AS 5340:2020 pdf Livestock loading/unloading ramps and forcing pens
1.1 Scope
This Standard sets out requirements for loading/unloading ramps and forcing pens to enable persons to safely load and unload livestock from vehicles used to transport them, and ensure the welfare of livestock and the safety of livestock handlers. It covers —
(a) stock yard panels;
(b) gates;
(c) latches;
(d) surfaces;
(e) sheeting;
(f) walkways and access;
(g) structural elements; and
(h) vehicle access.
It includes examples of ramp design and infill positioning, and guidelines for risk management.
The Standard applies to rear, side and cross-loading ramps.
The Standard does not cover any other forms of livestock yards.
The Standard does not refer to work on or in livestock crates.
1.2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document:
NOTE Documents referenced for informative purposes are listed in the Bibliography.
AS 1319, Safety signs for the occupational environment
AS 1379, Specification and supply of concrete
AS 1418.2, Cranes (including hoists and winches), Part 2: Serial hoists and winches
AS 1450, Steel tubes for mechanical purposes
AS 1657:2018, Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders—Design, construction and installation
AS/NZS 1163, Cold-formed structural steel hollow sections
AS/NZS 1554.1, Structural steel welding, Part 1: Welding of steel structures
AS/NZS 1594, Hot-rolled steel flat products
AS/NZS 1665, Welding of aluminium structures
AS/NZS 3678, Structural steel—Hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs
AS/NZS 3679.1, Structural steel, Part 1: Hot-rolled bars and sections
AS/NZS 3679.2, Structural steel, Part 2: Welded I sections
1.3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
1.3.1 bridging flap
adjustable bridge, normally attached to the top of a ramp, designed to eliminate any gap between the livestock crate and ramp floors
1.3.2 cattle crush
device for restraining livestock
Note 1 to entry: Also known as vet crush or head bail.
1.3.3 competent person
person having such knowledge and experience of livestock loading/unloading ramps, forcing pens, and associated equipment, as is necessary for that person to assess their condition and make an informed judgement as to whether or not they may safely remain in service
1.3.4 control
measure, in relation to a risk to health and safety, to eliminate or minimize the risk to people or animals
Note 1 to entry: Control involves a hierarchy of controls including: elimination; substitution; isolation;engineering; administration; personal protective equipment.
1.3.5 critical control point
point at which failure to control risk may cause harm to people or animals
1.3.6 dump ramp
wide ramp designed only for unloading
1.3.7 forcing pen
holding pen that allows operators to encourage animals up the race or ramp while maintaining
segregation between livestock and people
Note 1 to entry: Forcing pens come in different shapes including conventional or round style designs.
1.3.8 hazard
source or situation with a potential to cause injury and ill health to a person or animal
1.3.9 large livestock
animals such as bovines (cattle), equines (horses), camelids (camels, alpacas)
1.3.10 livestock crate
device used to contain livestock during transport
Note 1 to entry: A livestock crate could be a truck, train, ship, car trailer, aircraft, etc.
1.3.11 livestock crate door pin
device that secures the livestock crate door
1.3.12 may
indicates the existence of an option
1.3.13 non-bruise material
smooth-surfaced material without projections or sharp corners
1.3.14 personal access gate
gate to allow an operator to safely enter or exit the internal structure of a livestock facility
1.3.15 race
set of parallel panels leading up to the ramp
1.3.16 ramp
stockyard structure used for loading and unloading livestock to or from a livestock crate, including
portable ramps and cross-loading ramps or platforms
AS 5340:2020 pdf Livestock loading/unloading ramps and forcing pens
