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HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

Version 5.1

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:

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

CD.HF.1 Key

Standards

Housing/Hatchery must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for birds/chicks. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CD.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds.

CD.HF.1.b

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

CD.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/chicks.

CD.HF.1.1

Standards

The sound level in housing must be minimised. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CD.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.

CD.HF.2

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CD.HF.2.a

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

CD.HF.2.b

A documented ventilation plan is in place.

Ventilation plan

CD.HF.2.1

Standards

Temperature records must be kept.

How you will be measured

CD.HF.2.1.a

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

Temperature records

CD.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. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CD.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented.

CD.HF.2.2.b

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

Heat and cold stress policy

CD.HF.3

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.3.a

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt.

CD.HF.3.b

Floors are well drained.

CD.HF.3.c

Floor surface is above outside ground level.

CD.HF.4 Key

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.4.a

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

CD.HF.4.b

A written cleaning and/or disinfection policy for bulk feed bins which: - Is being implemented - Contains a risk assessment for cleaning bulk feed bins, including health and safety considerations

CD.HF.4.c

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

CD.HF.4.d

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

CD.HF.4.f

Litter stores are cleaned and disinfected whenever they are emptied
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Bulk bin cleaning and/or disinfection policy
  • Environmental bacteria test records

CD.HF.4.1

Standards

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

CD.HF.4.2

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.4.2.a

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

CD.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used.

CD.HF.4.3

Standards

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition.

How you will be measured

CD.HF.4.3.a

Wet capped litter is managed.

CD.HF.4.4

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin.

CD.HF.4.4.c

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

CD.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used.

CD.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

CD.HF.5

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be lit to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of birds/chicks. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CD.HF.5.c

Lighting intensity is at least 10 lux measured at bird eye level and recorded once every crop within the first 4 weeks, and illuminating at least 80% of the useable bird area, during lighting periods.

Light level records

CD.HF.5.1

Standards

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CD.HF.5.1.a

Lighting patterns for the flock are recorded.

CD.HF.5.1.d

A minimum of 8 hours of natural or artificial light are provided in a 24 hour period.

Lighting Pattern records

CD.HF.6 Key

Standards

Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CD.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages or multi-tier systems.

CD.HF.6.b

Realistic Key Performance Indicators are used when planning stocking densities.

CD.HF.6.c

Key Welfare Indicators are not compromised by stocking regime, particularly in relation to weather conditions.

CD.HF.6.g

Stocking density must not exceed 25kg/m2.
  • Chick placement records
  • Flock weight records

CD.HF.6.1

Standards

Houses must have plates which highlight important information.

How you will be measured

CD.HF.6.1.a

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

CD.HF.7

Standards

Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds.

How you will be measured

CD.HF.7.a

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

CD.HF.8

Standards

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day.

How you will be measured

CD.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications

Equipment inspection records

CD.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

CD.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately.

CD.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load.

CD.HF.8.2

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.8.2.a

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

CD.HF.8.2.b

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

CD.HF.8.2.c

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

CD.HF.9

Standards

Fire prevention measures must be taken.

How you will be measured

CD.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials.

CD.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.

CD.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted.

CD.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure.

CD.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only.

CD.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance.

CD.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times.

CD.HF.9.h

Notices are displayed in all main houses of the nearest telephone point.
  • HF.2 – When the outside temperature exceeds 30°C in the shade the inside temperature should not exceed the outside temperature by more than 3°C