As we emerge from a winter with Storm Éowyn and Storm Darragh inflicting record-levels of damage across the country, Michael Murray, public safety manager with ESB Networks, reminds farmers and the farming community to be remain vigilant and be aware of risks and potential hazards that may remain as fields are revisited this spring with livestock and machinery.

With electricity, the most important precaution is to keep a safe distance from overhead wires and poles.

Our advice is always Stay Safe, Stay Clear and immediately contact the ESB Networks emergency number – 1800 372 999 if you notice any issues with overhead wires or poles.

To keep you safe this spring, Murray has put together some tips for safer farming in the presence of electricity:

As livestock are turned out this spring, stay aware of the potential for fallen wires to be present that might have been serving old houses or pump houses, as these may not have been picked up during the initial restoration and could potentially be lying live on the ground or up in trees, or have reduced clearances that could put the farmer or stock at risk;
Never touch fallen wires, or handle livestock that may be in contact with electricity wires. Notify ESB Networks of any fallen lines immediately;
Understand that electricity lines are always live, and that electricity always seeks the shortest, easiest path to the ground – including through people;
When traversing fields, plan your route to maintain a safe distance from overhead lines, stay wires, and electricity poles. Where possible, work parallel to lines rather than crossing under them. Electricity can ‘arc’ or jump gaps, meaning you do not need to make contact with the line to be at risk;
Call ESB Networks on 1800 373 999 if your tractor, machinery, or any other attachment comes in contact with an overhead line, and remain in the cab until the electricity has been shut off by an ESB Networks technician. A wrong move could result in serious injury or death. Warn others to keep their distance. If you must exit the cab, jump clear of the tractor and land with both feet, taking care to avoid touching the ground with your hands. Then, take short steps until you are safely 10m away;
In an emergency, call ESB Networks’ 24/7 service on 1800 373 999 with the GPS coordinates or the Eircode for your location.

Our advice is always Stay Safe, Stay Clear and immediately contact the ESB Networks emergency number.

Save this number in your mobile phone today: 1800 373 999.