Prepare, monitor and maintain mechanically controlled livestock environmental systems

URN: LANLP12
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Livestock Production
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview


This standard covers the preparation, monitoring and maintenance of mechanically controlled livestock environmental systems, such as those used in the pig and poultry industries. 

Mechanically controlled environmental systems manage things such as air flow, ventilation, temperature, light and humidity. Those working in this area will be responsible for maintaining the environment, in accordance with production requirements, and will therefore have significant responsibility.
   
When working with livestock or machinery you should be trained, and hold the current certification where required,  in accordance with the relevant legislation.
   
When carrying out your work you must consider the impact it will have on the environment, and work towards preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity and responding to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

This standard is suitable for those responsible for the preparation, monitoring and maintenance of mechanically controlled livestock environmental systems.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:


  1. assess the risks associated with the activity to be carried out
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  3. maintain hygiene and bio-security, in accordance with business practices
  4. check and confirm that the mechanically controlled livestock environmental system is suitable for the quantity and type of livestock being kept
  5. check and confirm that the environmental system is in good working order and any alarms, alerts or fail-safe devices are functioning
  6. prepare the environmental system and confirm that it is properly set up, in accordance with production requirements
  7. monitor the working of the environmental system and confirm that it is maintaining the correct conditions for the livestock
  8. make adjustments to the environmental system, where required, in response to changes in external weather conditions, stocking levels and other factors 
  9. monitor the condition of the livestock and take the required action if their behaviour or condition is abnormal or causes concern
  10. take the required action in the event of an equipment malfunction in the mechanically controlled livestock environmental system
  11. confirm that the environmental system is properly maintained, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  12. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
  13. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, animal health and welfare legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies
  14. complete records as required by the relevant legislation and the business


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:


  1. how to identify hazards and assess risks associated with mechanically controlled livestock environmental systems
  2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
  3. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security, and the methods for achieving this
  4. the environmental conditions required by livestock at different stages of production and the influence environmental conditions have on livestock production
  5. the different types of mechanically controlled livestock environmental systems 
  6. the alarms, alerts and fail-safe devices used with mechanically controlled environmental systems
  7. how environmental systems should be prepared and set up to provide the correct environmental conditions for specific livestock production requirements
  8. the purpose of monitoring and recording environmental conditions and the ways in which this can be carried out
  9. the impact of environmental conditions on livestock welfare and behaviour
  10. the reasons why there may be deviations in environmental conditions and how these should be dealt with
  11. the types of problems that may occur with environmental systems and the action you should take to resolve identified problems
  12. the sources of advice and support when using environmental systems
  13. the requirements for the maintenance of equipment in the environmental system and who is responsible for this
  14. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
  15. your responsibilities for the welfare of livestock under the relevant animal health and welfare legislation, codes of practice and business practices
  16. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and business policies
  17. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

Mechanically controlled environmental systems control:

air flow
ventilation
temperature
light
humidity

Problems: 

deviations from optimum environmental conditions
equipment malfunction


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

6

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANLP12

Relevant Occupations

Farmer, Pig Farm Worker, Poultry Farm Worker, Unit Manager, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

1211

Keywords

pigs; poultry; farm; unit; hatchery; unit; indoor