LPT 312: Abattoir Practices and Animal Products Technology (1+1)

THE CONTACT-FIRING TYPES OF CAPTIVE BOLT PISTOL

• The contact-firing types of captive bolt pistol are much more satisfactory than the trigger-operated ones, only a light tap on the animal’s head being necessary to fire them.
• They are quicker and easier to operate and can be loaded and fired 10-12 times a minute.
• However, if they are dropped on the floor or struck against the stunning box wall, the whole gun can become a dangerous missile.
• A defect of percussive stunning and the use of the free bullet is noise.
• Most of the really serious defects, however, arise from misuse or from instruments in poor state of repair, as is the case with all forms of stunning.
• The European Directive on the Protection of Animals at the time of slaughtering makes it a responsibility of the Official Veterinarian to ensure that the instruments used for stunning, and for restraint, are in a good state of operation.
• The importance of regular maintenance if the pistols are to function correctly cannot be overemphasized.
• The velocity of the bolt may be significantly reduced by a build-up of carbon or corrosion on the pistol, which drives the bolt forward, or by excessive wear in any of the moving parts. While some manufacturers recommend cleaning every 70 shots, daily dismantling and thorough cleaning must be carried out.
• A common indication that a pistol requires cleaning is the tip of the bolt protruding from cleaning from the muzzle more than the usual distance between shots.  
• The tendency on the part of many operatives to stun a group of animals, especially sheep, before bleeding, this obnoxious practice should be avoided which leads on occasions, to recovery of consciousness and a high incidence of blood splashing.
• All forms of mechanical stunning devices should be fitted with safety levers to minimize the chances of accidents and should be easily cleaned and maintained.
• It is vital that the impact end of the penetrating type be kept sharp.
• A back-up pistol should always be on hand in cases of emergency.