Payette enterprise. (Payette, Canyon Co., Idaho) 1909-1935, 1923-07-12
SUGGESTIONS FOR MOVING
HAY DERRICKS NEAR
ELECTRIC LINES

Hay derricks operated in those
sections OF the country where cleo
trio lines are strung, have been con-
tributing factors in a large number
of serious accidents. Many Of them,
probably we're due to errors in judg-
ment of the space or distance-the
clearanee-between the derrick
boom or mast and the wires; others
to an unexpected sideswing of the
boom when turning corners or round
ing curve; still others to a fitting
Of the boom-an upswing- caused
by sudden jerk Of some kind, due,
perhaps, to an uneyenness 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 momentariIy, but
long enough to cause trouble. IN
several cases-more's the PITY
there seemed to be an utter disre-
gard of the possibilities of untoward
happening.
In the endeaYor to aid the pre-
vention of accidents caused by hay
derricks being driven, or swung,
into the electric wires of 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 little leaflet, it is hoped
may be helpful in pointing out the
safe ways OF practice in derrick NOV
ing near electric lines, and in sug-
'gestion of safer means.
Both the hay derrick and the cleo
trio line, each in its way, are neces-
sary TO the material welfare of the
interested public-in many sections
of the country they must exist to-
gether-neither one can be elimi.
mated, and both should be so operated
as not to interfere with the pur,
poses of either. 1t is to the interest
of the operators OF each, then, &c
reach a common ground of under
standing of the Cther's situation in
respect of the hazards.
At all times, when moving a
derrick in the vicinity of electric
wires. the only safe way to proceed
is to level the boom and tie it dow1
securelY so that ra4nainS down unit
the danger zone is. passed. Don't le
the boom swing. It is extremel,
dangerous to try to raise electric
wires, or to try to move them in am
way; do not let your men attemp
anything with the electric wires.
In damp weather, or when tht
ground is wet, when moving a der
rick in the vicinity of electric lines
great care and caution should b,
exercised, 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
re istance &c electricity than dry air
srd water is a natural conveyor.
When there is any doubt of safety
in moving near electric wires-it
there is any misgiving or appre-
hension as to the chance of contact
with the line-call upon US for as
sistance; we shall appreciate The Oh.
poTtunlty to help. Notify our near
est office of the location of the der
rick, with whatever additional in
formation of circumstances the con-
ditions call for. Give us as much
advance notice as possible so as To
oO''ate oeIay; Tor it will be under
stood that there are many times
when it is practically Impossible
we are all very much alike in this
respect-to drop all other things at
a moments notice to do something
Else, or go somewhere; and when
practicable, therefore. let rs have
IS much time ahead as possible.
When building hay derrick for
Use in territory where electric lines
ire operated, it is wise to so design
t as to do away with metal parts
IN the boom, iron chains. and steel
'opes or cables; but especially as to-
he boom, for there lies the greater
nance. Any metal part of der
lex in close proximity to an cleo
ric line sets up a risk OF accident.
md the use of steel bracing on the
'oom, and metal pulley-rope or stay
hahn. is extra hazardous.
Idaho Power Company.