Farm Risk Assessment Document

• (For Farms with Three or Less Employees)
  Completing and implementing the findings of this Farm Safety Risk Assessment document will help you to meet your duties to carry out a risk assessment on your farm and to complete a Safety Statement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. Not all sections may be relevant to you, simply fill out what is applicable to your farming methods.

• NAME:

• ADDRESS:
  Address

• HERD NUMBER:

• I undertake to,
  • Provide all machine guards, protective equipment, information, training, and supervision necessary to protect those at risk.
  • Advise all who work or are present on the farm of the hazards identified in this risk assessment and the controls in place or to be taken to protect all from injury.
  • Stop work immediately, until the hazard is controlled if a dangerous situation arises.
  • Share this risk assessment document with any contractors working on my farm.
  • Review health and safety on my farm and this document on a regular basis and at least annually.

• Name, Signature & Sign Date

  Sign

• This document should be revised at least annually or whenever there has been a significant change in the facilities or work practices on the farm.

REVISED:

• Tap on '+' below to add Signature below.

Signature

• Name, Signature & Sign Date

  Sign

Health Risk Assessment

• I will ensure that:

• Mechanical aids are used to reduce manual handling.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Where possible the size and weight of the load is reduced before manual handling.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All loads are assessed before lifting.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Generation of dust and spores is kept to a minimum.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Adequate ventilation is provided.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A suitable dust respirator (P2 or P3) is used where dust or spore levels cannot be fully controlled.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Hand washing facilities with soap and towels are available in the farmyard.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Suitable gloves are worn when handling potentially infectious animals or material.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Cuts and abrasions are covered with a water proof plaster.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A vermin control programme is in place.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Where possible noise is eliminated or minimised.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Ways of reducing noise exposure have been considered.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Suitable hearing protection is always worn where there are high noise levels.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A regular health check by a health professional is undertaken.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Protection from the sun is used.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Adequate water and food is taken to help concentration.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Attention is given to the importance of proper sleep, diet and exercise.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Advice is sought for health-related conditions.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A First Aid Box is readily available on the farm.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A charged mobile phone is carried when working alone.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• An eye wash station is available

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Additional identified controls

Children & Young person’s Safety Assessment

• Tick if this section is applicable

• I will ensure that:

• A safe and secure play area for children is provided away from all work activities or children are supervised directly.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The dangers to children on the farm are explained to all children and young persons.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A high level of adult supervision will be in place when children are present on the farm.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Children under 14 are not allowed operate tractors or self-propelled machines.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Children over 14 and young persons who drive tractors have attended safe tractor driving skills training and are closely supervised when driving the tractor.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Children under 7 are not allowed to be carried on a tractor or self-propelled vehicle in line with legal requirements.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Children over 7 are only carried if a seat with a lap-belt is provided.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Particular dangers to children on my farm are identified and controlled for example, tractor operation, machinery, ladders, water hazards, slurry pits, falls.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Contractors are made aware of the possible presence of children and of these controls.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Measures are taken to minimize risks to all including risks to visitors on the farm.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

Older Farmer Safety Assessment

• Tick if this section is applicable

• Physical ability, age related limitations and risks are identified, particularly when working with machinery, livestock and accessing heights.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The older farmer will consider his speed of movement and any other limitations before and during work activity.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The older farmer considers if he/she is physically able to carry out the work at hand.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• For those working with elderly farmers consider that they may not be able to hear a warning shout or move quickly enough to avoid a hazard

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• List additional controls

Tractor, Vehicle and Quad (ATV) Risk Assessment

• List all vehicles used on the farm

• I will ensure that:

• The Cab/Roll bar is in good condition.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The U guard is in place to cover the PTO stub.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All controls are in working order and are clearly marked/ understood.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The brakes are in good working order and adequate for the work undertaken.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The handbrake/parking brake is fully operational.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The mirrors, lights, indicators, hitching equipment and wipers are all functioning, clean and visible.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All visible defects in the vehicle are identified and rectified before starting work. (List defects )

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Pre-checks are carried out on tractors and vehicles before use.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Regular maintenance will be carried out on all tractors and vehicles.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The tractor/ farm vehicle is only operated by drivers who are trained and competent.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Lifting equipment (material) is examined annually.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Lifting equipment (lifting people) is examined 6 monthly.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The vehicle is always started and operated from the correct position.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Passengers are only carried where the manufacturer has provided a seat and seat belt for this purpose.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A helmet is worn by the operator when driving a quad bike.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• When starting and operating any vehicle, the driver looks out for bystanders.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The speed of all vehicles will be suitable for the ground or road conditions.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• When a vehicle is stopped, the SAFE STOP procedure is used. (Reverse park, in gear and handbrake on)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The cab floor is kept clear to allow safe use of brakes & clutch.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Where farmyard is close to farmhouse, traffic risks are assessed and controlled.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

Machinery Risk Assessment

• List all machinery used on the farm

• I will ensure that:

• All safety guards/ devices are fitted, undamaged and in good working order.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The “O” guards are present on the machine end of the PTO drive.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The hydraulic systems and hoses are in good repair.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Pre-checks are carried out on machinery before use.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Regular maintenance is carried out.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Machinery is only operated by competent operators.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All machinery is pre-checked with any safety defects identified and rectified before use.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The operator hand book where available is read and understood.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All equipment is supported with an adequate prop during maintenance or repair for example, jack stands.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Machinery, PTO’s and moving parts are stopped before attempting to carry out maintenance or free any blockage.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Passengers are not carried on machines unless designed to do so.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Loads are stable and well secured.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All trailers comply with Road Safety Authority (RSA) requirements.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Appropriate PPE and workwear is worn when operating machinery for example, quad helmet when driving a quad.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Ground conditions on slopes are assessed prior to machine work on steep ground.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Additional machinery controls used

Livestock Risk Assessment

• List the types of livestock (bulls, cows, rams etc. on the farm

• I will ensure that:

• Pens, fencing, crush(es) and skulling gates and other handling facilities are adequate and allow safe animal handling.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Gates can be securely closed.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Fencing is adequate to contain stock.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Facilities for loading and unloading of animals are adequate.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A calving gate (which provides operator protection) is used for calving cows.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A physical barrier is established when handling calves with freshly calved cows.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• If you have a bull, a bull pen which prevents direct contact with the bull is provided when the bull is housed.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• When outdoors the bull has a chain/rope attached to the ring.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A safe means of escape is available in the calving pen/bull pen.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All visible defects in livestock facilities are rectified. (List defects on control sheet).

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Persons handling livestock, especially a bull, are competent and fit.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A vehicle is used when herding if a bull is running with the herd.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Signs warning of the presence of a bull are displayed beside public places.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Adequate assistance is in place when carrying out animal handling operations.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Aggressive animals are culled without delay.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Suitable PPE and gloves are worn when handling animals.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

Farmyard and Buildings/ Work at Height

• List Farmyard, Buildings

• I will ensure that:

• Farmyard and farm buildings are tidy and kept in good repair.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All maintenance work is planned and only undertaken by competent persons.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Loader buckets or similar are not used for work at height.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is considered for all maintenance work at height.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• If not using an MEWP, safe means of access to heights is used for example, stairs, work platform, ladder secured and footed)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• If not using an MEWP, work on roofs is only undertaken with proper roofing ladders/crawling boards.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Fragile roof signs are in place where appropriate.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Construction regulations are followed for buildings under construction and other construction work on the farm.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Bales are securely stacked.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Suitable fire safety equipment is available.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Swinging doors can be secured.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Exits onto public roads are safe.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All visible defects in the farmyard and buildings are rectified. (List defects)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• List additional farmyard and buildings controls identified

Portable and Fixed Equipment Safety on the farm Assessment

• (Examples: Portable equipment – angle grinder, welder, power washer; Fixed equipment – air compressor, hoist)

• List Equipment:

• I will ensure that:

• The equipment is only operated by competent operators.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All safety devices are in place and are in working order.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Manufacturer’s operation manuals are available and used.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Correct Personal Protective Equipment as specified by the manufacturer is used.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Tyres are inflated in a safe manner standing clear of the danger zone.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Tyres are changed in a safe manner by competent persons.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All visible defects in portable and fixed equipment are rectified. (List defects)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The chainsaw is fitted with a full range of safety devices including a chain brake and a chain catcher.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The chainsaw is only used for work the operator is competent and trained to do.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Timber to be cross-cut is adequately secured and supported.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Tree felling is only carried out by a competent person who has appropriate certified training in tree felling operations.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All work with the chainsaw is carried out safely wearing correct personal protective equipment. (Helmet with visor, hearing protection, chainsaw gloves, chainsaw trousers, boots)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• List additional portable and fixed equipment controls identified

Electrical Safety Assessment

• I will ensure that:

• Electrical installations are inspected periodically and maintained by a competent electrician.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Electrical fittings are of damp proof and dust proof standard necessary. (I.P. Rated)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All circuits are protected by a Miniature Circuit Breaker (trip switch) or fuse of the correct rating.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• A main fuse protects the total electrical installation.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All sockets are protected by a 30 milli Amp RCD device on 220/380V circuits and checked monthly.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• 110V portable electrical equipment is used in building work.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• An electrical welder is supplied by a 32 Amp welding socket.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All extension leads/ cable reels are fully uncoiled when in use.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Adequate lighting is provided in each area of the farmyard and farm buildings.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Electric fences are adequately earthed and operated in a safe manner.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All visible defects in electrical installations are rectified without delay. (List defects on control sheet)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Contractors and suppliers coming onto the farm are made aware of overhead power lines and other installations.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• High machinery and loads only travel under overhead power lines where there is adequate clearance.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• List additional electrical controls identified

Chemical Safety Assessment

• List all the areas on the farm where chemicals are used (include veterinary products)

• I will ensure that:

• All chemicals are kept in locked stores.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All chemical containers are correctly labelled.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Chemicals are handled and used by a competent person.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Approved training as a Professional User in Pesticide application is undertaken.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Sprayer is tested in accordance with regulations.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All hazard warnings are read, understood and followed.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All controls recommended by the manufacturer in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are followed.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All equipment using chemicals for example, sprayer, milking machine are maintained in safe working order.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Protective clothing and equipment recommended by the manufacturer is used.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All PPE is cleaned and stored safely after use.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Washing of skin takes place before eating, drinking or smoking.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Triple rinsing (where appropriate) and safe disposal of all chemical containers takes place.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Water is readily available to wash chemicals off immediately.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Children are told the dangers of chemicals and kept away.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Records of chemicals in stock are kept up to date.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Emergency action for very hazardous chemicals is known.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• List additional chemical controls identified

Slurry Handling

• Tick if this section is applicable

• I will ensure that:

• Open slurry/water tanks are fenced to a height of 1.8 meters and secured (including gates) to prevent access.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Access (agitation) points to slatted tanks are kept secured.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Slurry agitation/spreading is planned taking account of weather forecasts choosing a windy day if possible.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Condition of slats is checked for damage regularly.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Work is carried out upwind of agitation with no reliance placed on slurry gas monitors.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Livestock are removed from sheds and pets are controlled before slurry agitation starts. All doors and sheeted gates are opened to maximize ventilation.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• During slurry agitation buildings and high-risk areas are cordoned off to prevent access.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Persons will stay away from agitation area for 30 mins after commencement.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• During slurry agitation and spreading agitation points are guarded and where possible safety grids are fitted.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Manhole covers are replaced as soon as possible.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Slurry gas warning signs are in place at agitation points.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Entry into an underground slurry/effluent tank is never undertaken without full risk assessment and safety controls in place.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• List additional Slurry Handling controls identified

Harvesting / Silage Risk Assessment

• Tick if this section is applicable

• I will ensure that:

• Do you use a contractor? If yes enter name opposite and skip this section

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All persons, including family members not directly involved are kept away from the harvest, particularly children.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All involved with tractor and machinery operation are competent and supervised during the work.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Adequate rest breaks are planned for and given to all operators during the harvest.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All machinery is pre-checked before use and any safety defects identified are rectified. (Immediately where possible)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Regular maintenance is carried out to prevent breakdowns.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All safety guards, particularly PTO guards, are kept in place at all times.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Extra care is taken with machinery with exposed moving parts and crop intake points.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All blockages and stoppages are dealt with by following: ‘Engine off, Handbrake on’, safe working procedures.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Passengers are not carried unless a suitable passenger seat is provided. (Driver under instruction or training)

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All persons are kept well away from operating mowers,mulchers and hedge-cutters due to risk of projectile stones and blades.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• All operators and/or contractors are made aware of any electrical lines, phone lines, uneven surfaces and slopes.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• No machine is overloaded.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• RSA rules are adhered to on the public road.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• I communicate the high risk of accidents to all operators and /or contractors during harvest time.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Good communication is maintained between operators of all machinery in the harvesting process.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Silage pits are not overfilled and their fill height must not put machinery operators at risk.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Operators on silage pits are sufficiently capable of carrying out their role safely and prevent overturns or collisions.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• No person goes underneath the silage cover due to risk of smothering and/or gassing.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• The sides and ends of earthen embankments are retained at a safe angle.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Sighting rails are re-installed and maintained along silage walls.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Silage pits are designed to Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine specifications.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Bales are loaded, transported and stacked carefully to ensure they don’t roll or fall.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Safe means of tying down loaded bales is planned and carried out.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Stacks of bales are stacked safely and not positioned near overhead power lines.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• Bale handling equipment is parked correctly following the “SAFE STOP” procedure, to eliminate risk of crushing or spiking.

  ✔

  ✖

  N/A

• List additional Harvesting controls identified

Emergency contact details

• Doctor

• Eircode

• In case of Emergency-name and number

• Closest Neighbours Name & Number

• Vet

• Agricultural Advisor

• Fire Brigade

• Garda Station

• Emergency Services: 999 or 112
  ESB Networks: 1850 372 999
  Health and Safety Authority : 1890 289 389
  National Poison Centre: 01- 809 2166
  FORUM Advisor: 095 41116