This Livestock Yard Handling & Loading SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers moving livestock through yards, races and crushes, and loading them onto trucks or trailers using a loading ramp. It sets out yard and ramp inspections, working the flight zone and point of balance, safe gate and head bail operation, managing bulls and females with young at foot, and always keeping an escape route. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Cattle and sheep farms
Feedlots
Livestock transport operators
Saleyards and stock agents
Agricultural contractors and station hands
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Being kicked, crushed, trampled or pinned by livestock
Being struck or gored by aggressive or protective animals, including bulls
Crush injury from gates or head bails closing on a partly through animal
Being caught between an animal and a rail, gate or race side
Slips, trips and falls on wet, muddy or manure-covered surfaces
Falls from catwalks, ramps or platforms beside the race
Strain from repetitive gate work and restraining animals
Unpredictable behaviour when working alone or in poor light
Bites, scratches and disease from livestock and effluent
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from damaged rails and gate latches to ramp surfaces, catwalks, escape gaps, lighting and aggressive animals
A 13-step operating procedure covering the flight zone, point of balance, gate and crush operation, prodder use and loading the vehicle
Isolation and energy control for locking gates and head bails and powered crushes or ramps
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for charging or aggressive animals, animals down in the crush and bites, kicks or gorings
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Agriculture & Farming SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Should high-vis be worn in the yards?
No. The SOP recommends against high-vis for workers handling livestock directly, as it can startle stock. It's reserved for anyone directing trucks or traffic at the loading area.
Does it cover yard design and animal behaviour?
No. General livestock behaviour, temperament and yard, race and ramp design are covered by the Livestock Handling and Yards procedure.
Does it cover quad bikes and tractors?
No. Powered mobile plant used in the yard or loading area is covered by its own plant-specific SOP.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
