As broad acre farmers across South Australia start preparing for seeding, SA Power Networks has issued a stark reminder about safety around powerlines.

Electricity infrastructure is a significant hazard on farms, with 65 incidents since 1 January 2021 involving various types of farm machinery hitting powerlines and poles.

Tractors, seeders, harvesters, spray booms, and augers are among equipment contacting electricity infrastructure at various times of the year. As you would expect, most incidents occur in our State’s significant broad acre cropping areas. Note: See page two for data on farm incidents.

Two incidents have occurred in the past two days – one on Eyre Peninsula involving a sprayer and one on Yorke Peninsula involving an auger.

“Understandably everyone is keen to get the crops in, but in the rush, they can potentially put themselves and others at life-threatening risk,” said Paul Roberts, Head of Corporate Affairs at SA Power Networks.

“This is a positive time on many farms, but an accident would make it disastrous,” Mr Roberts said.

“Most of the powerlines on farms are 19,000 Volt SWER (Single Wire Earth Return) powerlines – that is a high voltage that is potentially lethal or that at best will cause significant, long-term injuries.

Mr Roberts said, when undertaking specific tasks, all on-farm workers, including family members, contractors and anyone lending a helping hand, need to be made aware of the location of powerlines and Stobie poles and the potential risks.

“The location of powerlines is a critical issue for anyone involved in sowing. There may have been some change to the configuration of powerlines on your property since last year and, with equipment getting taller and wider, that means you must review your powerline clearances before undertaking work.

“Powerlines can be difficult to see, so confirming their location before you start work, could avoid serious injury or even save a life.”

To help local farmers plan their work, they can access GPS mapping of South Australia’s electricity distribution infrastructure via the Look Up and Live app and website www.lookupandlive.com.au

“The Look Up and Live app and website provides farmers and other people undertaking rural activity with access to mapped information on the location and voltage of powerlines and poles on their properties,” said Mr Roberts.

What to do if you contact a powerline
If a vehicle strikes a powerline it is best to stay inside the vehicle until help can arrive.

“When a vehicle comes into contact with powerlines you should immediately contact SA Power Networks on 13 13 66 and, unless there is some other emergency, do not move from your vehicle until SA Power Networks confirms it is safe to exit the vehicle,” Mr Roberts said.

“Others in the vicinity also should keep well clear of the vehicle until SA Power Networks confirms the line is safe.”

In a power emergency call SA Power Networks on 13 13 66. For an ambulance or police assistance, call 000.

On-farm incidents involving electricity distribution infrastructure: 2021-23