About this course program: 

This course program is an in-depth exploration of captive-bolt stunning of livestock, covering all aspects of animal welfare at the time of killing, the principles of humane stunning, concepts of stunning and unconsciousness and confirming death. The course program includes the "Practical application of captive-bolt stunning of livestock" module and the "Safety and maintenance of captive-bolt devices" module.

There are modules in the program specifically for the UK and EU regulation and certification requirements. These are not mandatory for those out with UK and EU jurisdiction, but elements of those lessons could be useful to all so we encourage you to work through them where ever you are located. 

It is recommended to seek practical in person training for handling and operating captive-bolt devices, especially if you are new to this. Practical workshops are taught by the HSA. 

Go to the HSA training webpage to see course dates or email the HSA training team at training@hsa.org.uk

There are three "activity areas" to complete:

1. The pre-course learner survey

2. The learning activity (the course program)

3. A post-course feedback survey. 

Complete everything that is required to gain your certificate.

Who is this course for?

• Any captive-bolt users or managers of captive-bolt users
• Farmers and stock people
• Smallholders and animal keepers
• Knackery and abattoir workers
• Market, mart and transport workers
• Animal rescue personnel
• Animal welfare officers
• Veterinary professionals
• Auditors, inspectorate or government workers
• Other professionals in the livestock production chain

 

Course program content

The course covers various modules, including:

1. What is captive-bolt stunning?
2. How do captive-bolt devices work?
3. Understanding captive-bolt stunning equipment
4. Animal welfare, regulation and certification
5. Practical application of captive-bolt stunning (also a seperate module)
6. Safety and maintenance of devices (also a seperate module)

Within each of these modules there a series of short lessons. 

There is also a welcome lesson, a summary, course completion and various knowledge checker quizzes throughout the lessons.

The lessons are interactive with flashcards, images, illustrations and video. There are also external links to follow and explore.

You can start and stop anytime that you like. The learning is self paced and the course will resume in the place you last left it when you next log in.  

You need to complete all activities to get your Certificate of Completion at the end.

Your new skills

In this course program you will learn:

1. The principles of humane slaughter
2. How to protect animal welfare at the time of killing
3. What stunning is and how the brain is affected
4. The difference between stunning and killing
5. How captive-bolt devices cause unconsciousness
6. How to operate different types of captive-bolt devices safely
7. The importance of bolt velocity for an effective stun
8. The importance of cleaning and maintaining devices to produce an effective and consistent stun
9. How to maintain and clean devices properly
10. How to troubleshoot some common issues.

When can I start?

Anytime, as soon as the course goes live.

This online course is self-paced, which means you can start it anytime and go through the material at your own speed. You can start and stop at any time. The course will resume where you left off the next time you log in.

What do I need to start the course?

To start the course, you'll need internet access and a mobile, laptop, computer, or tablet. This course is designed for mobile devices and laptops. Use Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari for the best results.

Will there be an assessment?

No. there is no final assessment for this course. There are knowledge checker quizzes in the lessons to help reinforce what you have learned in the module. These can be retaken multiple times and do not count towards your successful completion of the lessons. They are just for fun!

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. Once you complete all of the lessons within the module or course and the feedback survey you will receive a certificate of completion that you can download. This can be found in your “Achievements” area of the learner area.

The certificate lasts for 3 years.

How to cite this course.

If you need to reference this course please use the following citation:

Humane Slaughter Association (2026). Captive-bolt stunning of livestock (Complete course) [Online course]. https://www.hsa.org.uk/

General notice:

In order to safeguard the welfare of the animals at the time of stunning and killing, it is necessary for the course to be both thorough and illustrated. As such, some people may find some of the descriptions and graphics upsetting.  
Please do not continue further or view the video clips if you feel you may be negatively affected by the content. 

DISCLAIMER: 

Captive-bolt stunning equipment is potentially lethal and dangerous for the operator. If you are in doubt as to any aspect of the operation of the equipment you are using, you should consult the manufacturer.  

In no circumstances can the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) accept any liability for the way in which captive-bolt stunning equipment is used, or any loss, damage, injury or death caused thereby, since this depends on circumstances wholly outside the HSA’s control.

HSA take no responsibility for the content of external sites linked to in this course.