24 September 2003 00:00 Farmers encouraged to spread their slurry safely

As the farming community nears the end of its busiest time of year, East Midlands Electricity (EME) is sending out a special message to all farmers.

With harvest-time over, farmers will soon be setting about the task of spreading slurry on to their stubble fields.

While statistics show harvest time to be one of the most dangerous periods in the farming calendar, EME’s safety team is hammering home the message that farmers need to take extra care even though harvest time is over.

Dave Welbourne, Operational Safety Engineer at EME, said: “Please spread your slurry safely this autumn.

“We want farmers to be aware of the dangers of working near overhead power lines, particularly when it comes to slurry spreading.
“A continuous jet of slurry can conduct electricity and lead to dangerously high levels of voltage coming into contact with spreading equipment and its operators.

“It really is essential that farmers keep a look out for overhead lines and avoid them at all costs.”

EME urges farmers to keep in mind some key points:

• Irrigators should never pass under a power line when in operation;
• Irrigators should incorporate a jet break up device;
• Remember to take into account the drift of slurry in the wind;
• Ensure everyone knows where any overhead lines are located – Awareness prevents accidents.

Anyone who needs advice on the height or safe clearances from overhead lines should call East Midlands Electricity on 0800 096 3080

In case of emergency call EME on 0800 626 555. Do not be tempted to go near the line. Do not pick up or touch power cables or anything that is in contact with them as they may still be live or automatically come back on after a set time.