Before entering the barn, visitors must shower and read a sign outlining health protocols. Street clothing is left on one side of the showers, and barn clothing is available on the other side. Once the visitors are in the main office area, they can stay there or go to the barn boots storage area. Once the barn boots are on, visitors may enter the main pig barn area. A large bow window will brighten this area and give a welcome contrast to working inside windowless pig barn rooms.
Privacy is an issue for both men and women who work in or visit the barn.
An alternative is to hang a key on the wall outside the change rooms next to a 'knock before entering' sign Barn boots are kept separate from the office with a recessed floor or barrier at the barn door. There is easy access to the health supply fridge from the barn, and access to a separate washroom from the barn. The entry design is only one part of biosecurity. Management of the protocols for visitors and staff entering the barn is important, as well as consideration of other ways disease can enter the barn. Robert Borg, P.Eng.