EPP North has prepared and disseminated basic rules for working with construction and agricultural machinery near power lines

Often, as a result of carrying out agricultural and construction activities with means of transport near power lines, accidents associated with electric shock occur. During harvesting, sowing, spraying or tillage, tractors and harvesters are struck by a high voltage arc when GPS antennas or other high parts come into contact with power lines or as a result of loading and unloading activities near operating power lines. Working near live power lines can cause serious damage, injury, and even a fatal outcome may occur as a result of direct contact with them or the formation of volt arcs from these power lines to neighboring facilities and equipment.

To prevent life-threatening situations for workers engaged in agricultural and construction activities, Elektrodistribuenie Sever prepared recommendations for work near power lines. These recommendations were sent to municipalities, institutions and partners with a request for assistance that they be further forwarded in order to reach the maximum number of employees engaged in carrying out activities that take place near the power lines. The goal is to take preventive measures to preserve the life and health of people.

Here are some of the recommendations of ERP North when working with construction and agricultural machinery near power lines:

• When harvesting, it is advisable that the machines harvest parallel to the power lines, if possible without crossing them.
• If it is necessary to cross or work near power lines, check in advance the height of the machines and the safe distances to the live parts or provide a monitoring person.
• When working with construction machinery, the operator must inspect the work site in advance so that it is at a safe distance from power lines.
• Works with concrete pumps, excavators, cranes and front loaders to be carried out after the locations, facilities and parts under stress have been specified in advance. If necessary, request the disconnection and securing of the power lines by EPP North.
• Agree in advance all the signs that will be submitted with your hands so that there is no discrepancy. The person who signals the dangers must stand outside the way of movement of the machine and in a place from which it is possible to visually observe all maneuvers without being exposed to danger and where the driver can see him at all times.
• For emergencies, contact 112 or the relevant electricity distribution company. The 24-hour telephone line of ERP North AD is 0700 161 61.

The basic rules for working with construction and agricultural machinery near power lines are published on the website of ERP North: https://erpsever.bg/web/files/richeditor/documents/drugi/safety-advices.pdf.