A close call has prompted Essential Energy to issue safety warnings around property powerlines after a NSW farmer’ made contact with low hanging high voltage powerlines.
The power lines had been damaged in a recent storm but were still ‘live’ and suspended above the paddock when they made contact while the farmer was spraying his paddock in Warren, NSW.
The farmer was unharmed in the incident as he stayed it the cab and contacted Essential Energy who then isolated the power supply.
Essential Energy, General Manager Safety, HR and Environment, David Nardi, said that damage to the electricity network can pose a safety risk to the general public, nearby animals, buildings and machinery as well as potentially interrupting the power supply.
“We recommend residents take shelter during intense weather, try not to use electrical appliances or telephones during storms and inspect electrical assets from a distance after the weather event has passed – keeping in mind that damage may not always be obvious,” Mr Nardi said.
