Look up and Live

November 21, 2011

The 2011-10 harvest is in full swing and Member for Schubert, Mr Ivan Venning is warning farmers to continue to be vigilant and watch out for low power lines.

Mr Venning, a grain grower himself said harvesters and augers are getting taller and larger, posing a risk and satellite steering has often meant less attention to obstacles.

"If you have bought a new harvester, I urge you to check the height" he said, "Especially with unloading when the auger is up, as many of the bigger machines are unloaded moving along with the auger up.

"It's easy not to see that low slung power line as you are distracted filling the moving "chaser bin" alongside.

"Our family took delivery of a new harvester this year, and on checking it is almost a metre higher than the old one.

"If you have doubts contact the authorities and for a small cost, the low hanging lines can be marked with a bright red sign. The tolerance should be at least one metre, otherwise it could ark across.

"During a busy harvest it is important that farmers pay extra care attention to where low power lines are located to avoid an accident, especially when they get tired" said Mr Venning.