Alliant Energy: Heads Up for Power Lines

Heads up! With harvest season in full swing for Midwestern farmers, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, takes a moment to remind rural customers to work safely and be aware of overhead power lines when operating heavy machinery, large sprayers or using ladders.

'High-voltage power lines are not insulated and pose a significant risk for electrocution on farms. Electrocution can occur when objects and people are moving and come in contact with the overhead power lines,' said John Kratchmer-Vice President, Energy Delivery for Alliant Energy. 'Electrical currents can also arc to a con-ductive material near a power line without actually touching it, so it's important to always maintain a clearance of at least 10 feet.'

Kratchmer encourages people to take their time, be alert and put equipment in the lowered position before moving it under electric wires.

Following basic farm safety rules can save lives and prevent injury. Kratchmer offers the following outdoor safety checklist for agricultural customers working around electricity:

- Familiarize yourself with the location of all overhead and underground power lines, utility equipment such as meters and transformers, and the service panel at each of your buildings.

- Apply "Look Up" safety decals to augers and other tall equipment.

- Tag the fuse or breaker switch if you need to turn off the power, so no one else turns it on while you're working.

- Keep all electrical devices, including extension cords, away from animals, water or damp areas.

- Keep all power tools, motors and other electrical equipment in good repair.

- If you are in a vehicle or piece of machinery that contacts an energized power line, stay in the vehicle until emergency personnel tell you it is safe to get out. If there is an immediate danger of a vehicle fire, jump out of the vehicle landing with both feet together. Never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away from the vehicle without raising your feet.

- Check equipment, cords and plugs frequently for signs of fraying, cracking or scorching.

- Keep all cords neatly secured and out of traffic areas.

- Know the location of underground lines before you dig. One easy call to 811 starts the process to get your underground facilities marked for free.

- Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles on all outlets that are outside or near water sources. If there is any variation in the current, the GFCI will automatically cut the flow of electricity through the circuit, greatly reducing the severity of the shock.

- Take care when climbing, trimming or cutting trees, maintain at least 10 feet of clearance and use extreme caution with chain saws, axes and pruning poles. Tree limbs, guard rails and fences can conduct electricity from broken or damaged power lines. This condition may be present after an accident or storm. If there are wires down, stay away, keep others away, and call the local utility.

- Have an emergency plan in place. Teach all family members what to do in case of an emergency.

- If you're planning a new build-ing, contact your Alliant Energy agribusiness representative or a licensed electrician for help placing electrical service lines.

For more information about outdoor electrical safety, you can visit www.alliantenergy.com/agsafety

CONTACT: Steve Schultz, Alliant Energy Tel: +1 608 458 3285

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