Location of shed

The orientation of a shearing shed has a big influence on the working environment. Some points of consideration are:

• Access to electricity and water;
• Well drained;
• Run the long axis (of a rectangular shed) east / west so as to maximise the use of natural light and to assist with ventilation (on the basis that most prevailing winds are north south). Natural lighting should be as even as possible (indirect or diffuse is best), especially in the pen area so as to reduce contrasts which makes sheep movement difficult;
• Another very important aspect is also the way sheep are mustered and taken to and from the yards. They will always head back towards their own country if they get a chance.  So yards should be designed so that sheep walk past the entrance to the shed to return to the paddock. Through the shed would be even better.  Leads/loading ramps into sheds should be located so sheep enter the shed thinking they are heading for home; and
• Prevailing winds are also important to consider from an animal welfare point of view – so that the shed can provide protection straight after shearing.

 Lighting

• Natural lighting should be as even as possible (indirect or diffuse is best), especially in the pen area so as to reduce contrasts which makes sheep movement difficult. The use of translucent sheets on southern walls is advantageous; and 
• Shearing board lighting needs to be located so that the shearer either right or left handed does not shadow the belly or crutch of the sheep during shearing or crutching.

The references above refer to levels of light intensity for different parts of the shed. Recommendations (Standards Australia) are:

• Shearing  400 lux;
• Classing  600 lux;
• Pressing  200 lux; and

•  Local lighting is needed over the shearing board and over the wool table.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is a critical element in shearing sheds.

• As shearing is physically demanding and with a lot of shearing done in hotter months, combined with the heat and humidity generated by a shed full of sheep, adequate ventilation is paramount to a good working environment;
• The most important aspect though is for ventilation to be controllable as cold draughts in cooler months or early mornings can also be a hazard for shearers;
• Vents on the roof allow moist hot air to escape;
• Sliding doors and louvre windows are useful to control flows; and
• Draughts can also come from under the shed, especially up the chute. A curtain of heavy plastic over the chute can reduce such draughts.

 Staff facilities

There are some basic amenities that need to be included in any shearing shed:

1. A wash basin with running water. It is recommended that where possible hot running water is provided.
2. Comfortable chairs – enough for all staff.
3. A table of sufficient size to accommodate staff at meal breaks.
4. Access to sufficient clean drinking water.
5. An urn/kettle for boiling water.
6. A refrigerator in hot weather (alternatively an Esky of sufficient size, with ice).
7. Clean toilets, maintained clean throughout the shearing.
8. Optionally, an oven or microwave oven.

Preferably, the staff amenities should be housed in a separate room able to be closed off from the rest of the shearing shed.  This amenities room should have good ventilation with no draughts and good lighting.

The extent of the amenities provided for staff can depend upon whether the shearing team live in quarters on the property or commute daily to the shed. In most cases today the shearing team commutes on a daily basis. Where the shearing team stays on the property then expanded facilities will be required:

1. Sleeping accommodation.
2. Shower and bathroom facilities.
3. Cooking facilities.

In designing or making modifications to staff facilities it is always best to check with the local council for any regulations that may apply: e.g.: building, health and safety, wok conditions, etc.
Knowledge of the relevant Federal Pastoral and/or State Awards covering personnel involved in shearing is also necessary to ensure staff facilities meet any legislative requirements (refer to Workcover references).

Some common sense issues include:

• Any chemicals used and/or stored in the shearing shed MUST not be stored in or near any staff amenities facilities;
• No working machinery (including grinders) should be incorporated to any staff amenity facilities;
• A properly resourced first aid kit must be available in the shearing shed; and 
• Unsecured grinders should not be permitted in the shearing shed or around sleeping or living quarters. The Grinder must be in a well lit enclosed location securely fastened in position.

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