Flooring

When animals are in unfamiliar surroundings or handled by unfamiliar people they can become stressed and excitable. When stressed and excited, animal movement is likely to be quick and flighty. It is important to provide a secure surface for the animals to walk on, to prevent slips and falls.

It is important that floors are non-slip, non-abrasive and properly maintained.

There is a wide range of options for providing non-slip surfaces which include: concrete grooving (Figures 9a and 9b), expanded metal flooring (Figure 10), concrete slats, rubber mats and non-slip floor paints. In addition, straw or wood chippings can be spread on top of the surface to help keep the floor dry (Figure 11).

Figure 9a	Figure 9b
Figure 10	Figure 11

The condition of flooring should be assessed on a regular basis. The occurence of slips and falls should be monitored at the critical areas of the system, such as unloading bays, the main raceways, restrainer entrances and bends. Areas of the handling system where animals frequently slip or fall should be modified.

As with all parts of the handling system, it is essential that flooring is maintained in good condition and any repair work is carried out promptly. In addition, environmental conditions should be taken into account as these can affect the floor surface, particularly in icy or wet conditions.

Further information on non-slip flooring can be found in the publication Prevent Slips and Falls by Managing Concrete Floors.