Science coming second in water decisions
Emotions and values now come first in water quality assessment and science comes second, says a water quality specialist with DairyNZ, Tom Stephens.
A people friendly environment will improve morale, work efficiency and staff retention.
If the bulk milk tank is located inside, consider the ease of access for the tanker driver.
If possible, design the milk room for easy removal of a wall so the bulk milk tank can be replaced as the herd grows. \Large roller doors, window walls, sliding doors clad with lightweight polycarbonate can all be removed if the need arises.
Site the plant room to minimise noise in the milking area; consider putting the vacuum pump outside the main building to reduce noise. This room should be lockable, fitted with all necessary safety fittings and a fire extinguisher kept nearby; ventilate it well for efficient vacuum pump cooling.
Consider building an office in the dairy: increased automation and quality assurance mean more information is collected, analysed and requires storage.
Some dairy designs include a tea room, access to a phone, wash room, toilet, shower, change room and childcare; these facilities are especially important in larger dairies with multiple employees.
Access to these facilities should be possible without walking through the milking area; use an external door.
Single operator dairies should be equipped to alert another person to injury or emergency.
