A leading energy provider is urging farmers to be extra careful around power lines during harvest time.
With combines set to start rolling across the north and north-east in the next few weeks, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is reminding farmers to take precautions to ensure their equipment does not come into contact with live power lines.
SHEPD, which provides electricity to around 750,000 people in the north of Scotland, said there had already been a number of incidents this year involving farm equipment and live power lines.
“The use of agricultural machinery and equipment, such as combine harvesters, tipping trailers and booms, combined with activities like stacking, can often bring farmers and agricultural contractors close to power lines,” said SHEPD director Dale Cargill.
“What many people don’t realise is electricity can jump through the air, so it is crucial that anyone operating agricultural machinery is aware of the optimum height their equipment can operate at and they are aware of the power lines near them while working on and travelling between fields.”
NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie reiterated the safety plea.
“We encourage farmers to not learn safety by chance and put the relevant precautions and procedures in place whilst working on farm to help prevent accidents for themselves and their employees,” he said.
“When farmers are busy during harvest their safety can become less of a priority – we need to ensure it is at the forefront of their minds.”
SHEPD urged any farmers to report incidents or damage to the network to their emergencies services centre on 0800 300 999 or 0345 072 1901 from mobiles.