Indeed the power lines, a reliable electricity supply, and the varied power installations, while crucial, also present hazards for the agricultural community in Abbotsford, BC. Everyone performing a specific task must follow precautions in barns and throughout the many outbuildings for optimum safety.

Abbotsford farm owners responsible for the various properties would be wise to enlist the services of a trusted, well-qualified Anser agricultural electrician to go over safety guidelines with those working with the farms as a preventive measure. 

The knowledge of the hazards enables removing some of the potentials for accidents and injury.

As a farm owner, the dangers are only readily recognizable if you’re versed in electricity. It takes a skilled electrical contractor to describe the hazards, why these are so, and how to avoid them. 

No one wants to be responsible for someone being harmed or worse; instead, maintain the services of a reputed agricultural electrician.

Do You Know Proper Agricultural Electrical Safety Tips

A primary tip with an Abbotsford farm is to enlist the services of a licensed electrician for preventive maintenance services and to go over the safety guidelines with those who work alongside you each day.

Preventive maintenance services will ensure that the electrical supply is up-to-date and functional, with no flaws that could result in problems, including the possibility of a fire. 

The electrical contractor can also guide you on areas where you can conserve energy by using the electricity differently. Usually, preventive maintenance is done on an annual basis.

With safety guidance, those who work alongside you on the farm should be given adequate tips on what would constitute dangers, why these are hazardous areas, and how to navigate these areas. 

Find safety tips for farmers and those who work alongside them at https://www.agriculture.com/machinery/harvesting/4-electrical-safety-tips-for-farmers/  and then examine some of these primary tips to ensure the safest operation.

• Do you have adequate grounding

The indication is a “functional grounding wire” must be confirmed for the power system for adequate reliability and safety. Osha defines grounding as (quote) “intentionally developing a low-resistance path connected to the earth preventing an accumulation of voltages that could result in an electrical accident.” (end quote)

Outlets should also be grounded with the three-hole capacity and “GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” protection in areas where dampness is possible. A certified electrician should install these.

You should have a complete understanding of the farm’s wiring and how the electricity is distributed. When you need to cut the resource, you’ll want to be able to do so safely and accurately. That means working, again, with a quality and qualified electrical contractor to go over the layout.

The suggestion is to use “lockout switches,” which give farmers the capacity to shut down the power from one location. These are exceptionally advantageous to prevent machinery from starting accidentally while in for repairs or when there’s an emergency on the property requiring an immediate shutdown, like a flood or fire. Go here to learn details on being more energy efficient on your property.

• Remain cautious around power lines

It’s standard to see overhead power lines on a ranch or farm. A priority is to take every precaution when navigating near or under these with equipment or machinery. It would be best if you determined the equipment height before attempting to move beneath the lines.

The suggestion is to make a sort of blueprint comprising the property power lines and a key to the safest routes for maneuvering machinery throughout the land.

For any downed lines or those that have become damaged, it’s vital to remain a distance away from them and contact the utility provider or emergency services. These lines do have the potential for distortion with time. It would be best if you never attempted to manipulate or touch a line.

• Highlight electrical risks

As a farmer, it’s vital to help those working alongside you recognize the high-risk areas on the farm. You can do this with caution tape around high-voltage zones, posting signs to warn people of hazards, taking individuals new to the property on a guided tour, reviewing the safety precautions, and pinpointing the dangers.

The suggestion is to employ the services of a certified electrical contractor to assist when highlighting the danger zones. The experts will more readily have proper posting materials for hanging in these areas and can also help you recognize where they are, particularly as you’re starting out.

Final Thought

The farming industry is among the most dangerous without the consideration of electricity. Still, because the resource is necessary in conjunction with renewable resources for Abbotsford farms, there is an added layer of hazard. Electricity can be exceptionally dangerous when inappropriately managed, especially in this atmosphere.

As the farm owner, the priority is to ensure that you employ the services of the best electrical contractor in your local area to assist with safeguarding the property and making those who work alongside you electrically aware. 

The more prepared each person is, the less likely there will be an accident or injury related to electricity.

A primary takeaway is to be aware of the powerlines, most prevalent on farm properties. These are often a hindrance when navigating equipment or machinery, plus they tend to become distorted or come down altogether. No one should ever go near one of these lines for any purpose. 

Certified electricians or emergency services should only handle these. When operating equipment, it’s vital to know that your machinery will clear the line before attempting to go beneath it. If there’s any doubt, do not attempt the maneuver. 

As a responsible farm owner, the property should be inspected at least once each year to ensure the power supply is functional and remains up to date with no defects or damages that could lead to the potential for a hazard like a fire. 

This preventive maintenance keeps the electricity to the farm reliable and safe. If there are any issues, the electrician can handle them before they become a major problem. When investing in preventive maintenance, you’re keeping safety as your priority.