Ramp Guide
Background to the Guide
Livestock loading areas represent significant hazard zones, with risks including crushing, lacerations, and falls. ALRTA developed this guide collaboratively with industry partners spanning producers, transporters, and safety experts.
The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria established prototype designs in 2006. In March 2014, ALRTA assembled 40 supply chain representatives for national guideline development. An industry-government collaborative group released a preliminary draft for stakeholder feedback in May 2015, ultimately incorporating sixteen formal submissions into the final version.
The Guide
Recent changes in legislation now mandate that workplace safety risks be controlled as far as reasonably practicable, while the Australian Animal Welfare Standards mandate that livestock handling facilities minimise risks to animal welfare.
The document covers potential hazards in loading ramps and forcing yards, offering practical risk management strategies for varied facility types. Content includes foundational principles and multiple model ramp designs, ranging from affordable farm-level solutions to sophisticated commercial installations.
How to get a copy
The ALRTA Ramp Guide is available to download free of charge.