A method for applying teat dip to a dairy animal and backflushing a milker
unit using a safety valve. The method includes the steps of: closing the
safety valve to seal off the milker unit from a dairy pipeline system,
forcing teat dip through the safety valve and a dip channel to a teat dip
applicator on a milker unit teat cup, forcing backflush fluid through the
safety valve and the milker unit, forcing water through the safety valve
and milker unit, forcing air through the safety valve and the milker
unit, and opening the safety valve so that the milker unit is in fluid
communication with the dairy pipeline system.