Farmers and contractors have been reminded to take care when working near electricity wires during silage cutting season.

The ESB has recently responded to several safety incidents involving the electricity network and, in the past, there has been serious accidents involving silage machinery both in the pit and in the field.

Those operating machinery have been advised that the minimum safe distance from overhead lines is 3m both horizontally and vertically. Greater clearance should be given for high voltage lines.

ADVERTISEMENT

Machinery does not have to touch wires to create serious danger. The ESB said coming close to live wires was just as hazardous and could be fatal.

Safety

It issued the following safety recommendations:

  • Never carry out work close to electricity wires as they are always live and can jump gaps.
  • Watch out for overhead electricity wires when using tall machinery.
  • Steer clear of electricity poles and stay wires.
  • Never touch or come close to fallen wires or handle stock where there are fallen wires nearby.
  • Avoid crossing beneath overhead lines and always work parallel to the line.
  • Poles and overhead lines must never be close to a silage pit. If they are closer than 6m, contact ESB Networks to relocate.
  • A changed farm layout could mean overhead wires are a new hazard - contact the ESB for advice.

    • Incident

    If involved in an incident with live wires, the operator is advised to stay in their cab and keep everyone clear. ESB Networks should then be contacted immediately on its emergency number 1850 372 999.

    If an operator does need to exit the cab, they should jump clear and take short steps until at least 10m away.

    Read more

    Guidelines for building a concrete silage base to comply with S128

    Tractor drivers asked to ‘cut back on speed’ and expect the unexpected