Health and safety when preparing animal feed
Health and safety when preparing animal feed
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Always wear appropriate PPE when preparing animal feed, such as gloves, dust masks, and footwear.
- PPE helps protect against health hazards such as ingestion or inhalation of dust, allergenic substances or toxins present in animal feed.
- Frequently clean and replace PPE to maintain its effectiveness and ensure safety.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
- Regularly clean and sanitize all tools, equipment, and surfaces used for feed preparation.
- Always wash hands before and after preparing feed to prevent cross-contamination.
- Keep the feed storage and preparation areas clean to reduce chances of attracting pests or vermin.
Feed Storage
- Store feed in cool, dry conditions to prevent mould development and maintain nutrient quality.
- Keep different types of feed separate to avoid cross-contamination.
- Properly sealed containers should be used to prevent ingress of moisture, and infestation by pests or rodents.
Feed Checking
- Always check the condition of the feed before giving it to the animals.
- Discard any feed that smells musty, is discoloured or appears to have mould, as it can pose serious health hazards to animals.
- Regularly check expiration dates and dispose of any outdated feed properly.
Preparation Process
- Follow accurate measures and feed ratios as directed by diet plans or nutritionists.
- Never use dirty or contaminated tools for feed preparation.
- Be mindful of preparing specific diets, such as for animals with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Reporting Issues
- Any incidents or issues related to feed preparation should be immediately reported to a supervisor.
- Signs of pests or vermin in the feed store, damaged or contaminated feed should also be reported promptly.
- Continued monitoring and reporting helps ensure that quality and safety standards are maintained.