Safety on the Farm

        Dangerous situations can occur quickly on the farm. Make sure the long hours you work don't cause you to forget about safety, especially when working near power lines.
        Farm grain augers, and many other types of farm equipment, are of such height and length that they become an excellent path to the ground should you fail to recognize the potential danger of a power line overhead.
        Lightweight irrigation pipe can be an excellent conductor of electricity, and when raised in an upright position, can contact the power line causing you to become a fatal accident statistic.

1. Consider any overhead line dangerous. Keep objects at least 10 feet away from power lines.
2. Inspect your working areas for possible interference with overhead power lines.
3. Don't attempt to raise or move electric lines.
4. Call the Cooperative before digging where power lines are buried.
5. Report potential power line hazards to the Cooperative.

        Although you may have no power lines whatsoever in your fields, you certainly have them present in equipment storage areas and grain storage areas. Be sure the paths from equipment storage areas to the fields and from the fields to the grain storage areas are safe routes. There should be ample clearance for combines, pickers, augers, front end loaders, stackers or any other equipment you are moving about your farm. If there is some question about whether equipment will clear a power line conductor, assume that it won't and take measures to avoid any possible contact.

Be Careful on the Farm

     Many farm workers are killed each year when their farm equipment makes contact with overhead power lines. These tragic accidents are preventable. Before heading back into the fields, Safe Electricity urges farm workers to review farm activities and work practices that take place around power lines.
     "Make sure everyone who works on the farm knows the location of power lines and keeps farm equipment at least 10 feet away from them," said Molly Hall, director of Safe Electricity. "Keep in mind, the minimum 10 foot distance is a 360-degree rule - below, to the side and above lines. It may take a little more time, but ensuring proper clearance can save lives."
     "Many farm electrical accidents that involve power line contact happen when loading or preparing to transport equipment to fields, or while performing maintenance or repairs on farm machinery near power lines," notes Bob Aherin, University of Illinois Agricultural Safety Specialist. "It can be difficult to estimate distance and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks. A spotter or someone with a broader view can help."
     Today's larger farms require transporting tractors and equipment to fields several miles away. Before transit, avoid raising the arms of planters, cultivators, or truck beds near power lines.
     Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors. Also, many tractors are now equipped with radios and communications systems and have antennas extending from the cab to fifteen above the ground that could make contact with power lines.

Some other equipment safety considerations:

• Always lower portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level - under 14 feet - before moving or transporting; use care when raising them.
• When moving large equipment or high loads near a power line, always use a spotter, or someone to help make certain that contact is not made with a line.
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path!
  

     As in any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equipment such as ladders, poles, or rods into power lines. Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes, and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness and dust and dirt contamination. Do not try to clear storm damage debris and limbs near or touching power lines or near fallen lines.
     The overhead electric wires aren't the only electrical contact that can result in a serious incident. Pole guy wires are grounded to neutral; but, when one of the guy wires is broken, it can cause an electric current disruption. This can make those neutral wires anything but harmless. If you hit a guy wire and break it, call the utility to fix it. Don't do it yourself. When dealing with electrical poles and wires, always call the electric utility.
     "It's also important for operators of farm equipment or vehicles to know what to do if the vehicle comes in contact with a power line," Hall said. "It's almost always best to stay in the cab and call for help. Warn others who may be nearby to stay away and wait until the electric utility arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off."
     "If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path and electrocution is the result," Aherin said. "Even if a power line has landed on the ground, there is still the potential for the area nearby to be energized. Stay inside the vehicle unless there's fire or imminent risk of fire."
     In that case, the proper action is to jump - not step - with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Do not allow any part of your body to touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Continue to shuffle or hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.
     Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Many electrocutions occur when the operator dismounts and, realizing nothing has happened, tries to get back on the equipment.
     Farmers may want to consider moving or burying power lines around buildings or busy pathways where many farm activities take place. If planning a new building or farm structure, contact your power supplier for information on minimum safe clearances from overhead and underground power lines.
     For more information on farm/home electrical safety, visit www.SafeElectricity.org. Spanish versions of farm electric safety information are also available on this web site.
     Safe Electricity is a statewide electrical safety public awareness program. The program was created by a coalition of nearly three-dozen organizations including the University of Illinois, rural electric cooperatives, and investor-owned electric utilities from throughout the state. All are members of the Illinois Electric Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting electric safety and efficiency.

ADDING NEW GRAIN BINS

        If you are planning the construction of any new grain bins, be sure to take the placement of existing power lines into account and contact the Cooperative before your plans are finalized. The National Electric Safety Code has published new regulations concerning electric lines near grain bins. We will be glad to provide information on the new code.
        The Cooperative cannot provide electric service to any grain bin built near an existing line which does not meet the clearance requirement. If you have any questions call the Cooperative at 785-4631 or 1-800-392-0567 and ask for Member Service or Engineering.

KNOW THE 10 FOOT RULE

        The rule refers to the distance extending 10 feet in every direction from any power line. It's the distance you should observe when you're working outdoors with equipment or machinery, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, dump truck, drilling rig, or block loader.
        It's also important to remember that Missouri law requires you to notify the co-op anytime you work near a power line.
        So play it safe, and remind your coworkers and neighbors to practice the "10-foot rule" too.
        If you are doing any work within 10 feet of an overhead powerline, please contact the Cooperative first. Also contact the Cooperative before doing any digging in the vicinity of an underground power line.

Be Careful With The Trees, Please!

     Are you planning to clear land or get rid of dead trees? Cutting down trees is serious business, and observing a few rules will help you accomplish your task safely.

• Always look overhead and to all sides surrounding your cutting site. Make sure the tree will not come into contact with any power lines when it falls.
• If a tree does fall into a power line, or you come across a tree that has already fallen, do not - under any circumstances - attempt to remove it.
• Stay clear of the tree and the line, and call us, as soon as possible. We'll send a crew right away to take care of the problem.

        Don't dig that hole under a power line, or even near it. Remember that little seedlings will someday have big branches that can tangle in power lines. And if branches break in a windstorm or bend down in an ice storm, they can interrupt service for you and others on the line. Ozark Border spends thousands of dollars every year just trimming trees which threaten service. So plan ahead when you plant trees. With a little foresight, we can enjoy them without risk.

Appliance Safety

• Don't use any appliance while you're touching metal or anything wet. Never plug in or unplug an electric cord while your hands are wet.
• Unplug appliances before cleaning them.
• Don't yank the cord when unplugging appliances.
• Train children not to put things into electrical outlets. Plastic outlet guards are a good idea, especially for homes with small children.
• Repair any appliances that sparks, smokes, or shocks you.
• Don't overload outlets and extension cords.
• Keep appliances like radios, TV's, and hair dryers away from sinks and bathtubs.

Tornado Safety

     Tornadoes are the unpleasant happenings of spring. These savage storms that quickly drop their long, gray funnels from storm clouds, pack killer winds of up to 225 miles per hour. Fifty-four percent of the tornadoes occur in the spring, with May averaging nearly five tornadoes each day.
     Now is the time to plan ahead for a safe place to evacuate in case of a tornado. A basement or storm cellar is the best place to get. In homes without basements, take cover in the central part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture. Protect yourself from any possible flying glass.
     Motorists caught traveling during a tornado should drive at right angles to the approaching storm. If trapped, get out of the vehicle and lay face down with head protected in a ditch or culvert.
     Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to overturning during strong winds and should be evacuated when strong winds are forecast.
     There are two warnings that could spell the difference between life and death. "Tornado Watch" means weather conditions are ripe for a tornado to develop. "Tornado Warning" means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar. The warning will describe the area affected. Persons in that area should take cover immediately.

• Check the condition and capacity of the electrical service to the house and perform a load analysis. Is the present service adequate for present and foreseen demands?
• Check the quality of the exposed wiring including the service entrance if above ground.
• Inspect the panel box and check that all connections are safe. · Check the wiring of receptacles, switches, and light fixtures, and check for proper lamp wattages.
• Measure for voltage drop.
• Verify for polarity and ground wiring at the receptacles.
• Check for required ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and test each.
• Identify the type of wiring (aluminum or copper) and check for the proper size of conductors and the presence of over-current protection.
• Check the type of wiring insulation (i.e., cloth or thermaplastic) and for wiring insulation condition and temperature rating.
• Check the age and type of various components of the electrical system.
• Check for presence and proper placement of smoke alarms and test each.
• Check for appropriate surge suppression, and for areas of the country that experience a lot of lightning, consider a surge arrester.
       Who needs an electrical inspection?
       An electrical inspection is a good idea for all homeowners, but in particular, the ESFI and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend electrical inspections for the following:
• All homes 40 years old and older.
• All homes 10 years old and older that have had major additions or renovations or the addition of major new appliances like air conditioning, furnace, water heater, washer and dryer, dishwasher or refrigerator.
• All previously owned homes at the time of purchase by the new owner.
       Can't I check it myself?
       No. There are some clues you can look for that would indicate the need for a closer look, but the electrical inspection itself is more complicated than the average homeowner can handle and requires the knowledge and skill of a qualified, licensed electrician or electrical inspector.
       New homeowners should get to know their home's electrical system; know its capacity, its limitations and its potential hazards. Especially, understand the demand you place of the system.
  

• Assume that electrical wires are dangerous.
• Survey your work area and overhead clearance before you begin.
• Never install an antenna close enough to wire that it can accidentally make contact.
• Don't put your life on the line.

• Read and follow instructions.
• Never let children operate or play with the door controls. Keep remote control away from children.
• Always keep the moving door in sight and away from people, pets and objects until it is completely closed. No one should cross the path of an open door.
• Test the door operator monthly. The garage door MUST reverse on contact with a 1-1/2 inch high object (or a piece of two-by-four lumber laid flat) on the floor. If the door doesn't stop and reverse after contact with the object, disconnect the operator and use the door manually until the operator is replaced or repaired.
  
• When possible, use the emergency release when the door is closed. Use caution when using this release with the door open. Weak or broken springs are capable of increasing the rate of door closure and increasing the risk of severe injury or death.
• Keep garage doors properly balanced. See owner's manual. An improperly balanced door increases the risk of severe injury or death. Have a qualified service person make repairs to cables, spring assemblies and other hardware.

• If a child is missing, and a pool is in the area, always check the pool first. Every second counts in preventing a drowing accident.

• Don't allow young children to swim unsupervised just because they've had swimming lessons. Flotation devices and inflatable swimming aids are not babysitters, and they are not safety devices.

• Keep several rescue devices such as life preservers within pool's reach. Be sure a telephone is poolside with emergency numbers posted nearby.

• Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Floats, balls and other toys may attract children to the pool when it is unattended, and they may fall in.

• If you own a pool, make sure you know infant and child CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).If you own a pool, your children should already be taking swimming lessons.
  
  

     According to the National Electrical Safety Foundation, most home circuits - no matter if they have one or multiple outlets - can support up to 1,500 watts, while some kitchen circuits can handle around 2,000 watts. That's good to know, but how can you make sure you don't put more demand on a circuit than it can handle?
     Most electric devices, unless they're quite old and need to be replaced, carry a wattage listing. You usually can find the wattage on the bottom of the appliance near its serial number. So if you discover that your portable heater draws around 1,200 watts, you'll know that you shouldn't plug your iron, which draws about 1,100 watts, into the same outlet or into an outlet on the same circuit.

• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your house while you are away.
  Give the phone number where you are staying and other pertinent information to a trusted friend or neighbor in case of an emergency.
• Advise your local law enforcement agency to place your home on its patrol list.
  Have a friend stop by to take in your mail, newspapers, and other deliveries. If this isn't possible, cancel all deliveries and mail.
• Have a neighbor park his/her car in your driveway, to give the house a "lived-in" appearance.
• Make sure the doors and windows are secured before leaving your home.
• Set household lights (inside and out) on variable timers.
• Leave spare keys with a neighbor or relative rather than hidden outside the house. A burglar knows where to look!
• Make a list of your valuables - VCR's, stereos, computers, jewelry. Take photos of the items and list their serial numbers.
• Arrange to have your lawn cut/snow shoveled while you are away.
• Arrange to have garbage put out for pickup.
• Leave curtains in the position they would normally be while you're home.
• Have radios or a TV on timer and set to a talk-show station.
• If you have a pet, arrange for it to be fed, watered, walked at home rather than taken to a kennel.
• Don't advertise your departure.
• Do not state on your answering machine that you are not at home.
• Try to be discreet when packing your luggage in your car.
• Make sure exterior lighting is adequate. Motion detector/ dusk detector outdoor lighting is good to invest in.
• Neighborhood watch concepts should be implemented. For example, know your neighbors, work together for your mutual security, report any unusual or peculiar activity, and know your local police officers.
• And remember; lock your doors and windows.

• If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it.
• The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the chance for a human path of electric current and minimize the hazards of electric shock. Electricity can move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone - and it could do that through your body.
• If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed power line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.
• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.
• Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
• If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed power line, stay in your car. Honk your horn for help or call 911 for help on your cell phone and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
  If you must leave your car because it's on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together to avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you reduce the risk of becoming part of the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffling away from the car is also important.

• Metal ladders shift position. Wind, uneven ground or reaching to the side while on the ladder can cause the ladder - and even the person on it - to contact an overhead wire.
  Never use metal ladders when handling an improperly grounded power tool or contacting an electrical source, such as a light socket.
• Metal stepladders and extension ladders meeting Underwriters Laboratories and American National Standards Institute voluntary standards have labels warning about this hazard. The labels typically state with words and graphic: "Danger! Metal conducts electricity! Keep ladder away from power lines and live electrical wires."
• Carefully check the location of all overhead wires before using a ladder, especially where the lines connect to the house. Any power line (including the line running from the street to your house) can permit electricity to flow into a piece of metal or other object, such as a tree branch, that touches it.
• Power lines and phone lines often appear similar. Assume that all overhead wires carry electricity. Some overhead lines are coated to extend the life of the line. The coating is not intended to protect against electrocution.
• Lower the ladder when carrying or moving it, to avoid touching an overhead wire. Since long ladders can be unwieldy, have someone help carry and set up the ladder.
• Never place a ladder where it could slide into an overhead line. Make sure the distance to the nearest overhead line is at least twice the length of the ladder.
• Place the ladder's feet on solid, level ground before climbing it. When the ground is not level or is soft, put a flat piece of wood under one or both feet of the ladder to provide a solid, level base. If possible, tie off the ladder to prevent it from moving.
• If the ladder should start to fall into an overhead line, let it go. Never try to move it. Do not leave the ladder unattended. Have someone call your cooperative and report the problem, and make sure the electricity to the line is off before you touch the ladder.
• If someone is holding the ladder when it contacts the overhead line, never try to pull him or her away with your hands.
  
  For more information visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission online at www.cpsc.gov.

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What the UL label means to you

    Most of us do our homework when it comes to purchasing high-ticket items like plasma TVs and automobiles. We read performance reviews and familiarize ourselves with safety and operating features. But many of us don't put the same thought and care into purchasing simple electrical products that could have a huge impact on our family's safety and health.
    With so many electrical wiring devices to choose from, how can you be assured that the items you purchase will provide years of safe, problem-free performance? What is Underwriters Laboratory? When shopping for items such as light switches, receptacles, dimmers or surge protectors look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) label.
    Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. The UL label indicates that an electrical product satisfies the safety requirements of Underwriters Laboratories, one of the nation's oldest and most trusted product testing organizations.
    What does the UL Label Mean? This label is your assurance that the electrical products you purchase are tested and retested often by their manufacturers to comply with UL safety standards. UL inspectors frequently visit facilities that manufacture electrical components. Typically, the inspectors will walk into a plant unannounced and conduct random checks of products coming off the assembly line. If you're unsure of what the UL label looks like, check your toaster or hair dryer. You'll see the encircled letters “UL” somewhere on the device.
    According to UL, you should make sure its label appears on every electrical product, fire extinguisher and fuel-burning appliance in your home. UL also tests heating, air conditioning and refrigeration products to make sure they won't pose a hazard to your health and safety.

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Make Electric Safety a Priority on the Job Site

    Electrical accidents rank sixth among all causes of work-related deaths in the United States , according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. An important way to reduce electrical shock accidents is to institute and follow established procedures for preventive maintenance.
     This is the responsibility of the employer, employee and owner — establishing a close working relationship to reduce and eliminate electrical accidents. Remember, never ignore electrical problems. Here are a few tips for electrical safety on the job site:

• Choose proper cords and connectors for the job.
• Make sure any portable cord used to power any type of light and/or heavy-duty industrial equipment is suitable for the equipment — not only gauge size but also flexibility, strength and ability to withstand any chemicals that may be present.
• All testing equipment should be properly calibrated.
• Make sure the extension cord thickness is at least as big as the electrical cord for the tool.
• Read and follow all equipment operating instructions for proper use.
• Leave equipment repairs and adjustment to authorized personnel.
• Sticking switches on electrical saws should be replaced at once. After the switch is released, always maintain control of the saw until the blade has stopped.
• Never operate an electric saw while wearing loose clothing such as an unbuttoned jacket or long, floppy sleeves.
• Make sure safety rules are followed at the end of the work day or when a job is finished.
• Follow required lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Turn off equipment when finished with job.
• Disconnect energy sources.
• Release stored energy to make sure no power is getting to the equipment.
• Keep work areas clean and dry. Cluttered work areas and benches invite accidents and injuries.
• Good housekeeping and a well-planned layout of temporary wiring will reduce the dangers of fire and shock hazard.

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Don't Let Fireplaces Put a Chill in Your Home
    A traditional open fireplace can be one of the most expensive energy problems in many homes. This is because your fireplace's chimney is, in effect, a large hole in your house. This creates drafts elsewhere in your home as cold air is pulled in to replace the air that is sucked up your chimney. A fireplace is also a very inefficient heating device. The hotter the fire gets the more house air goes up the chimney.
    If your fireplace has a chimney damper, make sure it is closed when you're not burning a fire. This will slow the flow of warm house air up your chimney. Be sure to open the damper before starting your next fire – perhaps you could hang a small tag from the damper to serve as a reminder.
    Many fireplaces also have doors. These doors reduce the amount of indoor air going up the chimney, but don't eliminate air leakage. Keep these closed when no fire is burning to slow the loss of room air.
    Fireplace inserts are a popular way to improve the efficiency of open fireplaces. A fireplace insert is like a wood stove that is designed to fit into your fireplace. The best inserts have fans that circulate room air through spaces within the insert and distribute it around the room.
    Many older fireplaces are never used. The best way to reduce heat waste from these is to seal them off altogether. Seal the chimney above the roof to keep outdoor water and air out of your home. This outdoor seal should cover the top of the chimney and be made of waterproof galvanized steel or aluminum. Inflatable pillows are also available that seal the area where the fireplace connects with its chimney.

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