Grain dryers
Dress safely and appropriately. Tie long hair back, and make sure clothing is snug with no strings hanging off garments. Grain dryers have many moving parts and run at extremely high temperatures, making fire a real possibility. Be sure to wear the proper protective gear and a plan for potential accidents.
Auger – grain bin
Never enter a bin while unloading grain or to break up a grain bridge or chunks that may plug grain flow. Flowing grain will pull you into the grain mass, burying you within seconds. Use “lock-out/tag-out” procedures to ensure the equipment will not start before entering the bin.
Ladder safety
Ladder accidents are preventable. Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder to ensure stability. Never attempt to reach for something while on the ladder – get off, move it, and climb up.
Flooding
Watch for flooded roadways. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown! Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Overhead lines
Always keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines on all sides. Field cultivators and sprayers can often reach as high as 12 feet in the air. Avoid moving large equipment alone. Have someone watch as you move equipment to ensure you are clear of power lines.
Autopilot
While GPS technology can help reduce driver error through automation, it does not mean that safety — including power line safety — can be put on autopilot. Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead power lines. Grain augers should always be positioned horizontally before being moved.
Hunting
Hunters and other gun owners should not shoot near or toward power lines, power poles, or substations. A stray bullet can damage equipment, be deadly to the shooter, and potentially interrupt electric service to large areas. Electrical equipment is never in season!
Ditch burning
Burns should only be conducted by those who are experienced. Avoid burning near public roads or airports as this can create a potentially dangerous visibility hazard. Alert all those who may be potentially affected by the burn - including neighbors, the local fire department, and law enforcement. If a pole catches on fire, call the fire department and alert Cass County Electric at 701-356-4400.