Wire and Electric Fencing Installation

Plan for the type of fence:

• Machinery required for clearing fence line, ensure SWMS in place for applicable machine, e.g. bulldozer, grader

• Requirements of the fence. e.g. Livestock control, preventing access, land management

• Length of fence

• Types of wire, i.e. barbed or plain (consider the weight of rolls for worker manually handling on site)

• Grade of wire required

• Grade of strainer posts or pickets

• Spacing of posts and pickets

• Gates.

If on the property boundary, ensure neighbours are informed before work commences

Approvals/permits are in place if required, e.g. accessing adjoining properties, vegetation-clearing permits etc.

Confirm the location of the boundary line.

Before undertaking activities in remote areas, careful planning and preparation must be undertaken

Select the most appropriate vehicle for the conditions

A procedure is developed for regular contact with people working remotely or in isolation, which outlines the frequency, nominated time, and method of contact appropriate for the work location and conditions:

• An immediate supervisor or manager is aware of travel itineraries, current locations & what tasks are being undertaken in the remote area(s)

• Scheduled contact people and Injury reporting procedures are developed and in place

• Mobile & satellite phones and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is fit for purpose, tested before departure & phones have spare, fully charged batteries and facilities for continuing charging

An emergency response procedure is developed & followed by the works depot or office if staff in remote areas fails to make scheduled contact at the nominated time

All safety equipment, including first aid & vehicle breakdown/rescue/tool kits & fire extinguisher(s), are checked before departure, fit for purpose, and regularly maintained

Hazard identification procedures:

• Sufficient supplies of water, food, fuel & supplies needed

• All relevant workers are appraised for required competencies & for any pre-existing medical conditions if working in remote or isolated locations.

Check with landowners that no shooters are hunting/culling in the area:

• If gunshots are heard nearby, leave the area immediately

• Wear high-visibility clothing at all times.

Concrete work- e.g. post setting

Training and information provided to workers on RCS should include the following:

• Identification of RCS dust through Safety Datasheet (SDS) or labels

• Dust exposure prevention

• Checking controls are working and using them

• When and how to use any respiratory protective equipment provided and what to do if something goes wrong (Including worker respirator fit and check processes).

Check weather conditions – do not work in extreme conditions

Reschedule works to work in more moderate temperatures.

Ensure workers are trained to recognise the symptoms of hyperthermia and hypothermia

Hot conditions. Ensure:

• Suitable protective clothing

• Sun brim on hard hats

• Safety glasses - UV rated

• Use 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin

• Adequate drinking water

• Access to shade on breaks

• Adequate breaks.

Cold conditions. Ensure:

• Schedule warm-up breaks

• Hold breaks inside

• Dress warmly in layers

• Stay dry (wet clothing chills the body rapidly)

• Workers must get out of the cold as soon as they can if starting to feel symptoms