Fire Hazards:

• No smoking anywhere on the yard.
• The correct signage should be displayed around the yard in case of a fire.
• The correct fire extinguishers must be easily visible, accessible and checked regularly.
• The yard's name and address should be on full display on the office window.
• Yard rules should be visible and followed at all times.
• The muck heap should be downwind of the stables and well maintained.

See Fire Precautions for more details on this subject.

Safety:

• Feed room doors should be shut and locked at all times.
• Stable doors should be shut or tied back, never left half open.
• Avoid using gas, petrol or anything flammable near the stables.
• Always follow fire prevention rules.

Rubbish:

• Closed lid bins should be provided for rubbish.
• Loose baling string must be fastened together and put in the bin. It is a danger to horses, people or could get tangled up in machinery.

Tools and Equipment:

• Grooming kits should be put away correctly.
• Tack should be put away and stored correctly.
• Never leave tack on the floor.
• To prevent them being a hazard, empty haynets must be hung up and not left on the floor.
• Yard tools must not be left around the yard. Always return them to the designated area once they are finished with.
• Headcollars should not be left on the floor.
• Headcollars and leadropes should not be left hanging down, from the tie-ring, when the horse has been untied.

Hygiene:

• The yard should be kept clean and well swept. This keeps the air clean, odour free and discourage vermin, germs or flies.
• Wash down any slippery areas with water and disinfectant.
• The feed room floor should be regularly swept and washed down.
• Grooming kits should be cleaned regularly, to prevent the spread of infection.
• Always keep the yard well maintained.
• Always skip out droppings regularly, as dung attracts flies and parasites.
• Always clear up spilt food, as it will encourage rats and mice to the area.
• A yard cat is good for keeping down vermin.
• Disinfect floor and walls regularly, especially after illnesses.
• Keep all drains clean and well covered.
• Use a high pressure power washer for soiled walls and floors.

Electrical Equipment:

• All electrical equipment must be in good working order.
• A circuit breaker must be used when using electrical equipment on the horse.
• Electrical cables must be checked regularly to ensure they are in good condition
• Any electrical cables or equipment that are damaged must not be used.
• Clippers should be serviced yearly.
• Weather proof covers must be fitted on outside lights.
• Light switches must be covered.
• Any electrical items must be fitted and checked yearly by a qualified electrician.

In the Winter Months:

• Do not tip water buckets on the yard, especially in freezing weather.
• Do not let the hose pipe run on to the yard.
• Grit or salt icy patches.
• Keep all drains clear and clean.
• Ensure automatic waters are fully insulated to prevent burst pipes.
• Make sure all essential jobs are done in the daylight.
• Ensure all light fittings are working correctly.