Farm Safety

Agriculture ranks among the most dangerous industries in the United States. The safety of our employees and our members remain a very high priority for T.I.P. REC. It is important for farm operators and workers to look out for overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance. Click here for specific information on the required grain bin clearances relating to Iowa law and and Iowa Electric Safety Code. 

Some additional safety guidelines include:

• Always use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines.
• Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines. 
• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines—at all times, in all directions.
• Inspect the height of the farm equipment to determine clearance.
• Always remember to lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads.
• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
• If a power line is sagging or low, call the cooperative office immediately. 
• If your equipment does hit a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away, and wait for the cooperative line workers to cut the power. 

Source-images & content: Safe Electricity - A program of the Energy Education Council