Safety Guidelines to Follow, When You Own Or Operate A Farm. Part Four: Electrical Maintenance

This is the fourth article on a new series that Markel is working on; Guidelines to follow when you own or operate an Equestrian Farm Property. For every threat of a mishap, there’s usually a simple safety measure that you can apply to eliminate or drastically reduce the possibility of an accident. However, you have to make sure you are looking in all the right places for possible pitfalls. The following safety tips can help you to reduce accidents and even save lives, but their effectiveness will depend on how frequently you use them – and on how well you communicate to others on your premises the importance of using them too. A successful safety program requires consistent supervision and planning. While these checklists do not take the place of the advice given by fire and police departments, utility specialists, and other trained professionals, they will provide suggestions for what to look for and how to establish your own safety program.

Besides saving lives and protecting property, using these guidelines can help you qualify for lower insurance premiums. Insurance costs less for people who use safety guidelines because they have fewer losses. While safety can help you save money on your premium, insurance remains a necessity for every farm and business. Liability and property coverage help to protect your assets and keep you in business in the event of a loss. Markel can provide this protection. See your local agent today!

This week we will cover: Electrical Maintenance

1. All electrical wiring should be installed by a qualified electrician and should meet the requirements of the National Electrical code. Have it checked on a regular basis.

2. Lighting fixtures should be caged or globed in outbuildings.

3. Electrical boxes and wiring should be free of dust, water or corrosion.

4. Electrical system should be checked at least twice a year and updated as needed.

5. Refrain from using temporary electrical cords where permanent wire could be installed.

6. Fans or other equipment should be checked for frayed wiring and plugs before using. Discard and replace any equipment that may appear defective.

7. Do not overload circuits or sockets. Have an electrician periodically inspect your electrical demands to see if any upgrades to your system.

Proper Fans

Did you know that many barn fires start by trying to cool down animals in the barn? The No. 1 cause of barn fires in the summer is inexpensive box fans that are meant only to be used in your house. Because the motors are not sealed, dust and dirt get into the motors, making them heat up and catch fire, melting the plastic housing.

Also, the cords on these box fans are not durable enough for barn use. Livestock can chew on the cord, and out it goes. Motors in agricultural or industrial-level fans are sealed and are much less likely to catch fire.

If you follow these simple rules, you will certainly reduce your risk of an electrical fire. Next week we will offer guidelines that relate to heating systems maintenance.

HorsesDaily's Mary Phelps (mary@horsesdaily.com) is a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist and CSR Tracey Scharf (tracey.scharf@markel.com) provide the personal attention needed to help make the lives of their clients smooth and easy when it comes to the process of insuring your Farm, business and equine mortality needs. While Mary travels to the shows and barns, you can count on Tracey in the office to be available to answer questions and manage the details with ease. 1-800-572-3286.

This document is intended for general information purposes only, and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. This document can’t be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedures or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. Markel does not guarantee that this information is or can be relied on for compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional advice. Persons requiring advice should consult an independent adviser.  Markel does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein, or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Furthermore, Markel does not assume any liability to any person or organization for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any reliance placed on that content.

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