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HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

Version 5.1 (modified)

Click to view all HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

Safe, comfortable and hygienic housing for all birds

TG.HF.1 Key

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for birds/poults

How you will be measured

TG.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

TG.HF.1.b

There are no sharp edges, projections or other features presenting a hazard to birds

TG.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/poults

TG.HF.1.d

Repairs and maintenance are carried out between production cycles except where delays could affect bird welfare

TG.HF.1.1

Standards

The sound level in housing must be minimised

How you will be measured

TG.HF.1.1.a

Ventilation fans, feeding machinery and other equipment is constructed, placed, operated and maintained in a way that causes the least amount of noise

TG.HF.2

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

TG.HF.2.a

Ventilation minimises high humidity, build-up of odours and maintains a comfortable temperature

TG.HF.2.b

In controlled environment housing a documented ventilation plan is in place

Ventilation plan

TG.HF.2.1

Standards

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

TG.HF.2.1.a

Records kept of minimum and maximum daily temperatures at bird/poult level

Temperature records

TG.HF.2.2

Standards

A written policy must be in place outlining recognition of and procedures to be followed in the event of heat or cold stress occurring

How you will be measured

TG.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented

TG.HF.2.2.b

Policy reviewed in the event of bird losses due to an exceptional weather incident

Heat and cold stress policy

TG.HF.3

Standards

Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of injury

How you will be measured

TG.HF.3.a

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt

TG.HF.3.b

Floors are well drained and floor surface is above outside ground level

TG.HF.4 Key

Standards

Conditions within the housing must be maintained in a manner that ensures birds are able to keep clean

How you will be measured

TG.HF.4.a

A written cleaning and disinfection policy in place, which contains: - cleaning and disinfection procedures for house, house furniture, egg storage facilities, water tanks and bulk feed bins - handling of waste materials; litter, packaging, feed spillages - details of Defra approved disinfectants and detergents used, including safe usage, storage and dilution

TG.HF.4.c

Whenever bird accommodation is emptied it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the policy

TG.HF.4.d

Swabs are taken for environmental bacteria and are cultured in a Government approved laboratory – records are kept of these tests

TG.HF.4.f

Bedding/bale stores are cleaned and disinfected whenever they are emptied
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Cleaning records
  • Environmental bacteria test records

TG.HF.4.1

Standards

Surfaces within housing/hatchery must be in good condition and must be able to be cleaned and disinfected

TG.HF.4.2

Standards

Flocks are provided with clean, fresh bedding to a minimum depth of 2cm

How you will be measured

TG.HF.4.2.a

Products which expand to a minimum depth of 2cm can be used

TG.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used

TG.HF.4.3

Standards

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition

How you will be measured

TG.HF.4.3.a

Wet capped litter is managed

TG.HF.4.4

Standards

Bedding stored in the open is stored on pallets and is covered

How you will be measured

TG.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin

TG.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used

TG.HF.4.4.c

Stored bales are double wrapped and wrapping is disinfected at the point of bales being moved into bird housing

TG.HF.4.5

Standards

Bedding is traceable

Record of origin of bedding

TG.HF.4.9

Standards

It is recommended that bales are stored in buildings which do not allow for the ingress of wild birds or rodents

TG.HF.5

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be lit to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of birds/poults

How you will be measured

TG.HF.5.a

Lighting intensity is at least 10 lux in enclosed housing, measured at bird eye level at least once per crop, and illuminating at least 80% of the useable area, during lighting periods

TG.HF.5.b

A light level below 10 lux maybe used when bird welfare is compromised but any reduction will be recorded and reviewed by the farm manager. The review will: - be documented, containing evidence of why the change was made - include records of the light intensity, taken at bird level at each turn around

TG.HF.5.c

Lighting patterns are recorded
  • Lighting pattern records
  • Lux reduction review
  • Light level records

TG.HF.5.1

Standards

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm

How you will be measured

TG.HF.5.1.a

This occurs within 7 days of the birds being placed in the building

TG.HF.5.1.b

24 hour rhythm includes: - periods of darkness lasting at least 8 hours, except where natural dark period is shorter than 6 hours, with a minimum of 4 hours continuous darkness - a minimum of 8 hours of continuous darkness in free range houses - a minimum of 7 hours natural daylight or artificial light - a minimum of 7 continuous hours of light for breeder replacement hens

Aim:

Housing should be specific to bird size and requirements

TG.HF.6 Key

Standards

Housing/poult areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

TG.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages
  • Poult placement records
  • Flock weight records

TG.HF.6.1

Standards

Houses must have plates which highlight important information

How you will be measured

TG.HF.6.1.a

Plates list: - total floor space available to the birds - number of feeders and drinkers - feed bin capacity

Aim:

Appropriate, well maintained facilities are available for specific activities

TG.HF.7

Standards

Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds

How you will be measured

TG.HF.7.a

On arrival, poults are placed in pre-heated housing as soon as possible

Aim:

Systems within housing are fit for purpose

TG.HF.8

Standards

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

TG.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications

TG.HF.8.b

A record must be kept of all equipment and generator tests, maintenance schedules and calibration schedules
  • Equipment inspection records
  • Maintenance schedules
  • Calibration schedules

TG.HF.8.1

Standards

An alternative power supply must be available which is capable of supplying all essential electrical systems within the poultry houses/hatchery

How you will be measured

TG.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

TG.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load

Generator test record

TG.HF.8.2

Standards

An alarm system must be in place which alerts stockmen to ventilation equipment failure

How you will be measured

TG.HF.8.2.a

Alarm system responds to high and low temperatures and to failures in each phase of the mains electricity

TG.HF.8.2.b

Alarm systems are checked daily and records kept of: - checks - malfunction - rectifications

TG.HF.8.2.c

Alarm system tested every 7 days and results recorded

TG.HF.8.2.d

Alarm system works without mains power supply
  • Alarm system checks
  • Alarm test records

Aim:

Controls in place to prevent fire

TG.HF.9

Standards

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

TG.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

TG.HF.9.b

Every building exceeding 30m in length has two doors and complies with relevant building regulations, particularly with regard to fire escape exits

TG.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

TG.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

TG.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

TG.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

TG.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

TG.HF.9.h

Notices are displayed in all main houses of the nearest telephone point
  • HF.6 – See Appendix for maximum stocking densities
  • HF.8 – The relevant appendix provides further guidance on calibration of equipment and frequency