Health and Safety in Shearing (PDF 917kb) - WorkSafe Victoria

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In this pen thebattens are parallelto the direction ofdrag, in goodcondition, thebattens slope downto the board andthere is no lightcoming throughfrom below.This pen door on araised board swingsboth ways, is madeof light ply and hasa smooth finish.6.4 Shearing boardHazard or riskThe floor of the shearing board is an extremelyhigh use area. It may become worn and grooved,increasing resistance to drag when handling sheep.Slippery boards increase the effort required byshearers to hold the sheep and maintain stabilityand increase the risk of back injury. Protruding nailsand movement in floor boards increase strain on theshearer and the risk of catching.Hard floor surfaces increase the risk of combbreakage and injury from handpiece lockup.Insufficient floor space increases the risk ofcollisions and interference with other shearers.Risk controlThe floor needs to be kept in good condition – evenand level. Protruding nails should be countersunkbefore shearing commences and loose and slipperyboards should be repaired or replaced.Softwood is the most common floor material usedand is ideal for the job, provided it is in goodcondition. Combs are also less likely to be damagedif dropped on softwood boards.Ensure sufficient floor space for all workers toperform their tasks safely and properly. The shearermust be able to work without encroaching on thenext shearer’s workspace or route in and out of thecatching pen. Sufficient workspace is required forthe end stand, particularly when it is used by aleft-handed shearer. Left-handed shearers shouldbe able to face the rest of the shearers.Board space, the measured distance betweendowntubes, needs to be sufficient to accommodatethe size of the sheep. The common board space of5 ft (1525 mm) may be insufficient due to increasesin the size and weight of sheep. A minimumdimension of 2000 mm is recommended for newand renovated sheds to provide a safer workstation.Greater distances may be required due to factorssuch as shed layout and sheep size.14 Health & Safety in Shearing
This raised shearing board has good distance between stands, overhead fans, a good depth, raised edge to help prevent slipsand falls, a soft timber floor, a tool and equipment storage shelf for each stand and good back harness suspension points.The overhead lights and windows provide good light. The windows face south to reduce heat. Although not shown there arealso ceiling vents above the windows to reduce heat and a solid set of steps up onto the board.6.4 Shearing board (continued)Hazard or riskAbsence of a suitable fixing point above the boardfor a shearers back harness prevents use of theharness.Risk controlA secure fixing point, which is free to swivel andtherefore remain above the harness throughoutshearing, should be provided. It should be clear ofthe overhead shaft and within reach when standingon the floor. The harness and its mounting must beclear of any electrical wiring, leads or installation.This shearing board is in goodcondition. Back harnesses are in useand are suspended from good fixingpoints that are well clear of overheadobstructions and machinery. The areais well lit and the light coloured wallsand ceiling improve the light.Health & Safety in Shearing 15
Page 5 and 6: Overview1 What this document is, wh
Page 7 and 8: 4.2 Duties of employeesAn employee
Page 10 and 11: 5.3 Practicable risk controlsThe le
Page 12 and 13: 6.2 Sheep pens and gatesHazard or r
Page 14 and 15: The mesh floor of this pen makesthe
Page 18 and 19: The pen doors are a good design for
Page 20 and 21: 6.6 Wool and press rooms - hazards
Page 22 and 23: Throwing.There is good circulations
Page 24 and 25: 7 Machinery7.1 Overhead gear and sh
Page 26 and 27: 7.1 Overhead gear and shearing plan
Page 28 and 29: 7.3 Grinders (continued)Hazard or r
Page 30 and 31: 7.5 Shearers’ tools and equipment
Page 32 and 33: 7.8 Electrical safetyIn addition to
Page 34 and 35: 8.2 Shearing and crutchingHazard or
Page 36 and 37: 10 Work in heat and cold10.1 Risks
Page 38 and 39: 12 DustsHazard or riskDusts in the
Page 40 and 41: 14 Diseases from animals (Zoonoses)
Page 42 and 43: 16 First aidArrangements for First
Page 44 and 45: 17 Accommodation, amenities andtrav
Page 47 and 48: AppendicesAppendix 1 - Further info
Page 49 and 50: Other publications and sources• A
Page 51 and 52: ItemNo.Machinery12 Before shearing
Page 53 and 54: Shearing Health and Safety - Risk C
Page 55 and 56: Number oneCatching pen floorsTradit
Page 57 and 58: Number threeRelease chutesTradition

Health and Safety in Shearing (PDF 917kb) - WorkSafe Victoria

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