Farm Fire Safety

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Farm Fire Safety Electrical Safety Checklist

Barn fires are the farm owner’s worst nightmare. Most have tragic results whether it’s the loss of human life, an animal, valuable equipment or the building structure itself. The majority of all barn fires are the result of carelessness and lack of fire safety knowledge.  Insurance statistics show that the two most common times of the year for barn fires are winter and summer .  Winter fires are caused by appliances, rodents chewing through wires or the accumulation of dust or cobwebs on electrical surfaces.  Summer fires are often the result of electrical storms or spontaneous combustion of hot hay.  Farm owners and managers should take the following precautions to help reduce the incidence of fires.

1. Are all farmstead electrical systems free of corrosion?

2.  Are all electrical panels readily accessible and clearly labeled? 

3. Do all electrical cables and conduit’s enter boxes from the side or bottom?

4.  Is all electrical equipment equipped with a separate grounding conductor? 

5.  Are all lighting fixtures of an enclosed, gasketed, watertight and non-corrosive design?

6.  Is a UL approved Lightning protection system in place in all buildings, silos, etc?

7.  Are all buildings free of damaged or chewed wiring and conduit?

8.  Is the use of extension cords kept to a minimum? When an extension cord is needed, either a heavy duty (Type S), grounded cord or equivalent should be used.

9. Are all motors equipped with a properly sized fused disconnect or circuit breaker located within sight of and within ten (10) feet of the motor?

10.  Are all motors are they totally enclosed, farm service duty design rated for continuous operation?

11.  To all heat lamps have cords short enough to prevent contact between the heat lamp and floor without first becoming unplugged, are installed in porcelain sockets and are supported by chains?

When a fire breaks out in a house or a farm building, everyone must be evacuated from the building. Normal exits may be blocked; therefore, it is compulsory that emergency exits exist. Once everyone is out of the building, call the fire department.  Give your name, address, and the exact location of the fire.  I have the person you were talking to repeat your information. Never allow anyone to re-enter a burning building.