Special Announcement
FARMERS CARE Level 4
Has Arrived!
Despite our best efforts, emergencies can still occur and have devastating results. It is as important for family farms to be prepared to deal with emergencies as it is for farms with employees.
In this, the last level of the FARMERS CARE program, you will be introduced to emergency action plans and important considerations that will help keep the people on your farm safe during an emergency. It also covers practical measures that you can take relating to emergency prevention, preparedness, management and recovery.
For every level of FARMERS CARE that you complete (or have completed) between September 20th and December 31st, 2024 enters you for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 UFA Gift Cards! Once you have completed Level 4, remember to order a sign and show your farm’s commitment to safety; click HERE to get yours today.
If you have farm-specific health and safety questions or require support relating to health and safety on your farm, please contact AgSafe Alberta at info@agsafeab.ca.
You may be eligible for onsite farm visits and up to 10 hours of advisor support at no cost!
Proper Fire Extinguisher
Placement Matters
Having portable fire extinguishers is important. To ensure the best possible placement, you will need to consider many factors specific to the building, well beyond where the electrical room is or where there may be free space on a wall.
Fire extinguisher type and placement needs to be based off the potential fire hazards of your particular barn, what you store in it, the types of equipment used, where things are located or certain tasks are performed, etc.
To help you through this process, AgSafe Alberta has developed a Fire Extinguisher Placement Planning Form that you can use alone or with a building map to ensure the best possible placement for portable fire extinguishers. This form was originally developed for egg farmers across Alberta (who have collectively taken fantastic measures to improve safety in their barns), but it can easily be adapted to other types of buildings and operations.
Fire Extinguisher Types
Maximum Travel Distances
The maximum travel distance measured must be the distance someone would have to walk to a fire extinguisher. It is important not to exceed the maximum travel distances, and you must recognize where things may be interfering with the path to a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are designed to be used on small fires only (e.g., one that has just started) and most empty in under 30 seconds. Remember to consider how long it will take to get to a fire extinguisher and how long it will take to get back to where the fire is, as a lot can happen in that amount of time.
Vibration Hazards & Health Effects
- Numbness and muscle weakness in the fingers & hands
- Fatigue
- Stomach problems
- Headache
- Balance issues
- Shakiness during or shortly after exposure
Clean Up Your Farm with Cleanfarms
It’s time to get rid of those unwanted pesticides & old veterinary medications!
An important part of keeping your farm safe is controlling and eliminating hazards. The simple act of properly disposing of hazardous items that you no longer need (like pesticides and veterinary drugs) is a simple and practical way of doing this. To take advantage of this and other collection programs in your area, go to cleanfarms.ca.CONTACT US
For general inquiries: info@agasafeab.ca /403-219-
For our hotline for incidence assistance: 1-833-9AGSAFE
