Farmers at Emerald Expo forum alerted to electrical risks

Six farmers lost their lives by coming into contact with electricity since the year 2000, according to the ESB, and there have been many hundreds of incidents where livestock perished, or farmers had lucky escapes when trying to rescue stricken animals.

“Working near overhead power lines and having an unsafe or inadequately protected electrical installation are the main causes of electrical accidents on farms,” said ESB Networks Public Safety Manager Arthur Byrne, during the Emerald Expo farm safety forum at Punchestown, Co Kildare.

He said “Looking back over the decades, starting in the 30s, I can tell you that the average number of deaths from electrocution is five, in recent years that has come down very significantly to about two, but it needs to be zero.”

He revealed that a north Kerry farmer recently lost 15 calves in a hay shed fire after an electrical fault.

He alerted farmers to seven key electrical risks.

* Fallen electricity wires; stay clear, ring the ESB Networks Emergency 24-hour number at 1850 372 999 immediately.

*  Problems with the electrical installation; have it checked out by a registered electrical contractor and use proper fittings rated for the elements.

* Portable tools are a frequent cause of electrical accidents. Ensure they are safe, and have an RCD fitted (you can buy a portable plug-in RCD for as little as €10).

* Stray voltage problems increase mastitis and cell counts, get your electrical installation checked and maintained.

* Electric Fencers: keep fence wire away from overhead electricity wires.

* Stand-by generators; Ensure that they are wired correctly with a proper changeover switch.

* Watch out for overhead wires on your land, especially when using high machinery, moving high loads, spreading slurry or using irrigation equipment.