Farm Safety
Each year, accidents related to electricity cause extensive damage to property and livestock on Manitoba farms.
The following guidelines on working safely with and around electricity on the farm were developed to reduce the possibility of accidents and downtime. They are no substitute for job training or proper equipment use.
Make safety part of doing the chores. Take some time to review your work practices. Many accidents are a result of workers failing to disconnect the circuit before working on electrical equipment.
- Buried Power Lines. This program covers a portion of the cost to move overhead power lines underground in farmyards.
- Overhead Power Lines Distance Guidelines. This program provides guidelines for the safe movement of oversized and, in particular, over-height equipment.
- Farm Safety Checklist. Test your knowledge of farm safety.
- Electrically Heated Livestock Waterers. A firm platform for the waterer, grounding of metal guard rails that animals can touch, and a separate #6 AWG stranded copper ground are the keys to safe operation of electrically heated livestock waterers.
- Farm Yard Planning and Renovation. Electrical safety tips to consider if you are planning a move to a new farm site or thinking of developing your farm yard.
- Myths About Electricity. Can rubber and wood protect you from lethal shocks? Knowing the facts could save your life.
- Farm Safety — How Much Do You Know? Take this test on the electrocution dangers around your farm.
Call Before You Dig. Digging to plant trees or make other excavations on your farm could be deadly if you do not call before you dig. Includes clearances required between power lines and wells.
Permits and Inspections. If you're planning a renovation or adding a building to a farm yard, an electrical permit must be obtained from Manitoba Hydro.
