Safe Sheep Handling

In the video, Edward Egan, Drystock Advisor, outlines the importance of having good safe handling facilities on the farm. Edward also demonstrates some very useful tips and safety practices to use when carrying out sheep handing work in a safe manner. These can be implemented on all sheep farms.

A well designed sheep handling unit is one that is safe for the handler, other adults, children, sheep & cattle.  Watch the video to see how to improve your existing sheep handling unit or compare how it matches up. Alternatively, find out what you should include if you are designing a new sheep handling unit.

Edward goes into great detail to cover the topics of vehicle access, gates, counter weights, dip tub cover, floor, handler gates and the location and design of handler gates.

In a sheep handling unit many gates have to be repeatly opened and closed by the handler. Correctly used counter weights can have many benefits. Handler access gates are an important safety feature and possible locations for handler gates are included also.

To download a free copy of the Teagasc publication a A Guide to Designing a Sheep Handling Unit go to this link   https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/a-guide-to-designing-a-sheep-handling-unit.php