In the hubbub of farm activity, barn safety can slip. Equipment is not put away properly. Light bulbs aren't replaced. Hardware works it way loose. With some forethought and effort, though, livestock, employees and visitors can be kept safe.

Barn structure

Eight- to 12-feet is generally considered a good ceiling height. Barn door frames should be at least eight-feet high and four-feet wide. Cover windows with bars or screens. If glass is a must, use safety glass.



Keep the floor clean and in good repair. The flooring material should give animals traction, especially those with shoes. If the flooring is too rough, though, it can cause foot problems.

Visibly mark steps and uneven floors. Also mark low-hanging beams and pipes, which are usually those with less than a seven-foot clearance.

Stalls and pens should be an appropriate size for the type and number of animals to be confined. Smooth walls ensure animals do not injure themselves with protrusions. Use secure latches. Feed and water containers should be smooth, clean and the appropriate height.

Natural or landscaped plants around the barn should be non-toxic in case the animals eat them.

Hay storage

Hay should be stored in a different building than where livestock or horses are housed. Keep hay away from heating and electrical sources, and stack it so it will not fall on anyone. Install handrails on the hayloft stairs. Railings also are helpful around the loft and at ladder openings to prevent falls. Attach any ladders firmly to the wall.

Electric

For interior and exterior visibility, install Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved lighting. Encase the wiring in metal or weatherproof boxes to keep animals out of it.

Install and properly ground lightening rods on the barn. Additionally, ground the water sources to prevent accidental electric shock.

Clean-up

Ample and appropriate storage units keep items off the floor. In particular, keep stairways free of clutter. Storage areas should be large enough to keep motorized equipment and hand tools away from animals. Items that hang from the wall or ceiling should be high enough that people will not hit their heads on them.

Grooming and wash stalls should drain well to prevent wet and/or icy barn floors. Hang hoses near the water source to prevent people and animals from becoming entangled in them.

Remove hardware and other protrusions from areas that may harm animals or catch on clothing.

Barn fans and vents require routine maintenance and regular cleaning. Clear the area around them to increase their efficiency.

Properly mark all chemical containers. Store them out of reach of curious animals and children.



Pick up the trash. Garbage attracts vermin and could spread fire or cause injury to a person or animal. Place trash receptacles throughout the barn. If necessary, designate specific containers for certain types of waste.

Emergencies

Post the facility's emergency plan prominently. Acquaint those who work or board there with it. If the barn has a phone, post emergency numbers next to it. Equip the barn with an emergency first aid kit for both animals and people.

Clearly mark fire exits and place a fire extinguisher of the correct size and type at each exterior door, in the middle of long aisles and next to the main electrical panel box.

Post "No Smoking" signs at all exterior doors, bathrooms, employee break areas and other noticeable locations. Place containers at each door so cigarettes may be doused before entering.