Cleaning service alley (Stall Barn)

This guideline poster from the North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks Collection helps farmers make the decision as to whether a particular child can clean a service alley or stall barn. It provides special, clear considerations for training, supervision, and physical capabilities of a child.

Adult responsibilities

Boy wheeling lime through a barn in a facemask

 

ADULTS NEED TO MAKE SURE:

  • Ventilation system is working before the child enters a closed building
  • Child has been fitted for a respirator and shown how to use it
  • Work area has no hazards

 

 

 

 

 

Main Hazards

slippery bootfreeweightdust graphic
Slippery/uneven
surface can lead
to slips, trips and
falls		 Weight of
lime
can strain
muscles		 Dust can
cause
breathing
problems

Remember

bootsRespirator mask graphic
Non-skid
shoes		 Respirator as
needed
 

Can your child do this job?

ABILITY

Can the child lift safely? (See"Lifting")
Yes.
No. STOP! Children must be able to lift correctly to do this job safely.

Do the child have at least a 15-20 minute attention span? For example, can the child play a board game for 20 minutes?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children working beyond their attention span are easily distracted and more likely to be injured.

Does the amount of lime to be lifted weigh less than 10-15% if the child's body weight?
Yes.
No. CAUTION! The child should scoop smaller amounts of lime or an adult should lift the lime.

Can the child steer the filled cart? For example, can the child move a grocery cart through the store?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who can't handle the cart are more likely to be injured.

Is the scraper or broom the right size for the child?
Yes.
No. STOP! The wrong size tools can cause injury.

 

TRAINING

Has an adult demonstrated cleaning the service alley on site?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children learn best when shown how to do the job at the work site.

Has the child shown he or she can do the job safely 4 to 5 times under close supervision?
Yes.
No. CAUTION! An adult must watch constantly until the child shows he or she can do the job.

 

SUPERVISION

Can an adult supervise as recommended?
Yes.
No. STOP! The right level of supervision is key to preventing injuries.

 

Supervision

What's the right amount? Here are suggestions- but remember, it depends on the child.

Age 10-11: LIMIT job to 20 minutes. CHECK every few minutes.

Age 12-13: CHECK every few minutes at first. When the child shows he or she can do the job, LEAVE for 15 to 30 minutes.

 

North American guidelines logo
North American Guidelines
for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT)

For more information, visit: http://www.nagcat.org

National Children's Center logo

National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety Marshfield Clinic
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449-5790
Phone: 1-800-662-6900 or 715-389-4999
Fax: 715-389-4996

National Farm Medicine logo

National Farm Medicine Center
Marshfield Clinic
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449-5790
Phone: 1.800.662.6900 or 715.389.4999
Fax: 715.389.3535

Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More

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