Machinery and electrical safety
Machinery and equipment should be kept in good condition and should only be used for the task for which it was designed.
- damaged machinery and equipment should be withdrawn from service
- make sure machinery and equipment meets relevant Australian Standards
- make sure machinery and equipment with moving parts is adequately guarded
- implement regular inspection and maintenance programs
- provide adequate supervision of workers and others using machinery and equipment
- develop and use safe work practices and operating procedures
- make sure any worker who use machinery or equipment is competent in its use
- provide tractors with a rollover protective structure (ROPS)
- use an isolating switch or unplug at the mains, when accessing dangerous parts of machinery or equipment
- cover the power take-off (PTO) on tractors.
Electricity can kill if given the chance. Survivors of an electric shock can have serious side effects such as burns, and resulting injuries caused by the shock, for example, falling from a ladder or contact with moving machinery.
- electrical sockets and wiring should be located away from the reach of horses
- outdoor socket outlets and switches should be weatherproof
- damaged cables should generally be replaced completely
- never carry out makeshift repairs to cables
- when joining flexible cables, proper connectors should be used
- suitable and properly maintained safety switches should be installed where electrical equipment is used, for example, clippers, grooming machines and pressure washers.
Clipping and electrical grooming should be carried out by a competent person. Bedding and water buckets should be removed and the area should be dry. An assistant who is capable of handling the horse, should help if it becomes difficult or nervous. Clean the appliances after use.
Further information on machinery and equipment, and electrical safety is provided in sections 11 and 12 of the The Horse Riding Schools, Trail Riding Establishments and Horse Hiring Establishments Industry Code of Practice 2002.
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