The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1923-07-12
SUGGESTIONS FOR NOV
ING HAY DERRICKS
NEAR ELECTRIC LINES

Hay derricks operated in those sec
tions of the country where electri,
lines are strung, have been contrib
uting factors in a large number O.
serious accidents. Many of them
probably, were due to errors in judg
/ ment of the space or distance-the
clearance - between the derrick.
boom or mast and the wires; others
to an unexpected sideswing of the
boom when turning a corner OF
rounding a curve; still others to q
| fitting of the boom-an upswing-
caused by a sudden jerk of some
kind, due, perhaps, to an unevenness
of road or field surface over which
the derrick was being hauled; and
instances are known of derrick
horses, without warning, starting up
SO quickly as to be out of hand mo-
mentarily, but long enough to cause
the pity-there seemed to be an
utter disregard of the possibilities of
untoward happening.
In the endeavOr to aid in the pre-
vention of accidents caused by hay
derricks being driven, or swung"
into the electric wires of the Idaho
Power Company, we are seeking the
cooperation of derrick users in the
territory through which we operate,
and, where permitted, are attaching
warning signs to each hay derrick in
the vicinity so that each user may
be reminded constantly of the danger
of contact with electric wires. And
this publicity, it is hoped, may
be helpful in pointing out the safe
ways of practice in derrick moving
near electric lines, and in suggestion
of safer means.
Both the hay derrick and the cleo
trio line, each in it's way, are nee
essary to the material welfare of the
interested public-in many sections
of the country they must exist to-
gether-neither one can be elimin-
ated, and both should be so operated
as not to interfere with the purposes
of either. 1t is to the interest of
the operators of each, then, to reach
a common ground of understanding
of the others situation in respect of
the hazards. sT
At all times, when moving a der
rick in the vicinity of electric wires,
the only safe way to proceed is to
level the boom and tie it down sell
curely so that it remains down un-
til the danger zone is passed. Don't
let the boom swing. 1t is extremely
dangerous to try to raise the electric
wires, or to try to move them in any
way; do not let your men attempt |
with the electric wires.
In damp weather, or when the
ground is wet, when moving a der
rick in the vicinity of electric lines, |
great care and caution should be
even though the derrick
has no apparently vulnerable steel
parts, and in fact, may be composed |
entirely of wood and rope, because
the moisture inclines to induce less
resistance to electricity than dry air,
and water is a natural conveyor.
When there is any doubt of safety
in moving near electric wires If
there is any misgiving or apprehen-
sion as to the chance of contact with
he line-call upon us for assistance;
We shall appreciate the opportunity
% help. Notify our nearest office of
he location of the derrick, with
whatever additional information of
circumstances the conditions call for.
live us as much advance notice as
'OoDlDiC 81 Qo W OOFldtO uCloy lOl IL
will be understood that there are
many times when it is practically i'm
ossible-we are all very much alike
n this respect-tp drop all other !
hings at a moments notice to do
ONE thing else, or to go somewhere; ]
nd, when practicable, therefore, let ,
s have as much time ahead as pos ,
IDLE.
When building a hay derrick for
Sc in territory where electric lines
re operated, it is wise to so design
as to do away with metal parts on
ne boom, iron chains, and steel
opes or cables; but especially as to {
he boom, for there lies the greater /
nance. Any metal part of a derrick t
close proximity to an electric line
cts up risk of accident, and the r
Sc of steel bracing on the boom, >
nd metal pulley-rope or stay-chain, !,
extra hazardous
IDAHO POWER COMPANY. 3
GOOD LUCK ALL AROUND