In this day and age of OH and S compliance you will find that most of the poultry show sheds do not comply fully with the national OH&S standards.
There is 1 shed in Victoria that I know of that will soon be fully compliant. I am sure that there must be more.
Some of things you must have:
- An evacuation plan on display at the exits as picture.
- exits must be marked
- Isles that do not end in a dead end.
- a fire extinguisher must be on site at the shed.
- first aid officer with a current first aid certificate and a first aid kit large enough to suite the crowd in attendance and the kit must be in date.
- all electrical leeds must be in the air AND NOT ON THE GROUND.
- all lead, power boards, and plug in appliances must be test tagged and in date tags. In Victoria that is tested every 6 months and NSW I think it is every 12 months. That included computer leads printer leads etc.
- No trip hazards in shed.
- Chemicals if any on site properly stored away and I mean not in a cupboard under the sink either.
- If chemicals on site hazcem signs up as well.
- Also for those running an auction ALL electrical items being sold MUST have a current test tag that is in date and if covered by the Plant Act a risk assessment or decommission report attached. The days of buyer-beware are gone. If a buyer buys an electrical item from you at an auction and they get a shock or killed by it, YOU the poultry club and its directors are legally liable. What covers you is having the correct paperwork - copies of signed risk assessments or decommission reports. and a note of the testy tag on your agency agreement. The fines are huge.
These are only a few of the things that have to be done to avoid fines and legal action against the club and its directors. Contact you State body for more information or work cover in your state. We are all in this for our safety and enjoyment.
- Insurance does not cover your fines.
To show or sell our birds and meet like minded people.
It is NOW up to all clubs to realize that they NOW have a responsibility to all members and the general public who show or attend their sales/ shows to have a safe and compliant shed.
Nothing may happen until there is a misshap then the sky will fall in on us all.
Keep safe and enjoy your poultry club.
Auctioneer