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

6.5 Let-go areaHazard or riskObstructions to the smooth exit of sheep followingshearing or crutching place significant strain on theshearer, and increase the risk of back injury.Let-go chutes/doorways in areas that funnelprevailing cold winds can increase muscle fatigue.Risk controlThe sheep should have an unobstructed exit from theshearing board that requires the least effort from theshearers. Where chutes are used their entrance shouldbe extended onto the floor of the shearing board bysome 100–150 mm, with the front edge 100 mmlower than the floor, for easy release of sheep.Ensure that barriers such as wooden strips at theopening of let-go chutes/doorways are removed.To prevent wool going into the let go area flexibleplastic strips or strips of bristles can be fixedat the opening. These save the wool but don’tobstruct the movement of the sheep.The chute/doorway should be located directly infront of the sheep at the completion of shearing.Ensure that chutes/doorways are large enough toallow for easy handling of large-framed sheep.Ensure that dogs are kept away from exit pointson let-go areas to reduce baulking of sheep.If modifying or designing the let-go area considerplacement of chutes/doorways in positions thatlimit drafts and glare.Placement of clear plastic strips at the mouthof chutes will reduce the wind blowing through.The wooden strip at the opening of the let go chute obstructsthe exit of the sheep. It can be replaced with a flexibleplastic strip or a strip of bristles to save wool.This let go chute has no obstruction at the opening.Health & Safety in Shearing 17