Power & Electrical

Electrical hazards are common on dairy farms, where equipment runs in harsh conditions — moisture, vibration, dust, heat, corrosive chemicals and physical damage — and power lines often sit near busy dairy and feed-storage areas. 

The risks 

Electrocution often causes death or serious injury. Electric shocks can also lead to falls (for example, from ladders or platforms), muscle spasms, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, collapse and unconsciousness. Arcing, explosion or fire from electrical faults can cause burns, and illness or death from the release of toxic gases.

Manage the risk 

  • ensure all electrical installations and equipment are safe to use — the farm manager is responsible even for equipment contractors or workers bring on site,
  • use a licensed electrician for electrical work, and install and maintain safety switches (RCDs), 
  • consider every powered location — the dairy and workshop, but also yards, sheds, pumps and houses,
  • keep machinery well clear of overhead power lines. 
Tip

Where possible, use battery rather than corded power tools. Welders, angle grinders, cables and extension leads often suffer nicks, splits, burns or pulled insulation near plugs, which can expose live wires — inspect them before use and make sure they carry a current test tag.

Your legal duty

Regulations require the business to manage electrical risks. Electrical safety is regulated by the relevant state or territory authority — see Safe Work Australia and the state electrical safety or WHS regulator.

The Farm Safety Manual – Power and Electrical chapter and step-by-step guide support this page

Common questions

Why are dairy farms high-risk for electrical hazards

Equipment runs in moisture, dust, heat and corrosive conditions, and power lines often sit near busy dairy and feed-storage areas. 

Who is responsible for electrical safety on a dairy farm

The farm manager or business — including for equipment that contractors or workers bring on site. 

How can electrical risk be reduced?

Use licensed electricians, install and test safety switches, inspect leads and tools and use test tags, prefer battery tools where possible, and keep clear of overhead power lines.