Plan, establish and maintain livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems

This standard covers the planning, establishment and maintenance of livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems. Systems may be permanent or mobile or a mix of the two and can be built from a wide variety of materials. Cost and flexibility are key considerations when planning livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems.

Good handling and restraint facilities are essential to maintain high standards of safety for both livestock and operators, especially when working alone or with limited help. 

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 who manage the planning, establishment and maintenance of livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems.

1. consider the requirements of the farming situation and the type of livestock, when planning livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems 
2. consider whether the facilities/systems need to be fixed or mobile or a mix of the two
3. consider the likely behaviour of the type of livestock when planning livestock and restraint facilities/systems
4. consider any special characteristics or requirements of the livestock
5. research the availability, quality of construction and price of manufactured products on the market, including the after-sales service and availability of replacement parts
6. evaluate options for self-construction, including suitable materials to use, their durability, transportability (where this is a requirement), maintenance requirements and price
7. evaluate options for the purchase of manufactured products, self-construction or a combination of the two, which will best meet the requirements of the farming situation and the type of livestock
8. observe different facilities/systems in use to assess their suitability
9. seek and evaluate specialist advice where required, including from your veterinary surgeon
10. plan livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems, including maintenance requirements
11. check and confirm that the design meets the relevant health and safety standards and codes of practice for both livestock and operators
12. implement the plan and establish the livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems
13. implement maintenance of the livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems to ensure all components are kept in full working condition
14. review the safety and effectiveness of the livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems, in accordance with business practices, and make improvements as required

1. the purpose of the livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems required, and whether they need to be fixed, mobile or a mix of the two
2. how to plan the different types of livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems, including their dimensions, design and construction, for different types of livestock
3. the likely behaviour of the type of livestock to the handling and restraint facilities/systems
4. the need to consider any special characteristics or requirements of the livestock
5. how different types of livestock will naturally move/flow through a system and the design features that will assist this
6. the suitable restraint equipment for different types of livestock
7. the properties of different materials and their suitability for establishing livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems
8. how to research the market and how to access specialist advice
9. where to observe different facilities/systems in use 
10. the reliable sources of specialist advice, including your veterinary surgeon
11. the standards relevant to establishing livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems
12. the relevant legislation, codes of practice, health and safety requirements and animal welfare standards for livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems, for both livestock and operators
13. the maintenance requirements for different types of livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems
14. the importance of a regular review of the safety and effectiveness of livestock handling and restraint facilities/systems