SAFETY FIRST!

Avoid injury

It is important to:• Understand the general temperament of each

species you are going to work with.• Learn to read each animals’ body language.• Use safety and restraint devices when necessary.

SAFETY FIRST! Avoid injury

Sharps Any waste having rigid corners, edges, or protuberances capable of cutting or piercing to include such items as hypodermic needles, syringes, blades, and broken glass. MUST PLACE IN HARD PLASTIC RED CONTAINER.• Animal must be properly restrained to avoid

injury• Do not walk around with uncapped needles.• Do not leave sharps lying around – pick up &

dispose immediately following use.

SAFETY FIRST! Avoid injury

Biohazard WasteAny material suspected of potentially being contaminated with infectious agents known to be contagious to humans• Must discard in red, leak-proof bag in a Biohazard

Waste container.

Radiation DamageA good reason to use lead gloves and lead aprons. Thyroid protectors also recommended.

SAFETY FIRST! Avoid injury

SAFETY FIRST! Avoid injury

Protect your back!• Do not lift big animals

by yourself.• Use proper lifting

techniques.• Use gurneys or carts

when possible.

SAFETY FIRST! Avoid injury

Be alert to avoid kicks, bites, scratches

SAFETY FIRST! Avoid injury

Avoid excessive chemical exposure by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as exam gloves, eye goggles, scrubs, close-toed shoes/boots…Hazards include:• Disinfectants • Anesthetics • Pesticides• Medications

SAFETY FIRST! Avoid injury

Be aware of potential disease transmission from animal to you.• Wear gloves, WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY• Always have an extra pair of scrubs to change

into• Do not eat or place hands in/near mouth when

working near animals• Clean outside of sample containers before

shipping/storing

10

Safety of People

• Takes precedence over animal and task

• Understand how the animal can hurt you

• Use sound judgment!

Understand What You’re Dealing With!

• Animal’s behavior• Maternal aggression• “Fight or Flight”• Herding instinct• Mating season• Territorial aggression• Owner presence

11

Safety of People• Owner should NEVER

restrain animal in exam room

• Legal ramifications

12

Safety of the Animal• Minimize the effects of handling!

• Avoid causing stress (particularly in sick, old, pregnant and young animals)

• Match restraint technique with procedure and individual animal

Animal’s Perspective Vet Tech’s Perspective

Restraint by person = Stress

Resistance = More forcible restraint

13

Potential Adverse Effects of

Inappropriate Restraint• Delayed recovery or worsening of disease state

• Broken bones; dislocated joints

• Premature death (due to shock)

• Greater difficulty restraining in future