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. 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. These also have carcinogenic (cancer causing properties) and cause burns to skin - particularly to the eyes. See the Safety Data Sheets for first aid information. Others have fire, explosive, corrosive and toxic risks. Some chemicals are also carcinogenic or harmful to the unborn child and should not be used by anyone who is pregnant.
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). Dairy shed is designated a 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 and causes third degree burns. 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 in 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 monthly.
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.
Zoological disease - cryptosporidium, leptospirosis etc. Use PPE, good hygiene, and avoid contact with animal fluids where possible. Medium risk. If you are diagnosed with a notifiable disease you must tell your employer.
Grain mill - high crushing risk. Keep hands clear.
Grain silos - high fall risk and asphyxiation risk. Don't climb and don't enter silos on stands. Ground silos can be entered but not alone. Ladders to be removed or locked out from silos when not in use to prevent climbing.
Grain augers - both electrically operated augers and hydraulically operated augers create a risk of entrapment and tangling with the screw. These must be operated with guards in place. Don't enter a silo without having the augers disabled.
Backing gates - these create a medium crushing risk. The operator can't see the gate when they push the button. Remain clear and always expect them to move without warning. Check the condition of the rope and replace when necessary as gates have been known to crush people causing death.
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.
Occupational Overuse Syndrome (Repetitive Strain Injury) from milking or other repetitive activity is a high risk. Milkers to be aware of symptoms and swap hands or get someone else to milk if necessary.
Electrical outlets and appliances are in areas where it is possible to get wet if care is not taken. Particularly the extension cord to the vet crush. This is high risk. Be aware of where electrical appliances and outlets are when using hoses or if your hands are wet.