Farmers and contractors have been warned to steer clear of overhead power lines and to ensure tractors, combines, trailers and booms don’t come into contact with high-voltage electricity.
The alert from Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) follows a number of high and low voltage incidents involving accidental contact by agricultural plant and equipment in the first six months of 2016.
SHEPD director of customer operations, Dale Cargill said farm machinery could bring farmers and agricultural contractors close to power lines.
“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,” he said.
SHEPD recommends that if any part of the vehicle touches an overhead line, people should not get out of the cab as once outside they no longer have the protective shield of the machine around them.
NFU Scotland’s President, Allan Bowie, appealed to the industry to ensure the relevant precautions were taken to avoid injury.
He added: “This can be simply getting out of a tractor the right way, securing a ladder correctly, or carrying out a risk assessment of the surroundings, for example if they are undertaking irrigation work around electricity lines. Simple precautions could prevent injury and save lives.”
If any incidents occur or farmers spot any damage to the network they are advised to call SHEPD’s emergencies services centre on 0800 300 999.
