what to do, while making the wires safe so you can exit the vehicle.
David George, spokesman for the National Farming Union's South West region, said:"We recommend that where possible work should be planned to avoid proximity to overhead power lines or poles. If work does have to take place near overhead lines it is vital that safe working practices are adhered to and that farm workers and any visitors, such as contractors or delivery drivers, are made aware of their location on the farm, and what to do if they contact the line."
If any incidents occur or farmers spot any damage to the network they can call 105, and they will be put straight through to one of SSEN's specially trained advisors.