Recommended pond safety features
Fencing - All ponds should be fenced off with a netting fence to prevent stock and children from accidentally falling into the pond. Locked gates are essential and electric fences can also be used.
Escape ladders - All ponds should have at least one permanently placed ladder or alternative escape means in case a person falls into the pond. You can have a life buoy available in the area too.
Anchor points - Pontoons should have anchor points to improve stability.
Signage - Warning signs can be used to keep people out of the area but direct communication with people is important too. Talk with farm staff, contractors and visitors about the effluent pond risks.
Pond safety video
Recommended pond safety processes
Farm rules - Rules for effluent pond safety control who is allowed in the pond area and can stipulate that no one is to enter the area alone. That way, you can keep non-swimmers out of the area and ensure there is always at least two people inside the fence when working in the area. Find out more here.
Risk management - It’s important to identify risks like effluent ponds and do the planning to avoid accidents. Find out more here.
Visitors - Make sure anyone coming on the farm knows the risks around the effluent pond, specially people who will be going in that area of the farm. How will you communicate the risks to children, farm visitors, contractors and family?
Safety during pond construction
Supervising engineers, the construction companies, contractors and the person running the project must communicate and collaborate to ensure risks are identified and safety is well managed during the construction project.
Construction should be undertaken with competent advice, so it’s a good idea to research the companies and ask questions to make sure you’re confident they will act safely.
