SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

ANIMAL HANDLING
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
These procedures are a general guide only. The wide variations in the size, nature, temperament and characteristics of animals, and the circumstances in
which they may need be handled MUST be taken into consideration at all times.
2.
New workers must be supervised by experienced workers until they are able to work with animals without injury or stress to themselves or to the animal being handled.
3.
Prophylactic immunisation against tetanus is strongly recommended for animal handlers.
Task sequence
Identified hazards in task
Key processes to be followed
Precautions / PPE required
1. Manual handling of live
Over-exertion/strain injury
Assess animal handling tasks to identify need for team handling or use of
Apply team lifting techniques.
animals
mechanical aids to restrain or lift animals.
Use adjustable lift trolleys, etc.
Risk of bites, scratches, etc
Handle animals such that their ability to bite, scratch, etc is minimised.
Seek medical treatment for any
Assistance should be obtained when handling larger or stronger animals.
bite or scratch.
Aggressive animals
Seek assistance of owner (where practicable) to assist in control of animal. Always obtain assistance to
Wear suitable protective clothing to protect from bites and scratches.
handle aggressive animals.
Use restraint devices (dog catching pole, cat crush, etc) where necessary.
Wear leather gloves, aprons, etc.
Obtain consent to sedate or anesthetise animal if other controls fail.
Provide suitable restraint devices.
2. Working with live animals
Zoonotic diseases
Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics or contact lenses around animals or
Wear latex or similar gloves.
animal care areas. Wear suitable eye protection.
Wash hands thoroughly with
Avoid rubbing face with contaminated hands or gloves.
after contact.
Needle-stick injury
Exercise care when inoculating animals, obtain assistance if necessary.
Use sharps container for needles.
Allergies
Ensure good ventilation and wear suitable protective equipment in work
Use respiratory protection,
areas where dust, hair, animal dander, scale, body wastes or saliva which
gloves, protective clothing, and
may cause an allergenic reaction are present.
aprons.
Avoid skin contact with animals, and protect clothing from contamination. Launder work clothing separately.
Foot injury
Persons working with large animals should wear protective footwear.
Foot protection must be worn.
3. Animal accommodation
Disease transmission
Wear suitable protective clothing when cleaning animal accommodation
Wear eye and hand, protection,
areas
and handling soiled bedding and wastes. Avoid splash or dust in eyes.
apron and enclosed footwear.
Avoid contact with cat faeces or soiled material if pregnant.
Wear protective clothing, gloves,
Waste disposal
Place soiled material, bedding, etc, into sealed bags for disposal.
aprons and enclosed footwear.
Excrement and urine should be flushed to sewer or buried (check with
Wash hands thoroughly after
local authority for any restrictions or requirements).
cleaning or handling waste.
PRECAUTIONS:
Suitable safety signs as indicated should be displayed in areas
where these procedures are carried out.

SWP209 Version 2.0 ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

www.assaohs.com.au

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