COLUMBUS, Neb. — With harvest season in full swing and more equipment in the field, Nebraska Public Power District is reminding equipment and drone operators to stay alert and keep safety top of mind when working near power lines.
NPPD officials say when large equipment comes too close to a power line, electricity can arc — potentially leading to severe or even fatal injuries.
“Being safe out in the field starts with checking your surroundings and becoming aware of power lines in your area,” said Scott Walz, NPPD Vice President of Energy Delivery. “We take safety very seriously and want to encourage everyone working around power lines to stay alert so they can complete their work safely.”
If machinery does come in contact with a power line, NPPD advises operators to stay inside the vehicle and call 911 or the local power provider immediately. Leaving the equipment can be extremely dangerous until the line is de-energized. If fire forces an evacuation, operators should jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time, land with both feet together, and shuffle away from the area.
Walz also noted the increasing use of drones around farms, construction sites, and rural areas. “Drone use is growing in both ag and non-ag work,” he said. “If a drone gets into a power line, it can cause significant damage, outages, and costly repairs.”
NPPD encourages agricultural operators and workers to take a few minutes before starting any job near power lines to review safety precautions:
- Survey your surroundings and make sure all workers know where power lines are located.
- Maintain at least 20 feet of clearance from power lines when setting up or moving equipment.
- Use a spotter when operating large machinery like augers, grain trucks, or irrigation systems.
- Lower portable augers or elevators to their lowest level before transport, ideally under 14 feet.
More information on power line and farm safety is available at NPPD.com.