Safety Around Irrigation

Systems
(PART - 1)

Gregory L. Stark, P.E.

Biological & Agricultural

Engineering Department

Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas
Irrigation Safety

• Just because an irrigation system and

related equipment works doesn’t necessarily
mean it is safe or will fail in a safe manner.
• To ensure safety during operation,
maintenance, inspection and testing of
systems, employees must be aware of the
potential hazards they might be exposed to
and understand safe work practices
necessary around these systems.
General Safety Training
• General safety training for
any type of system
involves the following
areas:
– Understanding Equipment
and Installation
Requirements (What
systems look like).
– Identifying Common
Hazards.
– Understanding Safe and
Unsafe Work Practices.
– Communicating Unsafe
Equipment and Installations
to Appropriate Entities.
Irrigation System Accidents
• There are different types of potential accidents
that can cause injury or death when working
on or around irrigation systems including:
– Electrical Contacts/Accidents
– Contacts/Entanglements with Moving Parts
– Chemical Exposures/Poisonings
– Falls from the System
– Drowning
– Physical (Head, Eye, Ear, Hand & Foot) Accidents
Irrigation Systems Contain
Pumping System
• A Pumping System
– One or more pumps
generally powered by fossil
fuel engines or electric
motors.
– Connects to water
distribution system.
• A Distribution System
– Many different types (ditch,
gated pipe, center pivots,
side-roll, big-gun, etc.),
many utilizing electrical
powered motors and drive-
trains to move the system
over/across the field.
Irrigation Problem Areas

• Typical irrigation accidents fall into the

following three categories or combinations
including:
– Faulty Equipment and/or Installation by
manufacturer, dealer or installer.
– Equipment/Installation correct but modified or
poorly maintained by owner (state of disrepair).
– Unsafe work practices by individuals during
maintenance, repair and testing.
Equipment Design/Installation
• The first link in the chain of irrigation safety is proper equipment
design, selection, and installation by manufacturers, equipment
dealers, and installers.
Irrigation System Maintenance
• The second link the the
irrigation safety chain
involves maintaining
properly installed
systems in good shape.
– Many irrigation
systems are poorly
maintained and fall
into states of
disrepair.
– Many systems have
been modified or
repaired using sub-
standard equipment.
Safe Work Practices

• Even if the equipment

and installation is
correct and the system
has been well
maintained, people
still need to use safe
work practices to
avoid the normal
hazards associated
with operation of the
equipment.
Irrigation Safety Requirements
• Manufacturers must
design equipment to
safety standards.
• Dealers must install
equipment correctly.
• Owners, Irrigators and
Service people must
maintain equipment
correctly.
• Owners, Irrigators and
Technicians must use
Safe Work Practices.
Irrigation System Hazards Include:
• Electrical Contacts
– overhead power line contacts, short circuits, working on
energized equipment, lightning strikes.
• Contact/Entanglement with Moving Parts
– working on energized equipment including PTO's, drivelines,
gearboxes, tires, etc.
• Chemical Exposures/Poisonings
– exposure vs ingestion
• Falls from the System
• Drowning - rivers, lakes, canals, ponds, pits, etc.
• Physical Damage (Head, Eye, Ear, Hand & Foot)
Irrigation Hazard - Drownings
• Drowning are not a
common source of
irrigation
accidents.
• Accidents do occur
and the potential
for hazard is
always there due to
the amount of
water present with
systems pumping
from lakes, rivers,
streams, ponds, or
pits.
Irrigation Hazard - Drowning
• Most accidents involve
falls and slips or
recreational activities
in water bodies such as
rivers, lakes, ponds, or
pits used for irrigation.
• Be aware of possible
fall and slip hazards
when working in the
vicinity of bodies of
water such as rivers,
lakes, ponds, and pits
used for irrigation.
Irrigation Hazard - Structural Integrity

• Visually inspect
for any signs of
loose or missing Structural Collapse
bolts or visual
indications that
an irrigation
machine is close
to a structural
collapse before
moving the
machine or
climbing onto
the machine.
Irrigation Hazard - Falls

• Many irrigation systems

are tall enough that falls
from their structure can
cause serious injury or
death.
• Depending on where a
person falls from the
system, they may make
contact with structural
members and other sharp
objects during the fall.
Irrigation Hazard - Falls
Is this a Ladder?????
• There may be enough
hand/footholds for a
person to scale/climb up
onto the machine but it
should not take the
place of a ladder or
other lift device.
• The metal structure of
most self-propelled
irrigation machines
does not meet the
requirements of a safe
ladder.
Irrigation Hazard - Falls
• Use a good ladder
or stable lift device
to perform
overhead repair
and maintenance
on an irrigation
machine.
• Ladders can also
be dangerous when
used in unleveled,
tilled, muddy
fields when not
anchored properly.
Irrigation Hazard
Chemical Exposure/Poisoning
• Increased use of chemigation/fertigation through irrigation systems
has resulted in increased numbers of chemical exposures &
poisonings.
• Chemical exposures can be through exposure to system water,
standing water, or crops or drinking water from systems used for this
purpose.
Chemical Injection System
Irrigation Hazard
Chemical Exposure/Poisoning
• Be careful of exposure Fertigation/Chemigation Unit
to spray systems or
crops under them
when chemicals or
fertilizers have been
injected into the water.
• Don’t drink from any
system used to apply
chemicals.
• Avoid areas of
obvious chemical
spills. Do you think this water
puddle contains chemicals?
Irrigation Hazard - Water Jets
• Avoid getting your
body in contact with
high pressure water
streams of any type,
especially end guns
on self-propelled
machines.
• High pressure water
jets can cause
physical harm,
especially to eyes,
and can also cause
falls from irrigation
systems.
Irrigation Hazard - Entanglements
• Do not approach or
work around un-
guarded power take-
off shafts, belts and
other and other power
transmitting devices.
• Alert others in the
vicinity and the
owners or operators to
the hazard.
• Avoid wearing loose
clothing or long hair in
the vicinity of rotating
equipment.
Irrigation Hazard - Entanglements
• Be alert to unguarded power take-off shafts, belts, and
other power transmitting devices.
• Replacements and retro-fit guards are available from
dealers for older machines.

Unguarded Drive Shaft Unguarded Belts/Pulley

Irrigation Hazard - Entanglements
• OSHA does not require
driveshaft covers on
center pivot irrigation
machines.
– Slow rotation speed.
– Operator is supposed
to disconnect the
power prior to any
maintenance or
repair work.
– Most manufacturer’s
install them to
prevent crop
wrappage. Machine with telescoping driveline covers
Irrigation Hazard - Entanglement
• Industry standards require manufacturers to provide
safety signs on motors/equipment that could start
automatically to alert personnel performing repair &
maintenance to the potential hazard and to shut off
power before working on the system.
Irrigation Hazard - Entanglements

• Never attempt to
remove vegetation or
other foreign
materials from
rotating equipment
while it is moving or
the equipment is
energized.
• ALWAYS shut down
the machine for repair
or maintenance. People can suffocate when working on
energized equipment and the driveline bolt
grabs their coverall sleeve and wraps tight.
Shut Down the System Before
Working On It!!!!!!!!!!
Irrigation Hazard - Run Overs
• Keep vehicles and
other equipment out
of the paths of self-
propelled irrigation
machines.
• Many of these
machines have
excellent traction
and can “climb”
over and crush
fairly large objects
like cars, pick-ups,
and even small
buildings due to
It’s not funny the first time it’s your vehicle
their weight.
Irrigation Hazard - Squeeze Points

• Keep in mind
that even if
equipment is
not run over,
you could get
squeezed
between the
system and a
fixed piece of
equipment it
barely misses.

Note location of wheel track to pump

Irrigation Hazard - Fuel Leaks

Fuel Storage Tank

• Be alert to fuel leaks
from storage tanks and
fuel lines.
• Sparks from electrical
shorts can ignite these
fuels or any gas and oil
accumulations from
leaking storage
systems, fuel lines or
improper storage
containers.
Oil and lubricant storage.
Are most systems this clean???
Irrigation Hazard - Fuel Ignition

• Gasoline, natural gas

and propane all ignite
from 2 to 15 percent
vapor concentration.
• Be careful around un-
marked storage
containers because
there is a high
probability they do not
contain what their
label indicates.
Irrigation Hazard
Electrical Contacts
• Electrical safety concerns related to irrigation
systems are important because:
– Pumps and other equipment operate in a wet or damp
environment increasing the chance of equipment
failure if parts become wet.
– Personnel working around this equipment are often
wet or damp so their susceptibility to electric shock is
greater.
– Many of these systems may not have had proper
maintenance performed on them over the years.
Irrigation Hazard
Electrical Contact Accidents
• Faulty Equipment & Wiring Installations &
Maintenance.
• Unsafe Work Practices
– Failure to turn off power before working on
system.
• Lightning
• Overhead Power Lines
– Irrigation Pipe, Standing on Systems, Spraying
Water on Overhead Lines.
Do Water & Electricity Mix?
• They can……if proper
safety precautions are
followed.
– Proper Equipment
Selection
– Proper Installation
Methods
– Proper Maintenance
Practices
– Use of Safe Work
Practices
Electrical Safety Goal

• Don’t let any part

of your body be a
path for
electricity to
flow through
you.
Electrical Wiring Standards

• Many pumping systems and water distribution

systems are electrically powered and many
irrigation accidents are the result of electrical
contacts or not turning off the power.
• Irrigation Systems should be wired to at least
the requirements of the National Electrical
Code (NEC).
National Electrical Code (NEC)
• The consensus safety
standard of the
electrical industry:
– how to install a safe
electrical system to
electrical utilization
equipment of most any
kind.
– A minimum standard...
dictates wiring &
equipment necessary to
be safe, not to work
well.
1970’s to Early 1980’s
• Large growth in irrigation
installations.
– Significant increase in Irrigation Growth Trends
Source: US Geological Survey
electrical accidents and 200
electrocutions on 180
160
irrigation systems (pumps

Water Use
140
& irrigation machines) 120
100
– Electrical grounding of 80
machines found to be 60
40
horribly inadequate. 20
0
– Development of ASABE 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990

Standards S362.2 and Year

S397.2 and addition of
Article 675, “Irrigation
Machines” in National
Electrical Code.
NEC Electrical Requirements
Article 675 - Irrigation Machines

• Pumps & Irrigation Machines

– Must have disconnect switches
– Must use equipment & enclosures suitable for
the conditions (wet, dirty, corrosive, etc.)
– Must protect wires from physical damage or
use “jacketed” irrigation cable
– Must have circuit and equipment grounding.
Equipment & Installation Problems

• Common unsafe
equipment selection,
installation &
maintenance problems
include:
– No Electrical
Disconnect(s) to Turn
Off Power
– Improper Equipment or
Installation
– Improper Electrical
Grounding
– Faulty insulation on
wires and power cords
Electrical Disconnects
• Electrically powered
irrigation pumps and
irrigation machines are both
required to have an electrical
disconnect switch within
sight of and within 50 feet of
the equipment that turns off
the electrical power to the
equipment.
– Provides a convenient
location to shut off the
power for safe
maintenance and repair of
the equipment.
Pumping System Disconnect
• The disconnect
switch for the pump Pump Disconnect Switch Pump Motor
should only control
the pump motor.
• Equipment such as
irrigation machines
or fertilizer or
chemical injectors
should not be
supplied from the
load side of the pump
disconnect through
the pump disconnect
switch.
Irrigation Machine Disconnect
Control
• Irrigation machines Panel
require a disconnect Machine
switch with Disconnect
overcurrent
protection (fuses)
capable of being
locked in the open
position at the point
of connection of
electric power to the
machine.
Machine Disconnect Switch
• Most Manufacturers
provide this as part Irrigation Machine Control Panel
of the control panel
on the irrigation
machine.
• Allows power to be
turned off to the
entire machine from
one location.
• Allows the power to
be “locked” off for
maintenance & Disconnect Switch
repair.
Switches/Controls
• Should be mounted at a
height to prevent the need
for kneeling or climbing.
• Handles for disconnects
must not be higher than 6.5
feet or lower than 3 feet.
• All switches must be
permanently labeled for
their function and use.
– Examples:
• Pivot
• Water Pump
• Injection Pump Switch Mounted Too Low
Electrical Enclosures/Boxes
• Electrical enclosures and boxes are used to
guard operators from live electrical parts
(electrical connections, switching mechanisms,
etc) in the pump control panel, irrigation
machine control panel, and other related
electrical devices.
– Weatherproof or watertight equipment enclosures
and boxes for all irrigation systems.
– Look for holes and openings that allow rodents
and/or water and other foreign materials to enter and
accumulate in panels and other enclosures.
Electrical Enclosures
• All electrical
enclosures should be
suitable for the
environmental
conditions they are
exposed.
• Generally requires
“weather-proof” or
“water-proof”
enclosures.
Weather-proof switch and enclosure
• Should not have
Note: Openings are unsealed and it is not
openings that allow
installed at the required height or mounted
water, dirt or rodents.
to a permanent structure.
Inadequate Working Space
Around Equipment
• All electrical
equipment is
required to have
specific clear
“working space”
around it depending
on location and
voltage.
– Allows people
performing
adjustment, repair or
maintenance and
inspection to do it
safely. Should be at least 30” of clear working space
Inadequate Working Space
• The NEC requires
equipment have
adequate working
space for people to
work on it.
– Mounting height
is important.
– You should never
have to bend over,
kneel or lay on
your back, side or
stomach to
operate a switch, Door will not open far enough to allow
or other control someone to safely replace fuses.
device.
Irrigation Machines
• Conductors
– All electrical Jacketed “Irrigation Cable”
conductors SHALL
be within an
enclosure, a
raceway (conduit),
or a jacketed cable.
– Most systems use a
heavy duty
jacketed “irrigation
cable” which has
more protection
than an “extension
cord”
“Jacketed” Irrigation Cable

• Due to the potential abuse,

the cable used in irrigation
must be protected.
• Irrigation cable is
available in multi-
conductor cables
containing the power,
control, and equipment
grounding wires
necessary.
Electrical Grounding
• Grounding is a “secondary” measure of
protecting employees and operators from
electrical shock when insulation and guarding
fail.
• Grounding is the process of connecting the
electrical circuit and/or equipment to the earth
(soil).
• There are two types of “Grounds” which is
confusing……Circuit/System Grounding and
Equipment Grounding.
Electrical Grounding
• Circuit/System Grounding
– Intentionally connecting a current
carrying wire in the electrical
system to earth (soil).
– Protects the electrical wire and
equipment from lightning.
• Equipment Grounding
– Intentionally connecting the metal
cases/enclosures of electrical
equipment to earth (soil).
– Reduces hazards to persons from
wiring or equipment short circuits.
Irrigation Machine
Circuit/System Grounding
• Grounding Irrigation Machine Ground Wire & Rod
– A grounding
conductor
and ground
rod used for
no other
purpose than
for machine
grounding
shall be
used.
– Provides
lightning
protection.
Circuit/System Grounding
• All irrigation machines
whether permanently
installed or portable
should have a copper
ground wire run from the Ground
control panel to an 8 foot Wire
ground rod installed in the
soil.
– Primary purpose is
lightning protection for
the system.
– It should run directly
along the structure and Ground
not wrap as pictured. Rod
Pump & Irrigation Machine
Equipment Grounding
• Both the pump and irrigation machine are also required to have
appropriate “equipment grounding”.
– Generally a bare copper or green insulated wire run from the
electrical service to the metal frame of the pump motor and
irrigation machine.
– Similar function to the 3rd prong or “safety” wire on a
standard 120 volt outlet.
• Difficult to determine without opening electrical enclosures and
inspecting.
Equipment Grounding
Equipment Grounding Conductor &
• Equipment Connection in Pump Panel
grounding allows
the system to fail in
a safe manner and
blow the fuses to
shut the power off
if the pump or
irrigation system
has a short circuit.
• It is not necessary
to make the system
operate…only fail
in a safe manner. Equipment grounding conductor runs
to metal frame of pump motor.
No Equipment Ground??
• Without equipment 3 Phase circuit without equipment
grounding wires, the grounding conductor
circuit will probably not
be de-energized due to a
short circuit in the
equipment.
• The metal frame of the
irrigation pump or the
irrigation machine will
become energized.
• Anyone touching it and
wet ground is subject to
electrocution. 3 Phase circuits should have 4 wires.
Improper Maintenance of Systems

• Common problems No Equipment Grounding Wire to Motor

related to improper
or poor maintenance
of systems include:
– Open Electrical
Enclosures (boxes)
– Broken or Damaged
Electrical Conduit
– Use of Damaged
Electrical Power
Cords
– Improper Fuse
Replacement
Open Connections & Motor Enclosure
Open Enclosures/Boxes
• When electrical
enclosures and boxes Enclosure on ground Switch to low
are left open after
repair or maintenance
or holes are left
unsealed, moisture,
dirt, and other debris
will accumulate inside
the enclosure.
– Can cause voltage to
leak from the wires to
the metal
enclosures/boxes and
energize the metallic Openings allowing moisture to enter
enclosure.
Broken/Separated/Corroded
Electrical Conduit
• Sharp metal edges Damaged Conductors with Tape
on broken or
separated electrical
conduit can cut
conductor
insulation and
cause electrical
shorts to the metal
conduit energizing
any metal
equipment or
structure
connected to it.
Broken Conduit Joint
Broken/Separated/Corroded
Electrical Conduit

• Look for metallic

conduit that has
broken or pulled
apart at joints
exposing the
electrical wires
inside to the
sharp metal edges
and possibly
cutting into them.
Old Corroded & Broken Conduit
Electrical Power Cords
• Power cords on
irrigation systems are
exposed and subjected to
the elements and in
some cases physical
damage so their
insulation is more prone
to damage than that of
cables inside conduit or
buried underground.
• Be alert for damaged
areas of power cords
exposing the conductors.
Cord Damage With Tape Coming Off
Power Cord Insulation

• When power cord or

conductor insulation
is damaged, the
result can be
energization of
equipment from the
bare electrical
conductors being
contacted or coming
in contact with
humans, water
puddles, or damp
Unprotected individual power
soil.
conductors subject to damage.
Damaged Electrical Power Cords
• Contrary to popular
opinion……Electrical
tape is NOT meant to
fix extension or power
cords with gouges or
cuts exposing bare wire.
• Electrical tape does
have many useful
purposes in concealed
wiring….but it is not
meant for exposed
wiring, especially in wet
areas.
– It’s not rated as an
insulating material. Taped Power Cord
– It’s not watertight.
Damaged Electrical Power Cords
Unprotected Cords Exposed to Damage
• Areas to look for
include:
– Obvious physical
damage to the
outside of the cord.
– Areas that have been
covered with
electrical tape.
– Indoor extension
cords with thin outer
coverings that were
not meant to be used
outdoors and
subjected to physical
damage.
Safety Around Irrigation
Systems
(PART – 3)

Gregory L. Stark, P.E.

Biological & Agricultural

Engineering Department

Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas
Unsafe Work Practices

• Installation of the
safest and best
maintained electrical
system can still result
in electrical accidents
if unsafe work
practices are used by
personnel performing
repair, maintenance or
testing of the system.
Irrigation Hazard - Electrical Contact

• Safety Signs are required on

electrical enclosures
containing live electrical
parts and potentially
hazardous voltages to alert
personnel performing repair
& maintenance to the
potential hazard.
• The electrical voltage to
most irrigation machines
will be 240 or 480 volts
three phase.
Irrigation Hazard - Lightning

• Stay away from self-

propelled irrigation
machines during
storms.
• The large metal
structures make good
paths to ground and
they tend to be large
lightning “receptors”
due to their height in
the field.
Irrigation Hazard
Overhead Power Lines
• Irrigation concerns with
overhead power lines
include:
– Lifting aluminum
irrigation pipe into
overhead power lines.
– Standing on irrigation
systems while performing
maintenance near
overhead power lines.
– Well drilling
trucks/booms drilling
wells close to overhead
power lines.
High Voltage Circuits
• Un-qualified employees (not trained to work on the system) must stay
a minimum distance of at least 10 feet in any direction from energized
overhead power lines or open transformers.
• For high voltage transmission lines, the distance is even farther…10
feet + 4 inches for each additional 10,000 volts over 50,000 volts.
Irrigation Hazard
Spraying Water on Power Lines
• Don’t touch
irrigation systems
while they are
spraying water on
power lines.
• Alert the power
company.
• Distance, stream
size, water
conductivity,
voltage, and wind
ALL effect the
amount of current
carried when an
irrigation system
sprays a power line.
End gun spraying power lines & transformers
Irrigation System
Safe Work Practices
• Wear appropriate clothing and use any necessary personal
protective equipment.
• Visually inspecting the equipment prior to touching.
– Look for unguarded drive-lines and other mechanical hazards.
– Locate the equipment disconnect switches/devices.
– Look for broken or damaged equipment and electrical
insulation on cords and open or damaged electrical enclosures.
• Test the equipment (voltmeter and/or backhand)
• Disconnect energy sources prior to repair, maintenance and
testing.
• Practice Lockout/Tagout
Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
• Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
provides people
protection from
various hazards
likely to arise in the
workplace.
• The most common
types of PPE
include head, ear,
eye, hand, and foot
protection.
Clothing/Personal Protective
Equipment
• Before leaving for the site consider:
– What clothing & personal protective equipment
do I need?
• Clothing - What’s the weather like? (hot or cold)
– If it’s hot, bring drinking water……don’t rely on drinking
water from the irrigation system.
• Footwear - Boots…..Rubber or Leather?
• Hand Protection - Gloves….Rubber or Leather?
• Head Protection - Class 1 Hard Hat.
• Hearing Protection - Earplugs or Earmuffs.
• Eye Protection - Safety Glasses.
Heat Stress
• Individuals performing maintenance or
testing of irrigation systems can be
exposed to very high temperatures and
possible heat stress.
• Heat stress can cause various bodily
distress including dizziness, elevated
body temperature, nausea, and in severe
cases can result in death.
• Dress appropriately for the field and
conditions
• Ensure adequate drinking water or
fluids are available (don’t rely on
drinking from the irrigation system).
Eliminate Problem Clothing
& Jewelry/Accessories
• Secure Long Hair &
Eliminate:
– Jewelry (rings,
watches, chains, large
belt buckles etc.)
– Loose clothing (ties,
scarves, etc.)
• Metal jewelry is
electrically conductive and
long hair & loose clothing
can easily become caught
in rotating parts.
Foot Protection

• Typical foot hazards

encountered when working
around irrigation systems
include rough, un-even
ground and frequent muddy
conditions.
• Comfortable foot wear
appropriate for wet, muddy
conditions and un-even
terrain is required.
Hand Protection

• Irrigation systems generally

consist of significant quantities
of machined metal with sharp
edges and lots of protruding
bolts and other connectors.
• Appropriate hand protection in
the form of gloves is generally
warranted for technicians
performing maintenance and
testing on irrigation systems.
Head Protection

• Most owners and operators

typically do not wear head
protection when working
on/around irrigation systems.
• Falling objects are rarely ever
encountered however,
bumping your head on the
structure can be painful.
• A Class 1 head protective
device (hard hat) is adequate
for working around irrigation
systems.
Noise - Hearing Damage

• Many fossil fuel

power units will
produce significant
amounts of noise that
will damage hearing
slightly if exposure is
sufficient.
• Wear appropriate
hearing protection
when working
around this type of How long do you want to stand next to this
equipment. engine without hearing protection while it
is running?
Noise - Hearing Protection
• Irrigation pumps
powered by fossil
fuel engines are
extremely loud.
• Hearing Protection
can be provided
through PPE by
wearing either
approved earplugs
or earmuffs.
• Cotton balls stuffed
in your ears will not
provide hearing
protection.
Eye Protection
• Most owners and operators
typically do not wear eye
protection when working
on/around irrigation
systems.
• Technicians performing
maintenance or testing of
most any type should have
and use appropriate eye
protection when working on
irrigation systems even if
owners and operators do
not.
Visually Inspect the System/Area
• Locate the disconnect switches for the irrigation
equipment
– pump(s), irrigation machine(s), other equipment
• Look for missing lids & enclosure covers
exposing live electrical parts.
• Look for damage from equipment or livestock
on exposed electrical panels and cords.
• Look for missing guards on moving and rotating
equipment.
Locate the Electrical Disconnects

• Always identify
the electrical
disconnects for
the equipment
you are going to
work on.
– Look for
labeling/evaluate
layout of system.
– Ask Land-
Owner/Manager
Look for Damaged Equipment &
Other Hazards
Is there a good chance for this cord
to be damaged due to it’s location?
• Damaged Equipment
– Open enclosures
– Damaged insulation
– Water in enclosures
• Missing Guards
• Chemical Spills
• Structural Instability
• Etc.
It deserves a visual inspection to
determine if there is any damage
Test the Metal Structure
• Check the
system with a Voltmeter probe connected to metal structure
voltmeter.
• Measure from
metal water
pump/pipe to
earth (soil).
• Measure from
metal machine
structure to earth
(soil).
• Voltage reading
should be 5
volts or less. 2nd voltmeter probe stuck in soil
Back-Hand the System
• Make it a practice to always lightly brush the BACK of your hand
against any irrigation system metal structure or enclosure before
grasping with your palm.
• Grasping an energized metal structure member will cause your
hand to clamp around it.

Don’t test this way! Do Test This Way.

Note the Jewelry!

Always De-energize Equipment

• Accidental or un-expected
sudden starting of
irrigation related electrical
equipment is a major
contributor to irrigation
accidents.
– You MUST de-energize
equipment prior to physical
inspection or working on
equipment in order to do it
safely.
– Lockout/Tagout procedures
should be followed.
Lockout/Tagout

• Means of ensuring
electrical and other
energy is off and
others cannot turn it
back on
accidentally.
• Most basic safety
work practice.

How many of you have a lock and use it?

Lockout/Tagout
• Turn the power off and
apply a padlock to the
controls or switch to
indicate someone is
working on it and it
cannot be turned back
on.
• Tags can be used in
some instances under
certain conditions.
• Only the person
applying the lock/tag
may remove it under
normal conditions.
Question?

• Which disconnects (pump or irrigation

machine) should be shut off while performing
maintenance & repair?
• Answer:
– Both the pump & irrigation machine disconnects
should be shut off…….the pump & irrigation
machine may be electrically connected through
metal piping, water in the pipes or on the ground.
Tingles
• If you suspect an
electrical short or
other problem due
to a “tingle”…..
– Do not touch the
machine again.
– Call the owner or
manager and
inform them of the
incident and
suggest they have a
competent
electrician check
the system for any
problems.
Good Judgment
• Perhaps the single
most successful
defense against
irrigation accidents
is an understanding
of the potential
hazards, following
safe work
practices, and
continuous use of
good judgement.