Click to view all VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
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.
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Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.
Aim:
VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
TP.CM.1 Key
Standards
The vehicle must be fit for purpose and of suitable design for the species being transported
TP.CM.2
Standards
The vehicle/ ramp must have secure sidegates to reduce the risk of livestock escaping
TP.CM.2.1
Standards
Ramps (internal and external) must be designed in such a way to minimise livestock slipping or falling when climbing or descending
How you will be measured
- Ramps are fitted with foot battens of a suitable material
- Flooring is complete
- The steepness of ramps (internal and external) is minimised as far as possible, but does not exceed:
- adult cattle and sheep – 26°34'
- pigs and calves – 20°
TP.CM.2.2
Standards
Steps (from the ground onto a ramp, and from the ramp onto the truck body) must not stop animals from moving freely forward
How you will be measured
- Steps on to the loading ramp are not excessive and do not cause the ramp to be unstable
- Where the vehicle does have steps, livestock are handled with patience and given the necessary time and space to negotiate them
TP.CM.3 Key
Standards
The interior of the livestock vehicle must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe environment for livestock
How you will be measured
- No sharp edges, projections or other hazards
- Electrical / mechanical installations inaccessible to livestock
- Lights are protected with plastic coverings
TP.CM.4 Key
Standards
Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of injury
How you will be measured
- Flooring is non-slip, chequer-plated (or similar)
TP.CM.5
Standards
Partitions and fixings must be provided to allow the vehicle to be split into compartments
How you will be measured
- Partitions used to generate pens of suitable size for the type, size and number of animals
- Fixings allow quick and easy operation
TP.CM.5.1
Standards
Partitions must be appropriately designed, constructed and positioned
How you will be measured
- Appropriately designed and positioned to avoid animals jumping over them or limbs/ body parts becoming stuck under the partition
- Partitions are of a strong enough construction that they can withstand the weight of livestock, without causing injury
- Partitions are complete, with no sharp edges
TP.CM.5.2
Standards
It is recommended that partitions are used to create the pen lengths specified
How you will be measured
- For calves a maximum pen length of 2.5 metres
- For pigs and sheep a maximum pen length of 3.1 metres
- For adult cattle a maximum pen length of 3.7 metres
TP.CM.5.3
Standards
The vehicle must be designed and operated to minimise the risk of animal body parts being trapped in the gap between the floor of any decks or moving parts and the outer skin of the vehicle
How you will be measured
- Operators are aware of the moving parts that could trap animal body parts and manage the risk appropriately
TP.CM.6
Standards
The vehicle must be appropriately and effectively ventilated
How you will be measured
- Ventilation system is adjustable and is adjusted according to need
TP.CM.7
Standards
The vehicle and any trailers must be roofed to protect animals from inclement weather
TP.CM.7.1
Standards
Any water and feeding stuffs stored on the vehicle, must be stored in a way that protects it from contamination
How you will be measured
- Contamination sources may include dust, fuel, exhaust gases, road water and animal faeces
TP.CM.7.2
Standards
The exterior of the livestock vehicle must be maintained in a good condition
How you will be measured
- Exterior is maintained in a manner that enables it to be easily cleaned
TP.CM.7.3
Standards
The exterior of the livestock vehicle must indicate that it is being used for livestock transport
How you will be measured
- Indicated by signs, paintwork, indication of business activity in name or similar
TP.CM.8
Standards
Vehicles must have a means of inspection and access to all livestock
How you will be measured
- Methods to carry out inspections of livestock may include (but is not limited to):
- access by a separate inspection door or the tailboard
- ventilation flaps
- on-board camera
TP.CM.8.1
Standards
Artificial lighting must be available at all times, to allow the inspection of all livestock
How you will be measured
- Functioning lighting that enables livestock on each deck, in each compartment to be seen
- Lighting consists of fixed internal lighting or a torch with a suitable beam
TP.CM.9
Standards
The interior of the livestock vehicle must be constructed of suitable materials and be maintained to enable effective cleaning
How you will be measured
- Vehicle constructed of surfaces that can be easily cleaned
- Any wood on either the interior or exterior of the vehicle is complete
TP.CM.10
Standards
A system must be in place to minimise the leakage of faeces and urine
How you will be measured
- System includes (but is not limited to):
- vehicle design preventing leakage
- the use of an intact sump, that contains all liquids
- the use of absorbent bedding materials to absorb liquids
TP.CM.11
Standards
A system must be in place to ensure maintenance needs are identified
How you will be measured
- The driver carries out a visual daily check of the vehicle (internal and external), prior to use
- Where the same vehicle is used by the same driver, internal checks may be undertaken at the end-of-day after the last wash-out, or prior to the next use
TP.CM.11.1
Standards
Where a maintenance need is identified, it must be recorded and rectified
How you will be measured
- Maintenance needs identified in the daily checks (or identified at other times) are recorded
- If the required maintenance could cause injury to livestock, or makes the vehicle unfit for purpose, the compartment/ trailer/ vehicle is not used until the issue has been rectified
- Maintenance records include the:
- date the maintenance need was identified
- a summary of the issues found/ maintenance needed
- the actions taken
- date and sign-off of completion of rectification
Maintenance records