Manitoba Hydro is urging agricultural producers to use extra caution around overhead power lines and utility structures after several incidents involving farm equipment this spring — including one that brought down a high-voltage transmission tower.
The most serious incident occurred in the Interlake region last week when farm machinery made contact with Manitoba Hydro’s Bipole 1 high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line, toppling a tower. The tower was replaced and the line returned to service later in the week.
Other incidents involved damage to distribution poles near Russell and Oakville, causing localized outages. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
“While the HVDC line contact didn’t affect electrical service, damage to overhead lines, poles and towers can cause outages that impact hospitals, emergency services and thousands of customers,” Manitoba Hydro said in a statement.
The Crown utility is reminding farmers that modern agricultural equipment is larger than ever, increasing the risk of accidental contact with electrical infrastructure. In addition to causing service disruptions, these incidents pose serious electrocution risks.
Producers are advised to:
• Know the height and width of their machinery.
• Apply for a clearance permit from Manitoba Hydro if equipment exceeds 4.8 metres in height.
• Maintain a minimum distance of three metres (10 feet) from overhead lines when operating equipment.
• Identify hazards before moving or operating machinery, stay alert, and review safety procedures with all workers.
• Clearance permits for farm equipment are available online and remain valid for the entire growing season: hydro.mb.ca/service/permits/farm-equipment-clearance.
If contact with a power line occurs, producers should remain in the equipment and call 911. Emergency responders will work with Manitoba Hydro to secure the scene safely.
“Safety — yours and ours — is our top priority,” the utility said.
