Safety issues in the shearing shed

Safety issues in the shearing shedYou can make your shearing shed a safer environment for you and your workers in the following ways:

• Make sure the shed is well ventilated and well lit.
• Place guards on all shearing machinery.
• Space your workers out to avoid clashing of downtubes.
• Use electric motors on wool presses to reduce noise pollution.
• Regularly maintain all equipment and keep in good repair.
• Make sure that emergency stop buttons are easily reached.
• Keep all walkways free from obstructions.
• Make sure catching pen floors are dry and non-slip.
• Keep other workers, children and dogs out of the shed.
• Discuss sedation with your veterinarian when shearing rams.
• Keep a stocked and up-to-date first aid kit in a readily accessible place.
• Regularly check and maintain fire-fighting equipment, such as extinguishers.
• Thoroughly train new workers.

Draw up an emergency plan
An emergency plan is vital. Some suggestions include:

• Ensure easy access to a suitable and well-stocked first aid kit.
• Make sure at least one person on the farm is trained in first aid.
• Keep emergency numbers and correct addresses next to the telephone.
• Plan routes to the nearest hospital.
• Regularly talk through your emergency plan with your family and other workers.
• Make sure your children understand what to do in an emergency.