Dairy Shed Hazards

Falls - high injury risk. Use hand rails and provided steps. Never climb on top of vats or silos.
Crushing danger - high risk of injury. Particularly hazardous under platform and on bridge. Pull red cord before working underneath and communicate with anyone who comes into the shed so they know you are there.
Animals - high risk of injury or death from kicking, crushing or pushing. Particularly when administering drugs. Always have an escape route in mind, be firm but quiet and follow Worksafe guidance.
Chemical hazard - high risk of death. Alkali and acid can mix and create mustard gas which can kill. Read here for a case study. These also have carcinogenic (cancer causing properties) and cause burns to skin - particularly to the eyes. See the Material Safety Data Sheets stored with each chemical for first aid information. Others have fire, explosive, corrosive and toxic risks. SDS and inventory available by clicking here.
Chemical hazard - toxic refrigerant in cooling system. Don't touch if there is a leak. Call management immediately.
Chemical hazard - hazardous substance storage with flammable, explosive and other risks (drugs, needles, methylated spirits and spray cans). The dairy shed is a designated Hazardous Area where ignition sources are not to be within 6m.
Hot water hazard - Pipes may be hot. Cylinders are a hazard in an earthquake and must be secured. Tap for filling buckets from cylinders is a hazard for filling gumboots with hot water which is much hotter than household hot water. Wear milking aprons, long sleeves, safety glasses and gloves when handling hot water, particularly as you will likely also be using chemicals which require the same equipment.
Pressurised water during plant wash air purge - injury risk. Don't remove recirculation hose during purge.
Pressurised air in teat spray and drafting systems - injury risk. Don't remove fittings unless you have confirmed the pressure has been released.
Confined spaces - asphyxiation, burn and chemical risk. Don't enter confined spaces such as vats.
High voltage hazards - particularly in the plant room and buried cables. Check with management if planning to dig. Don't open protective covers in electrical equipment.
Drugs and needles. Toxic risk, injury risk. Don't touch needles - dispose of them in the yellow sharps bin. Only remove needle cover when drawing or administering drugs.
Automated equipment may operate at any time - particularly the drafting gate and irrigators. Remain clear of operating areas.
High pressure hoses and other equipment on the floor. Leave against wall. Turn taps off when not in use. Don't walk backwards.
Slippery steps and surfaces, particularly in middle pit and under platform. Slip risk. Keep clean by hosing off residue when slippery.
Bulk liquid storage - milk vats. Don't climb on top (high fall risk) and don't enter manhole (high confined space risks). If this is necessary call Fonterra Assets team.
Occasionally dusty conditions. Dust masks supplied in chemical shed. Protective eyewear available on hot water cylinders. Low injury risk.
Zoological and notifiable disease - cryptosporidium, leptospirosis etc. Use PPE, good hygiene, and avoid contact with animal fluids where possible. Medium risk, your doctor will notify the Ministry of Health if you have contracted a notifiable disease.
Effluent ponds - drowning risk. Supervise children, keep gates closed and stay away from the edge of the ponds. High risk.
Grain mill - high crushing risk. Keep hands clear.
Grain silos - high fall risk and asphyxiation risk. Don't climb and don't enter.
Backing gates - these create a medium crushing risk at the center of the yard and also on the rail which the top gate runs along. The operator can't see the gates when they push the button. Remain clear and always expect them to move without warning.
Yards - animals may cause a high crushing or kicking risk. Always have an escape route.
Vet Crush - high kicking risk. Minimise time in danger zone. Read safety manual for crush.
Occupational Overuse Syndrome (Repetitive Strain Injury) from milking or other repetitive activity is high risk. Milkers to be aware of symptoms and swap hands (left handed to right handed milking or vice versa) or get someone else to milk if necessary.
Electrical outlets and appliances are in areas where it is possible to get them wet if care is not taken. This is high risk. Be aware of where electrical appliances and outlets are when using hoses or if your hands are wet.
Steam cleaner - highly hazardous due to hot water under high pressure powered by mains electricity and heated with diesel. Do not expose other people or yourself to the hot water stream. Be aware of hot water. Wear gloves and an apron or water proof pants either of which must be worn so that water cannot flow into your gumboots. Use an RCD if using with a generator or outdoors. Keep the electric cord on the opposite side from the wash area and keep it dry. Check electrical cord and hoses for faults before operating - water and electricity don't mix.