Power and Electrical safety

Electrical hazards are common on dairy farms because electrical equipment is often used in hostile operating environments (where there is moisture, vibration, dust,
heat, corrosive chemicals or physical damage) and because power lines are likely to be located near busy dairy and feed storage areas.

Electrocution often results in death or serious injury.

Electric shocks may also lead to injuries or illnesses such as falls (e.g. from ladders or platforms), muscle spasms, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, collapse and unconsciousness.

Arcing, explosion or fire due to electric faults can cause burns and illness or death from release of toxic gases.

Regulations require employers to manage electrical risks by ensuring all electrical installation and equipment is safe to use. Even if contractors or workers supply their own electrical equipment, the dairy farm manager has a responsibility to ensure that it is safe.

Use the resources below to ensure that you comply with these requirements.

Consider all the places where power is supplied and used on your farm. Your focus will most likely be around the dairy and workshop, but other powered locations such as yards, sheds, pumps and houses should be considered too.

A good place to start is Step by step – Safety for power and electrical equipment on your farm