As harvest ramps up around the province, SaskPower is reminding producers to be safe around power lines.
SaskPower spokesperson Scott MacGregor says the key to a safe harvest is being prepared and shared the following tips:
- Plan your route ahead of time using our interactive Look Up and Live map
- Lower or retract equipment whenever possible, especially when moving from field to field
- Use a spotter for a second set of eyes on the ground
- Take routine breaks to avoid fatigue
- If you’re moving a large load around power lines, request a temporary line move
MacGregor also pointed to a map of all power lines in the province on their website, saskpower.com/lookupandlive, producers can use to plan their route ahead of time.
Should a farmer get tangled up in a power line, there is a process to ensure a safe exit from the vehicle:
- Swing the vehicle door wide open, being sure to not touch the outside of the vehicle.
- Make sure no wires are in your way.
- Stand in the doorway of the vehicle, cross your arms in front of your chest and put your feet
together. - Jump as far from the vehicle as possible, making sure you don’t touch the outside of the
vehicle. Land with your feet together. - With your arms still crossed and feet together, hop away from the vehicle (at least 10 metres).
- Call 911 immediately.
MacGregor says once you’re at a safe distance away from the vehicle – recommending at least 10 feet – under no circumstances should you return to it unless the area has been deemed safe by crews, as there’s no way of knowing what has become electrified with the line contact. While the safest place to be in the event of making contact with a line is inside the vehicle, MacGregor says an exception to the rule is if it results in a fire.
There have been fewer reports of producers hitting power lines so far this year with 178 incidents, 14 fewer compared to the same time period last year.
