Caution needed as irrigators resume business

Health and safety needs to be at the forefront of farmer’s minds as power cuts and surges, twisted machinery and damaged foundations could all contribute significant hazards when irrigation resumes, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.

IrrigationNZ has re-released guidelines for managing irrigation safely post-earthquake. The free resource can be found on the website http://irrigationnz.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/INZ-PostQuake-Doco.pdf 

Curtis says farmers will be keen to return to business as usual, but professionals will be needed in some cases to determine if infrastructure is safe to operate.

The first thing is to check is the situation with your power. Despite power remaining off in many districts, Curtis says irrigation pump sites and sheds should always be approached with caution.

“Electricity is dangerous so always assume there is live power. Beware of surface water around electrical hardware and fallen lines, loose wires and tilted or fractured foundations. Turn off mains where power has been cut unless it’s impossible to do so safely. The most important thing is to get an electrician to check the site properly before you turn power back on.”

“Then check the physical structure of the irrigator, particularly pivots and linears. Look at the truss rod supports, for twists, broken welds or any bending. The foundations should also be checked for structural cracks and to ensure any electrical connections are secure.”

For those who don’t need to irrigate straight away, leaving the irrigation bore pump off for another week will help groundwater resettle. “We recommend pumps stay off for another week. This will give aquifers an opportunity to settle and clear.”

While initial reports suggest damage to irrigation infrastructure isn’t widespread – compared to Canterbury’s 2013 windstorm – the risks of malfunction and accidents following the earthquake are very real.

“These earthquakes appear to have impacted significantly on transport infrastructure, but a hidden cost will be the impact on farmers if irrigation is delayed for an extended period. It’s important irrigators seek advice and support now so they can get their systems up and running quickly, while still ensuring their safety and that of staff operating irrigators,” says Curtis.

Rural News spoke to farmers in Emu Plain, Canterbury with damaged rotary dairy sheds.