Making effluent systems safe

Dairy effluent systems can pose serious hazards if they are not properly designed or managed.

Ensuring safety on the farm should be a top priority, with particular attention to creating a safe environment for:

  • children
  • workers
  • visitors
  • contractors
  • livestock
  • pets.

The following guidance is provided to support safer practices. Every farmer should consult widely, critically evaluate their own set up and situation for potential risks and implement appropriate control measures.

It is essential that all employees, contractors and children are made aware of the dangers associated with various components of the effluent system.

The safe operation of all components within the effluent system should be a standard part of induction activities for new employees, contractors, and relevant personnel.

Sumps and solids traps

These structures contain liquid and sludge and usually have steep sides. To prevent accidents, they should either be securely covered with safety grating or be enclosed by a safety fence with a lockable gate to restrict access by children, pets and livestock.

If young children live on the farm or frequently visit the farm, fencing and gates should meet the standard for swimming pool enclosures, as outlined in (Australian Standard 1926.1:2024).

Sumps and pumps should be designed to allow easy cleaning, with appropriate access for machinery. Operators using farm equipment to remove sludge must remain vigilant and ensure the area is clear of children and other bystanders.

Ponds

Ponds and their access points must be made as safe as possible. Water depths can range from 1 m to 6 m, posing a serious drowning risk.

Effluent ponds are typically constructed with internal batter slopes of 2:1 or 3:1, though some may be as steep as 1:1 slope, depending on where the pond has been sited. Steep batters can be instable and often slippery, increasing the risk of falls and making escape difficult.

Some ponds may form a crust of solid-looking material. This can occur if they are designed to do this or due to substandard management practices that don’t include a suitable and regular desludging program. These crusts can support growth of weeds and grass, and even small saplings creating the illusion of stable ground.

Tall vegetation around ungrazed ponds can obscure the water’s edge. Use markers to clearly indicate pond boundaries.

Pond maintenance or desludging should be conducted with caution. Narrow or unstable banks may collapse under the weight of machinery. Guard all pond stirrers and power take-off driven pumps and chock machinery’s wheels to prevent movement caused by constant vibration.

All personnel – including children, employees and contractors must be made aware of the hazards of effluent ponds and particular attention needs to be paid to warning visiting children. Fencing should be installed immediately after construction to protect young children and livestock. Warning signs indicating deep water or hazards should be clearly displayed and are available from safety equipment suppliers.

Some common safety tips:

  • Use goats or sheep – not cattle or horses- to graze the pond surrounds.
  • Control vegetation with mowing and spraying of herbicides.
  • Install secure fencing around the pond perimeter, allowing enough room for machinery access.
  • Clearly mark the pond edge before using machinery.
  • Encourage the establishment of grasses on external batters to help stabilise the banks. Avoid trees and shrubs establishing near the pond, to prevent root damage.
  • Ensure pontoons are buoyant, securely fixed, and removable for maintenance.
  • Use long extension poles to collect effluent samples for nutrient analysis.
  • Regularly inspect pond banks for cracks, erosion and damage. Repair promptly.

Yard wash systems

Dairy yards and surrounding infrastructure are typically washed using hoses, hydrants or flood wash systems. Each method presents specific safety risks, and all staff should receive proper training during induction to ensure safe operation.

Hoses:

  • Hoses can be difficult to control during use and may cause injury if they become loose.
  • When not in use, hoses should be stored away from high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.

Hydrant systems:

  • Hydrant washing systems operate under high pressure, discharging large volumes of water.
  • Nozzles and couplings have been known to fly around if not handled correctly.
  • Only trained staff should operate hydrant systems - children and inexperienced operators must not operate these systems.

Flood wash systems:

  • Flood wash tanks should be installed on solid and stable foundations due to their heavy weight.
  • All outlets and rudders should also have appropriate guarding to protect both operators and livestock from injury.

Recycling effluent for yard wash:

  • Recycling effluent water from a multi-pond effluent system is a common and effective way to reduce freshwater use and effluent storage needs.
  • However, recycling effluent water from sumps, trafficable solid traps and even smaller single ponds is discouraged due to:
    • Recycled effluent from these sources is usually of a poor quality, which tends to block pumps and pipes and be more odorous.
    • Increased odour and the risk of slime and algae buildup on the yards, which creates slippery surfaces for livestock and operators.

Operator safety:

  • The health risks from aerosol exposure when using recycled effluent has not been studied.
  • To minimise contact, flood wash systems are preferred when using recycled effluent, as they reduce direct operator exposure.

Pumps

Pumps are often essential for managing dairy effluent, to enable the transfer of effluent and the nutrients it contains back to pastures. The type and placement of pumps will vary depending on the farm layout and effluent management strategy.

Some common safety tips:

  • Electrical safety: All electrical components must be installed by a qualified electrician.
  • Weather protection: Use weatherproof and waterproof switches to prevent electrical hazards.
  • Access for maintenance:  Ensure there is sufficient space around pumps for safe and easy maintenance.
  • Guarding moving parts: All moving components, such as shafts and impellers, must be properly guarded to prevent injury.
  • Staff training: Provide clear guidance and induction training on the safe operation off all pump types used on the property.
  • Manual handling: Be mindful of the risks associated with lifting or moving pumps and irrigators, use proper techniques and mechanical aids.
  • Electrical wiring: Keep all electrical wiring protected and positioned well away from any water sources to avoid electrocution.

Human health

Dairy effluent should not be a threat to human health, provided appropriate hygienic practices are followed.

Hygiene practices:

  • Do not smoke, eat or drink while in the dairy shed or around other infrastructure
  • Wash hands and change clothing after completion of a task involving contact with effluent and/or manure.

Aerosol exposure:

  • Hose, hydrants and effluent sprinklers can generate aerosols that may be inhaled or settle on the skin.
  • Avoid areas where aerosol exposure is likely, especially during equipment use.

Minimising direct contact:

  • Where possible, avoid direct exposure to effluent. For example, if practical for yard washing use a flood wash system rather than handheld hoses with recycled effluent.

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

  • Dairy shed operators should wear appropriate personal protective clothing, such as waterproof aprons, gloves and footwear with good traction to prevent slips.

Confined spaces

Dairy operators should be aware of regulations and risks associated with confined spaces, as several components of effluent systems may fall into this category. Common examples include:

  • storage tanks and other tank-like compartments
  • pits
  • silos
  • pipes
  • wells.

These structures may form part of an effluent system. However, where an alternative option is available, confined spaces should be excluded from effluent systems.

These structures can pose serious safety hazards due to limited entry and ventilation. Where possible, confined spaces should be avoided in the design of effluent systems. If their use is unavoidable, appropriate safety protocols and confined space entry procedures must be strictly followed.

Manure and effluent machinery and equipment

Managing dairy effluent systems requires the use of various machinery and contractors. Equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, slurry tankers, solid manure spreaders, bobcats, front-end loaders, pond agitators, umbilical distribution tractors and sprinklers are commonly used.

To minimise risks associated with this equipment, farmers should:

  • Maintain equipment regularly: Follow scheduled maintenance to ensure machinery remains safe and functional.
  • Provide farm inductions: Ensure all contractors and site visitors receive a safety induction before accessing the site.
  • Ensure safe access: Design laneways and access points to safely accommodate large machinery and equipment.
  • Implement a biosecurity plan: Have a clear and accessible farm biosecurity plan in place.
  • Use standard operating procedures (SOPs): Make sure SOPs are available and followed by all personnel involved in effluent system operations.

Effluent management plans

The development of an effluent management plan to assist with the operation, maintenance and management of the dairy effluent system is recommended. These plans provide farm-specific technical, operational, and maintenance guidance to ensure effluent is used productively and safely.

Effluent management plans typically include:

  • assessment of effluent volumes and storage capacity
  • application strategies to match nutrient loads with pasture and crop needs
  • risk mitigation measures to prevent runoff or contamination of waterways
  • maintenance schedules and system improvement options
  • maps identifying effluent infrastructure and irrigation areas
  • contingency planning information.

An Effluent system designer can help develop an effluent management plan. They can assess the property layout, appropriate infrastructure, and environmental risks.

More information

More information on safety covering broader dairy operations can be found in:

Page last updated: 04 Jul 2025