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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

CH.HF.1 Key

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CH.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

CH.HF.1.b

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

CH.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/chicks

CH.HF.2

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.a

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

CH.HF.2.b

A documented ventilation plan is in place

Ventilation plan

CH.HF.2.1

Standards

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.1.a

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

Temperature records

CH.HF.2.3

Standards

Eggs destined for dispatch for on-farm hatching must not be allowed to cool prior to transportation

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.3.a

Egg shell temperature is between 32°C and 34°C

Temperature records

CH.HF.2.4

Standards

Eggs destined for dispatch for on-farm hatching must be loaded into clean trays after candling

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.4.a

Trays are cleaned and disinfected on return from farm

CH.HF.2.4.b

Only trays dedicated for on-farm hatching are used

CH.HF.3

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CH.HF.3.d

Floors are sealed and in good condition

CH.HF.3.e

Floors are hygienically managed

CH.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

CH.HF.4.e

Environmental swabs for TVCs are carried out weekly and records maintained

CH.HF.4.h

A written cleaning and disinfection policy in place
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Environmental bacteria test records

CH.HF.4.1

Standards

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

CH.HF.4.7

Standards

Chicks must be loaded into clean chick boxes

How you will be measured

CH.HF.4.7.a

Chick boxes are cleaned, dried and sanitised after every delivery

CH.HF.4.8

Standards

Drains in production areas are accessible and cleanable

CH.HF.5

Standards

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

How you will be measured

CH.HF.5.f

Levels of natural or artificial lighting in chick grading areas is of a level that all chicks can be seen clearly

CH.HF.5.g

Holding rooms should be lit with controlled or blue lighting

CH.HF.5.3

Standards

Facilities to reduce light must be available

Aim:

Housing should be specific to bird size and requirements

CH.HF.6 Key

Standards

Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

CH.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages or multi-tier systems

CH.HF.6.b

Realistic key performance indicators are used when planning stocking densities

CH.HF.6.c

Key welfare indicators are not compromised by stocking regime, particularly in relation to weather conditions
  • Chick placement records
  • Flock weight records

Aim:

Systems within housing are fit for purpose

CH.HF.8

Standards

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

CH.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications

Equipment inspection records

CH.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

CH.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

CH.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load

Generator test record

CH.HF.8.3

Standards

Alarms must be responded to within 15 minutes

How you will be measured

CH.HF.8.3.a

When an alarm is triggered the following are recorded: – time – date – response

Alarm records

CH.HF.8.4

Standards

Incubation equipment is alarmed for high and low temperatures and mains failure

How you will be measured

CH.HF.8.4.a

Incubation equipment includes both setters and hatchers

CH.HF.8.5

Standards

All incubators in operation must be checked twice daily for temperature, humidity and direction of turn

Incubator records kept and displayed

CH.HF.8.6

Standards

Chick and egg disposal equipment must be checked daily by trained operators to ensure it is working effectively, and a record kept of the outcome

Check records

Aim:

Controls in place to prevent fire

CH.HF.9

Standards

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

CH.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

CH.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

CH.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

CH.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

CH.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

CH.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

CH.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

CH.HF.9.h

Notices are displayed in all main houses of the nearest telephone point