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Modern farming and industrial operations require the use of large complex machinery. Raised dump beds, grain augers and metal irrigation pipes are excellent conductors of electrical current. When operating any of this equipment watch around and above the equipment to avoid any contact with overhead power lines, utility poles and guy wires. Remember that each year people just like you are killed because of carelessness around electric power lines. Always attempt to keep equipment at least 10 feet away from these lines. |
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Grain bins and augers on farms are often located along property lines and roadways. Always be alert to power lines that are built along the roadway or property line before constructing a grain bin. The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) has specific requirements concerning location of these structures with respect to adjacent power lines. Be extremely careful that augers, grain trucks with extended beds and combines do not come in contact with the lines. |
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Lines must be a minimum of 18 ft. above the highest part of the bin. The line must maintain this height on the loading side of the bin for a distance of 18 ft. plus the height of the bin. The line may then slope down at a ratio of 1:1.5(67% slope)to its regular height. On the non-loading side of the bin, the line may slope at the same ratio for a distance of 15 ft. from the edge of the bin, then lower vertically to its regular height. |
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When working around the house or farm pay close attention to power lines above. When making roof repairs, cleaning gutters, working on an antennea or simply moving a ladder, long board, pipe or pole be alert for lines within reach. Look over the job before you start and stay clear of potential hazards. |
| Never climb or allow children to climb trees that are in or around power lines. If you become aware of a dangerous situation, call the electric utility and a crew will be sent to trim or take down the tree and eliminate the hazard. At Menard Electric Cooperative the toll-free number is (800) 872-1203. Plan ahead when planting trees and locate them away from the power line or plant a low growing species that will not grow tall enough to interfere with the line or create a safety hazard. |  |
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Before digging, excavating, setting a mailbox or fence post or planting trees and bushes, remember to call the Illinois One-Call system - JULIE at (800) 892-0123. Within 48 hours utility companies who have underground facilities will come and locate their cables or pipes. This can save you costly repair bills from these utilities, and most of all, may save your life. |
| After an accident or major storm stay away from all downed power lines and keep others away until the electric utility crews arrive on the scene. Do not attempt to move a downed power line with any object. The magnitude of the voltage in electrical distribution lines can turn ropes, boards, branches, etc. into deadly conductors of electricity. |  |
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If contact is made with an energized power line while you are on or in a vehicle or piece of equipment, remain calm, stay in the vehicle and call for help. Ask someone to call the electric utility and a lineman will be sent to disconnect the power. If no one is around to help and an emergency such as a fire forces you to leave the equipment, jump free of the equipment to the ground and shuffle away in small steps to keep your feet at near equal voltages. A large difference in voltage between both feet could kill you. Be sure that no one touches the equipment and the ground at the same time. Never should you simply step out of the vehicle - you must jump clear! |
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