Farm Operating Procedures
Operating Procedures at Northlands Farm
1. Opening and Closing Procedures:
- Opening: Inspect all areas for safety hazards, clean visitor areas, check animal enclosures, ensure lakes are secure, and confirm all staff are briefed.
- Closing: Ensure all visitors have left, secure all enclosures and gates, clean visitor and animal areas, and check the lakes for safety.
2. Staff Training:
- Regular training sessions on animal handling, first aid, customer service, and emergency procedures.
- Specific training for staff responsible for lakes and water safety.
3. Emergency Procedures:
- Develop and display emergency contact numbers.
- Train staff on evacuation procedures, handling injured animals, and providing first aid to visitors.
Visitor Safety
1. Supervision:
- Ensure adequate staff presence to supervise interactions between visitors and animals.
- Monitor lakes closely, especially during busy times.
2. Signage:
- Clear signs indicating rules, such as no feeding animals without staff supervision and deep water in lakes.
- Directions for handwashing stations and first aid points.
3. First Aid:
- Maintain well-stocked first aid kits accessible at multiple locations.
- Train staff in basic first aid and CPR.
Animal Welfare
1. Health Checks:
- Regular veterinary check-ups for all animals.
- Daily health checks by trained staff for signs of illness or distress.
2. Feeding:
- Develop and adhere to a strict feeding schedule with appropriate diets for each species.
- Ensure visitors only feed animals under supervision with approved food.
3. Enrichment:
- Provide toys, varied environments, and activities to keep animals stimulated and healthy.
- Rotate animals in and out of petting areas to prevent stress.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
1. Handwashing Stations:
- Place handwashing stations at key points, especially near animal enclosures and feeding areas.
- Provide soap, water, and instructions for proper handwashing.
2. Cleaning Routines:
- Daily cleaning of all animal enclosures and public areas.
- Immediate cleaning of any waste or spills to maintain hygiene.
3. Waste Management:
- Implement a strict waste management system to handle animal waste and litter.
- Provide adequate bins and ensure regular disposal.
Lakes and Water Safety
1. Safety Barriers:
- Install fencing or barriers around lakes to prevent accidental falls.
- Use signage to indicate deep water and no-entry zones.
2. Water Quality:
- Regularly test water quality to ensure it is safe for any animals that use the lakes.
- Implement measures to control algae and other potentially harmful growths.
3. Life-Saving Equipment:
- Place life rings and other life-saving equipment around the lakes.
- Train staff on the use of this equipment and conduct regular safety drills.
Visitor Experience
1. Educational Programs:
- Offer educational tours and talks about the animals, their care, and the environment.
- Provide information boards and interactive displays.
2. Feedback:
- Encourage visitor feedback through surveys or comment boxes.
- Regularly review feedback to improve services and address any concerns.
3. Amenities:
- Ensure clean, accessible restrooms and adequate seating areas.
- Provide refreshments and picnic areas for visitors.
Compliance and Documentation
1. Licenses and Permits:
- Ensure all necessary licenses and permits are up to date, including those for animal keeping and public safety.
- Comply with local council regulations and DEFRA guidelines.
2. Record Keeping:
- Maintain detailed records of animal health, visitor numbers, incident reports, and maintenance logs.
- Regularly review and update operating procedures based on these records.
3. Regular Audits:
- Conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance with all procedures.
- Address any issues identified during audits promptly.