As crop harvest gets underway across regional NSW, Essential Energy is advising farmers and their contractors to consider potential electrical hazards before taking to their paddocks.
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When it comes to the potential dangers of working around power lines and other network infrastructure, there are some key safety messages to keep in mind.
Take a moment to get to know these safety considerations as they can help protect you and your equipment and even help save lives when working on the land.
Look up and live
Overhead power lines should be identified and marked at ground level. Essential Energy can provide electrical network maps showing the location of overhead power lines on your property.
Know your surroundings
Before accessing paddocks and work areas, check the location and condition of poles and wires. Conditions can change without notice and heat can affect power line height.
Need to know
You should know the heights of all farm machinery, in raised and lowered positions, so you can maintain safe clearance distances from power lines. Remember to always lower machinery fully before moving off.
Don’t disembark. If any of your machinery comes into contact with overhead power lines, stay in the vehicle if safe to do so, and call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.
- Essential Energy
Awareness
Essential Energy have a range of free safety stickers available for online order. These are a great resource for timely reminders when working on the land.
Power line markers
We recommend property owners mark power lines to increase their visibility and help prevent incidents occurring. We can install the markers at a reasonable cost. If you identify an area of concern please fill out our Power Line Marker Enquiry Form to request further information.
Who to contact
For more information regarding farm and electrical safety you can email public.safety@essentialenergy.com.au or call 13 23 91 and ask to speak to a member of the Public Safety team.