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The work environment

Fencing is an outdoor job that involves a number of environmental hazards. The weather, the terrain and fencing materials themselves all have associated risks and hazards.

The weather

The weather poses a significant hazard when fencing because it can be changeable. A fencing team can prepare and take precautions for a fine, hot day only to find themselves in a violent afternoon thunderstorm. Monitoring the weather and accessing regular weather forecasts is a vital means of reducing weather related risks.

A review of weather hazards and risk controls can be found in the Primary Industries competency RTE2503A Observe and report on weather.

The terrain

No outdoor worksite is completely flat. Many fencing sites are steep or cover uneven terrain. Vegetation can cause trips and falls as well as scratches and cuts. Fencing tools and materials left lying around can pose a hazard.

Hazard	Uneven or steep terrain
Risks	Trips and falls, vehicle and tractor roll-overs
PPE	Work boots, long-sleeved shirt and trousers
Risk controls	Clear fence line before commencing work. Only drive on uneven or steep terrain in an appropriate vehicle and with sufficient experience.

Hazard	Fencing tools and materials left lying around work site
Risks	Trips and falls
PPE	Work boots
Risk controls	Arrange placement of tools and materials to avoid trip hazards. Never leave a crowbar standing upright without suitable support.

Fencing materials

Splinters from timber posts and stays and cuts from barbed wire are common fencing injuries. Wire is wound onto coils under tension and can whip around when the end of the wire is released. Old wire and off-cuts should be picked up and disposed of properly.

Hazard	Rough timber surfaces
Risks	Splinters and cuts
PPE	Leather work gloves
Risk controls	Dress posts adequately.

Hazard	Working with barbed wire
Risks	Cuts, lacerations
PPE	Leather work gloves, safety glasses
Risk controls	Control both sides of a wire before cutting it. Avoid overstraining wire, especially high tensile barbed wire.

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