Farm Safely
Electricity and Safety on the Farm
Know the hazards, avoid the risks. Always keep at least 3m away from electricity wires. In an emergency, phone our 24/7 emergency number on 1800 372 999
Safety Advice for Silage Harvesters (003)
(PDF | 168 KB)
National Farm Safety Week
As part of National Farm Safety Week we visited people whose lives have been changed as a result of a farming accident. The following short videos were created in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal as part of ESB Networks and the Irish Farmers Journal Safe Family Farms Joint Initiative.
These videos, created with the Irish Farmers Journal, tell the stories of people we visited whose lives have been changed as the result of a farming accident.
National Farm Safety Week Videos
Francis Hardiman
Ann Doherty
Richie Coghlan
Thomas O'Dwyer
Oliver McElligott
Tommy Moynihan
Michael O'Brien
Padraig Higgins
Angela Hogan
Kerrie Leonard
Donal Kennedy
Brian Rohan
Patsy O'Connor
Francis Hardiman
Ann Doherty
Richie Coghlan
Thomas O'Dwyer
Oliver McElligott
Tommy Moynihan
Michael O'Brien
Padraig Higgins
Angela Hogan
Kerrie Leonard
Donal Kennedy
Brian Rohan
Patsy O'Connor
Previous accident examples
- Welding in a farm shed
- Electric fence connected to 230 Volt source
- Milking machine became live due to faulty wiring
- Silage harvester making contact with an overhead electricity wire
- Cutting timber close to an overhead electricity wire.
- Power washing a cow shed using an extension lead
- Deaths due to accidental contact with 'live' electricity.
- Forage harvesters, combine harvesters or tipping trailers touching overhead wires.
- Damage to poles, stay-wires and protective earth wires.
Farm Safety Video
Top 7 electrical hazards on farms
- Fallen electricity wires
- Wiring installation
- Portable tools
- Bonding and stray voltage
- Electric fences
- Stand-by generators
- Machinery and high loads
(PDF | 1MB)
National Wiring Rules for Electrical Installations
The National Wiring Rules for Electrical Installations make specific provisions for agricultural and horticultural premises. For example, the rules specify what type of switches, sockets, plug tops and light fittings must be used in farm installations. Domestic fittings should never be used for farm installations.
Always get your Registered Electrical Contractor to carry out any electrical work you need.
