Feeding

1. Use proper ventilation in buildings and silos.
2. Keep entrances to grain, feed and silage storage areas closed and locked.
3. Post warning signs in feed and silage storage areas about the hazard of entrapment in flowing grain or feed.
4. Maintain silo and bin ladders in good condition.
5. Shield auger inlets to prevent contact with augers.
6. Cover loading troughs on augers, elevators and conveyors with grating.
7. Use caution when moving augers and elevators; check for overhead power lines.
8. Assure that shields are in place for all feeding, grinding and other equipment.
9. Be aware of health effects of breathing organic dust, and inform your doctor about recent dust exposure when seeking treatment for respiratory illness.
10. Use automated or mechanized equipment to move decayed materials.
11. Use source containment, local exhaust ventilation and wet methods to control organic dust.
12. Use appropriate respiratory protection when dust exposure is unavoidable.

Handling

1. Establish good sanitation, vaccination and inoculation programmes.
2. When working with animals, plan an escape exit; have at least two ways out.
3. Livestock handlers should have enough strength and experience for the job.
4. Avoid working with animals when you are tired.
5. Use caution when approaching animals so as not to startle them.
6. Know the animals and be patient with them.
7. Dehorn dangerous animals.
8. Post warning signs where chemicals are stored; lock them in a room or cabinet.
9. Mix all chemicals outside or in a well-ventilated area.
10. Be careful when leading animals.
11. Wear rubber gloves when treating sick animals.
12. Vaccinate animals, and quarantine sick animals.
13. Wash hands after contact with calves with diarrhoea (scours).

Containment and housing

1. Make sure all pens, gates, loading chutes and fences are in good repair and strong enough to contain the animal.
2. Do not allow tobacco smoking around farm buildings and fuel storage and refueling areas; post “no smoking” signs in these areas.
3. Maintain fully charged ABC-type fire extinguishers in major farm buildings.
4. Remove trash and debris around buildings to prevent fires and falls.
5. Keep all buildings in good repair.
6. Keep electrical wiring in good condition.
7. Use adequate lighting in all buildings.
8. Keep floors clean and free of broken concrete and slippery areas.

Waste disposal

1. Correctly dispose of all chemical containers following directions on the label.
2. Install vent pipes and exhaust fans in manure pits.

Back