Branding safety checklist
Regardless of how your operation handles animal branding, preparing beforehand can ensure everything goes smoothly and everyone stays safe. Here’s a checklist to help.
Work environment
Prevent trips and falls by removing sticks, cords, large rocks, and other debris
Secure your chute systems: ensure they are level, in good repair, and pinch points are covered
Check condition of calf table
Outline work flow, including where animals will go before and after, and identify escape routes for workers
Set up a space for your records, medicine, branding iron, and fuel source. The area should be separated from animals and children
Using ropes and horses for branding?
Provide space for the horses and ropers to work without getting tangled up with other people or equipment
Plan where your teams will work and ensure easy paths for moving on foot
Identify the lead roper who will assign jobs and step in to handle difficult situations
Shot safety
Review all labels and safety data sheets for products being administered
Check all syringes and needles and replace any that are broken or damaged
Have a container, such as a SHARPs container, available for disposal of any damaged or used needles
Provide lightweight gloves
Safety materials
Make sure you have the following on hand:
Hand washing materials
Eye wash (ensure that it is clean and has not expired)
First-aid kit, including burn treatment materials
Gloves—lightweight or leather depending on the task
A sharp knife and pliers
Drinking water
Shade tent or other means to get out of the sun
Employee/volunteer management
Brandings are often the highlight of the spring and may attract volunteers and new or temporary employees. Volunteers should be treated as employees and should receive clear expectations and training. Never assume that someone knows what to do even if they come with experience. Instead, be sure to instruct and demonstrate anything that you expect them to know or understand. Each ranch and region does things a little bit differently, so we can never rely on “common sense.”
Establish a chain of command
Determine everyone’s roles ahead of time. If everyone knows their roles it will decrease confusion, congestion, and stress on animals
Determine the cow dogs and horses that are up to the task—don’t let volunteers bring horses or dogs that will add stress to the operation
Prepare a day-of task briefing before beginning work. Here are things to review with your crews:
Schedule for the day: start, lunch, and finish times
Individual roles and responsibilities
Task specific expectations
Vaccination safety, including what is being administered, to who, and product specific safety information
PPE and first-aid kit
Low stress animal handling principles
Expectations for overall conduct and behavior
Use our branding safety (saif.com/ S1116) resource to lead the discussion
For more on this topic, visit saif.com/agsafety.