Tarping of Loads a Risk
14 Jun 2007
By Colin Peace
 13 June 2007
The Editor
Countryman Newspaper
Via email
Dear Sir/Madam, Letter to the Editor - Consideration for publishing I wish to correct a statement made in the May 31 publication of the Countryman. In this edition the Department of Agriculture and Food WA stated that loads of hay and straw leaving the state bound for eastern markets were required to be fully covered or enclosed. It was stated that this is a requirement of South Australian authorities. In checking with the Plant Standards staff in South Australia, I have been told that while there is a preference for loads of fodder to be covered, this is not a mandatory requirement. It is the position of our association that the covering of loads with tarpaulins is a dangerous practice as it requires operators to work at a height in excess of 2 metres above the ground without proper support. If farmers and carriers are required to tarp loads they will be breeching Occupational Health and Safety laws and exposing themselves to severe penalties. Tarps do not provide adequate restraint for loads as bales require independent strapping to trailers. In conducting extensive research in hay transport over the past five years, our researchers have shown that hay loads can be successfully restrained without tarps. Yours sincerely Colin Peace
Executive Officer
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