Operator Considerations

Equipment

Human safety needs to be considered in order to minimise risks from animals and equipment within a handling system. When considering any changes to animal handling systems, consultation should be held with the livestock handlers who use the system in order to incorporate their practical knowledge and experience.

Systems should:

• Be safe and easy to use by staff without specialist technical knowledge
• Be tamper-proof
• Minimise user fatigue
• Optimise the number of staff involved in the handling
• Allow accessibility at the required places
• Help stock handlers work effectively and efficiently
• Accommodate ‘worst-case operators’

For every system designed, there should be procedures in place for staff to give feedback to management. This feedback should include reports of maintenance requirements, breakdowns, areas where handling problems occur and suggested improvements.

Environmental factors

Systems should:

• Be quiet during operation (minimal air hissing, metal clanging, etc.) and incorporate noise absorbent materials where possible
• Provide adequate lighting, ventilation and thermal comfort