Each year in Alberta, over 800 power line contacts are reported. Already this year, EQUS has responded to multiple incidents in which vehicles and equipment have come into contact with our power lines and poles. The majority of these incidents have involved agricultural equipment. As farm equipment continues to grow upwards and outwards, so does the risk of accidentally contacting power lines. Extensions on equipment can reach as high as 7.9 metres.
If your vehicle or equipment comes into contact with a power line, pole, transformer, or other live electrical equipment it’s important that you know what to do to minimize the risk of injury for yourself and others. Follow these steps to stay safe:
Before raising or lowering booms, wings, or any other extensions take a moment to ensure your safety by looking around, and looking up. Be aware of any power lines around you, and know the total height of your equipment including antennas and extensions before moving your equipment.Â
Call 310.EQUS (310-3787) for help finding a safe route to travel with oversize equipment, or contact Utility Safety Partners, formerly Alberta One-Call, and locate any underground utilities before you break ground.
