New Zealand farmers take great pride in looking after their farms, its animals and the land. Every part of it contributes to it becoming a successful, thriving business.
It’s important to assess and identify risks like effluent ponds and do the planning necessary to avoid accidents. Assessing the potential risks around Effluent ponds is and important responsibility. There are various ways to address these risks.
Farm rules
Put in place rules for effluent pond safety control who is allowed in the pond area. Be specific about who can enter the area and that no one is to enter the fenced area alone. This will keep non-swimmers out of the danger and ensure there are always at least two people inside the fence when working.
Fencing
Ponds should be fenced off with a netting fence, this prevents stock, visitors to the farm and children from accidentally falling into the pond. Ensuring that gates are locked is important as well as considering other farm fencing options such as electric fences.
Ladders
There must always be a minimum of one escape ladder or other means of escape in the pond incase a person falls into the pond. It is also a good idea to have easy access to a life buoy.
Signage
Warning signs used along with fencing can be utilised to keep people out of the area but direct communication with people is important too. Talk with farm staff, contractors and visitors about the effluent pond risks.
Visitors
If you have visitors coming to the farm, make sure that they are aware of the risks around the pond especially for visitors, children and contractors. During construction it is important to communicate the safety precautions and risks to the supervising engineers, construction companies and contractors and do your research into the company before hand.
An effluent pond is an investment for any farm and is a way to protect land and waterways from any environmental risks. It gives farmers peace of mind and the flexibility to spread effluent in the correct conditions, reducing the risk of effluent non-compliance.
Making sure that you have assessed the risk and put safety regulations in place along with the correct farm fencing and signage will protect you in the long run.
It’s important to assess and identify risks like effluent ponds and do the planning necessary to avoid accidents. Assessing the potential risks around Effluent ponds is and important responsibility. There are various ways to address these risks.
Farm rules
Put in place rules for effluent pond safety control who is allowed in the pond area. Be specific about who can enter the area and that no one is to enter the fenced area alone. This will keep non-swimmers out of the danger and ensure there are always at least two people inside the fence when working.
Fencing
Ponds should be fenced off with a netting fence, this prevents stock, visitors to the farm and children from accidentally falling into the pond. Ensuring that gates are locked is important as well as considering other farm fencing options such as electric fences.
Ladders
There must always be a minimum of one escape ladder or other means of escape in the pond incase a person falls into the pond. It is also a good idea to have easy access to a life buoy.
Signage
Warning signs used along with fencing can be utilised to keep people out of the area but direct communication with people is important too. Talk with farm staff, contractors and visitors about the effluent pond risks.
Visitors
If you have visitors coming to the farm, make sure that they are aware of the risks around the pond especially for visitors, children and contractors. During construction it is important to communicate the safety precautions and risks to the supervising engineers, construction companies and contractors and do your research into the company before hand.
An effluent pond is an investment for any farm and is a way to protect land and waterways from any environmental risks. It gives farmers peace of mind and the flexibility to spread effluent in the correct conditions, reducing the risk of effluent non-compliance.
Making sure that you have assessed the risk and put safety regulations in place along with the correct farm fencing and signage will protect you in the long run.
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