Host: Tracey Haberman, Member Services Manager
Guest: Cody Hansen, Line Superintendent
TRACEY HABERMAN:
Welcome back to the Nobles Cooperative Electric podcast. Today, I’m joined by our Line Superintendent, Cody Hansen, for an update on what our crews have been working on this summer.
We’re also heading into one of the busiest times of the year here in southwest Minnesota. Harvest is getting underway, school buses are back on their routes, farm equipment is moving from field to field, and our line crews continue to work throughout the service territory.
Cody, let’s start with an update. It’s been another busy summer. What have our crews been working on?
CODY HANSEN:
It’s been a busy summer, and we’ve been able to get a lot accomplished.
A lot of what we do is about maintaining and improving the system before there’s a problem. That includes line rebuilds, underground work, replacing poles and aging equipment, new services, and other system improvements throughout our service territory.
There’s always something going on, and our crews have been busy keeping the system reliable for our members.
TRACEY:
As we move into fall, there’s also a lot more activity on our rural roads. We have farmers moving equipment, school buses making their rounds, and, of course, our own crews working along roadsides.
One thing we’ve really noticed this time of year is how difficult that early morning and late afternoon sun can make it to see.
CODY:
Absolutely. When the sun is low, especially on east-west roads, visibility can change very quickly.
We just ask everyone to slow down, pay attention and give themselves a little extra time. If you see one of our trucks or crews working along the road, please move over when it’s safe to do so and give them plenty of room.
The same goes for farmers moving equipment, school buses and emergency responders who may be stopped along the roadway. Everybody has somewhere they need to be, but the most important thing is that everyone gets home safely.
TRACEY:
Fall also means harvest, and that brings another important safety reminder for our farm families — power lines.
With combines, grain carts, augers and other large equipment moving around, it’s important to always know where overhead power lines are located.
CODY:
Definitely. One of the biggest things is simply being aware of your surroundings.
Know the height of your equipment and look up before moving an auger, grain cart or other tall equipment. And remember, power lines aren’t just something you need to think about when you’re traveling down the road.
There may be power lines running along or through a field, near a farm site or around grain bins. Even when you’re moving equipment within your own field or yard, you need to keep those lines in mind.
Whenever possible, lower augers and other equipment before moving them.
TRACEY:
And underground electrical lines are important too, especially when farmers are doing fall projects.
CODY:
Right. If you’re digging, installing tile, putting in fence posts or doing another project that involves disturbing the ground, make sure underground utilities are located first.
A project that seems routine can become dangerous very quickly if you hit an underground electrical line.
TRACEY:
What should someone do if their equipment does come into contact with a power line?
CODY:
The most important thing is to stay inside the equipment if you can.
Call 911 and warn anyone nearby to stay away. The ground around the equipment can be energized, so nobody should approach the equipment or try to help you out.
If there is a fire or another immediate danger that forces you to leave the equipment, you need to jump clear without touching the equipment and the ground at the same time. Then move away carefully, keeping your feet together.
But unless there’s an immediate danger, the safest place is generally inside the equipment until utility personnel tell you it is safe to exit.
TRACEY:
That’s such an important reminder, especially this time of year when everyone is busy and trying to get as much done as possible.
Whether you’re driving to work, taking kids to school, working in the field or traveling our rural roads, slowing down and paying attention can make a big difference.
CODY:
Exactly. Harvest is a busy time, but no job is worth someone getting hurt.
Take the extra few seconds to look around, watch for power lines, give roadside workers plenty of room and make safety part of the job every time.
We want our farmers, our members, our crews and everyone traveling through our communities to make it home safely at the end of the day.
TRACEY:
Cody, thanks for joining us and for the update. And thank you to all of our members for listening.
From all of us at Nobles Cooperative Electric, have a safe and successful harvest season.