SAFERVETS® POLICIES ARE:
- Easy to follow and simple to read
- Current, correct and up-to-date
- Researched extensively
- Focussed on a single hazard (see list below)
- Set out under the following sections
- What is the hazard?
- What are the potential risks to our health?
- Employer responsibilities
- Safe work procedures (the steps required to stay safe)
- And contain additional information about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), record keeping, incident reporting and recommended reading material for those that like to know more
SAFERVETS® RESEARCH
SAFERVETS® researches widely (so you don’t have to!) to ensure all our information and advice is up-to-date and correct, using the following sources:
- Australian government safety legislation (WorkSafe, SafeWork)
- Advice from WHO, CDC, NIOSH
- Guidelines provided by professional associations and registration boards
- Vet- industry standards, published research and best practice
- Input from industry experts, such as anaesthetic specialists, radiation scientists, environmental waste scientists and more…
WHAT ARE THE SAFERVETS® TOPICS?
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![-01 -01](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/01.png)
Air Compressors
How to work safely with air compressors which may be present to power dental or surgical equipment, including the key ways to avoid issues and pre-start steps to take to remain safe.
![475FE7FA-4D54-4586-849B-38EF290F53A1_1_102_a 475FE7FA-4D54-4586-849B-38EF290F53A1_1_102_a](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/475FE7FA-4D54-4586-849B-38EF290F53A1_1_102_a-2.jpeg)
Alpacas
Covers how to interpret alpaca body language which may indicate they are uneasy and therefore less safe to handle, how to handle a single alpaca and other precautions to take to make the experience safer.
![IMG_7206 2 copy IMG_7206 2 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_7206-2-copy.jpg)
Anaesthetic Gases
How to safely handle and use veterinary anaesthetic gases, how to ensure your animal anaesthetic is the safest it can be for all staff and what to do if there is an anaesthetic gas spill.
![-02 -02](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/02.png)
Antimicrobial Resistance
Information about this emerging concern for veterinary team members, and how to understand the hazard and how to best keep yourself safe when working in situations where an antimicrobial resistent ‘bug’ may be present. Links to important resources and additional training.
![UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1fee5 copy UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1fee5 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1fee5-copy.jpg)
Autoclave
Simple steps to keep safe from steam burns when using the autoclave, how to handle hot items and have the autoclave working safely, what is not safe to put in the autoclave?
![IMG_5515 copy IMG_5515 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_5515-copy.jpg)
Bats
What’s so important about bats? How can they pose a health and safety risk to us? Can all staff handle them and what does the legislation say?
![7DDEC9F0-ADC2-4544-81D3-BBCC2A187721_1_102_a 7DDEC9F0-ADC2-4544-81D3-BBCC2A187721_1_102_a](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/7DDEC9F0-ADC2-4544-81D3-BBCC2A187721_1_102_a-1.jpeg)
Birds
What are the ways to handle different size and shape birds safely? What are the potential health risks when working with birds? How do we safely look after birds in hospital?
![IMG_7298 copy IMG_7298 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_7298-copy.jpg)
Bullying
What is bullying? Why is bullying a safety issue? When is having a joke with someone not funny? What to do if are worried about bullying
![1BD07F94-9B39-41E1-B869-929359BC4A61_1_105_c copy 1BD07F94-9B39-41E1-B869-929359BC4A61_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1BD07F94-9B39-41E1-B869-929359BC4A61_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Bushfires
Many clinics in Australia are in bushfire-prone areas- this policy covers how to prepare the clinic, what to do on a high-risk day to keep staff and animals safe and what to do if there is a bushfire near the clinic
![-05 -05](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/05.png)
Captive Bolt
How to prepare yourself, the equipment and the patient for safe captive bolt use. Whilst not requiring licensing, this equipment has the capability to cause harm and special care steps are covered in this document.
![IMG_6396 copy IMG_6396 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6396-copy.jpg)
Cats
What is special about cat behaviour and how do they tell us they are not happy? How do we handle them safely and respectfully? What can the owner do to help? What to do in the event of a cat bite (including a handout to take to your treating doctor)
![IMG_4111 copy IMG_4111 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_4111-copy.jpg)
Cattle
How does cattle behaviour inform us on the best ways to handle them safely? What is a flight zone or pressure zone and how can we use this to our advantage? What are the dos and don’ts about working with cattle and remaining safe?
![IMG_2529 copy IMG_2529 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_2529-copy.jpg)
Children
How can children pose a safety risk at the clinic? Can we tell the parents to get them under control? What areas are safe for children to be in and which are a definite no-no? What about children on farms? Or children of staff members?
![3B745179-B496-4E02-BC4C-9EFDE07E19B9_1_102_a 3B745179-B496-4E02-BC4C-9EFDE07E19B9_1_102_a](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/3B745179-B496-4E02-BC4C-9EFDE07E19B9_1_102_a.jpg)
Clinical Waste
What goes in what bin? What bins do we need? Where do used swabs go? Where do syringes with blood go? What about deceased wildlife?
![56858DA9-7755-45D1-9194-C1E7B17307A8_1_105_c copy 56858DA9-7755-45D1-9194-C1E7B17307A8_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/56858DA9-7755-45D1-9194-C1E7B17307A8_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Compressed Gases
What compressed gases do we use, how to handle veterinary compressed gases safely, how to store them safely and prevent an explosion.
![IMG_9712 copy IMG_9712 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_9712-copy.jpg)
Computed Tomography (CT)
What does the Australian Nuclear Protection and Radiation Safety Agency (ARPANSA) say about computed tomography and keeping staff safe? What is important to do and why?
![3E3337E1-BBD7-4B8E-BEDA-A777D2475FC7_1_105_c copy 3E3337E1-BBD7-4B8E-BEDA-A777D2475FC7_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/3E3337E1-BBD7-4B8E-BEDA-A777D2475FC7_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Contractors
How to induct contractors quickly and easily and ensure they remain safe on site? How to let them know about hazards that exist such as animals, radiation, chemicals, zoonotic diseases, in a succinct and thorough way so that they can get on with their job?
![0E5B1A27-E84A-4A1A-898B-6A2DA2D644D1_1_102_a copy 0E5B1A27-E84A-4A1A-898B-6A2DA2D644D1_1_102_a copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/0E5B1A27-E84A-4A1A-898B-6A2DA2D644D1_1_102_a-copy.jpg)
Cytotoxic Drugs
Which veterinary cytotoxic drugs do we use, how should we store, handle and dispense cytotoxic drugs safely, what waste bin to use, other legislated obligations e.g. cyclophosphamide in NSW.
![Little,Horse,At,Small,Latvian,Zoo.,Horse,Smile.,Horse,Showing Little horse at small latvian zoo. Horse smile. Horse showing teeth, smiling horse, funny horses, funny animal face. laugh animal](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1554735278-copy.jpg)
Dentistry – Horses
What are the risks and what can go wrong? What equipment do you need to remain safe? How should the horse’s head be restrained to allow you to work safely?
![IMG_6760 copy IMG_6760 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6760-copy.jpg)
Dentistry – Small Animal
What are the risks and what can go wrong? Is eye protection really necessary? How to minimise the risk of a sore back after a long dental and more…
![IMG_7347 2 copy IMG_7347 2 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_7347-2-copy.jpg)
Difficult Clients
We can’t avoid the bad ones, so how do we deal with them? The common complaints from clients, how to deal with tricky clients, what to do if they become aggressive or violent, when might a client may get ‘fired’ (and how to do it).
![30F9F9FF-21D9-45DF-9AE1-B768ABACB49E_1_102_a copy 30F9F9FF-21D9-45DF-9AE1-B768ABACB49E_1_102_a copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/30F9F9FF-21D9-45DF-9AE1-B768ABACB49E_1_102_a-copy.jpg)
Discrimination
What is considered discrimination and what are the ‘protected attributes’? What legislation do we need to adhere to and how? What is considered discrimination and are we doing it without realising it? What if I witness discrimination, what should I do?
![IMG_7100 2 copy IMG_7100 2 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_7100-2-copy.jpg)
Dogs
What is the best way handle dogs safely? Includes what PPE to use and when, how to best interpret dog behaviour to remain safe around them and what can happen when things go wrong?
![B4A701BB-3139-4E38-B97C-97A5DE1EE116_1_105_c copy B4A701BB-3139-4E38-B97C-97A5DE1EE116_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/B4A701BB-3139-4E38-B97C-97A5DE1EE116_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Driving
Do your staff use vehicles to attend to farm or home visits, or do the banking? What safety features should the vehicle have, and what to look for when purchasing a new one to maximise driver safety? What safety equipment should you put in the work vehicles? What about long trips or if an accident happens?
![IMG_7393 copy IMG_7393 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_7393-copy.jpg)
Drugs + Alcohol
What are some of the drugs that may be used or abused (including vet prescription drugs and S8s)?, why might this happen and what we can do about it; education for everyone on what drug and alcohol misuse or abuse might mean for team safety and what to do if this is occurring
![01556FAC-A596-4046-BAB1-D2B953335BA9_1_105_c copy 01556FAC-A596-4046-BAB1-D2B953335BA9_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/01556FAC-A596-4046-BAB1-D2B953335BA9_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Electricity
How to manage electrical safety in the veterinary setting; the relevant high risk situations; and how to work safely with electricity and animals, including on farms.
![IMG_6925 copy IMG_6925 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6925-copy.jpg)
Electrocautery
How do we work safely with electrocautery during surgery? What can go wrong? What about the smoke they generate, is it safe?
![59A3E69B-B7AD-4B7B-8B07-81B74498A0A0_1_105_c copy 59A3E69B-B7AD-4B7B-8B07-81B74498A0A0_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/59A3E69B-B7AD-4B7B-8B07-81B74498A0A0_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Electrosurgery
How do we work safely with electrical currents during surgery? Includes correct set up and situations to avoid, as well as tips on keeping safe from the smoke generated.
![Ethylene,Oxide,Gas,Sterilizer,,Isolated,On,A,White,Background ethylene oxide gas sterilizer, isolated on a white background](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_613600895-copy.jpg)
Ethylene Oxide
If you use ethylene oxide to sterilise surgical equipment, what special safety measures need to be taken? What happens if something goes wrong? How do we protect ourselves against exposure to ethylene oxide?
![IMG_6668 copy 2 IMG_6668 copy 2](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6668-copy-2.jpg)
Evacuation & Emergency
What to do in an emergency? How do we care for the animals during an evacuation? Who’s in charge during a veterinary emergency or evacuation? What might necessitate an evacuation?
![IMG_7165 2 copy 2 IMG_7165 2 copy 2](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_7165-2-copy-2.jpg)
Fatigue
What is fatigue, and is it the same as feeling tired? How does it link to burnout? What can employers do to reduce the risk of fatigue and burnout and what can staff do to help themselves?
![119A5EB8-E7F0-4022-891C-B5081D8B3DD4_1_105_c copy 119A5EB8-E7F0-4022-891C-B5081D8B3DD4_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/119A5EB8-E7F0-4022-891C-B5081D8B3DD4_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Fire
What can cause a fire in a vet clinic? What equipment do we need and how do we maintain it? How do we get animals, clients and staff out safely in the event of a fire?
![The,Veterinarian,Using,Tranquilizer,Gun,To,Finding,And,Capturing,Illness The veterinarian using tranquilizer gun to finding and capturing illness animal for treatment in open zoo](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_706910176-copy.jpg)
Firearms
Do your staff need to access a firearm or captive bolt to humanely euthanise an animal? In addition to the appropriate license, what training do you need to give them? What if clients are present?
![0EF8972F-AA90-4E1E-8AD0-54829C68C538_1_105_c 0EF8972F-AA90-4E1E-8AD0-54829C68C538_1_105_c](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/0EF8972F-AA90-4E1E-8AD0-54829C68C538_1_105_c.jpg)
First Aid
Are vet clinics considered by safety legislation as ‘high’ or ‘low’ risk workplaces and what does that mean? How to appropriately provide the required first aid equipment and first aid-trained staff for a vet business? What is required? What about first aid training?
![-03 -03](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/03.png)
Fluoroscopy
Covers the important aspects of radiation safety that apply to fluorscopic procedures, particularly staff actions to take prior to the procedure starting and how to minimise the radiation used for the procedure.
![IMG_6095 copy IMG_6095 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6095-copy.jpg)
Grooming
How to handle wet and slippery patients without risking a musculoskeletal disease (MSD) injury? What about hot air blowers and dryers – what can go wrong?
![5C0E371A-B7F7-4E96-BE76-A7D94597838F_1_105_c 5C0E371A-B7F7-4E96-BE76-A7D94597838F_1_105_c](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/5C0E371A-B7F7-4E96-BE76-A7D94597838F_1_105_c.jpg)
Horses
What areas or situations are most dangerous when working with horses and how do we remain in control of safety? How to examine horses with safety in mind as well as move them around the clinic? What facilities are needed to maximise staff safety?
![IMG_6853 copy IMG_6853 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_6853-copy.jpg)
Housekeeping
Advice on ways to minimize slips, trips and falls in veterinary workplaces, what hazards are often present, what can we do about them.
![Veterinarian,Drying,Your,Dog,American,Staffordshire,After,A,Bath Veterinarian drying your dog American Staffordshire after a bath](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_453991744-copy.jpg)
Hydrobaths
How to handle wet and slippery patients without risking a musculoskeletal disease (MSD) injury, how to mix water and electricity safely, how to keep clients safe if they use a hydrobath at your clinic
![IMG_7261 2 copy IMG_7261 2 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_7261-2-copy.jpg)
Laboratory
How to work safely in the veterinary lab, safe microscope and centrifuge use, how to handle dangerous chemicals like formalin safety, what to wear?
![Veterinarian,Laser,Therapy,To,A,Cat,With,Arthrosis,Pain Veterinarian laser therapy to a cat with arthrosis pain](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_607531682-copy.jpg)
Laser
What are the risks of using lasers and how can we work better, in order to keep everyone safe? What to wear when using a laser, what does the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) say?
![C7DFF8A5-68DD-4976-AA97-0E0B0BA0059A_1_102_o C7DFF8A5-68DD-4976-AA97-0E0B0BA0059A_1_102_o](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/C7DFF8A5-68DD-4976-AA97-0E0B0BA0059A_1_102_o-2.jpeg)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Coming soon…
![IMG_6678 copy IMG_6678 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_6678-copy.jpg)
Manual Handling
How to work safely with common veterinary manual handling challenges such moving animals, working with large animals, and unpredictable patients. Suggested lifting limits and how to reduce the risk of veterinary industry musculoskeletal disease (MSD).
![IMG_6120 copy IMG_6120 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6120-copy.jpg)
Office Work
What about desk and computer related work- what can go wrong and how can we remain safe if our roles involve this sort of work? How to maximise comfort and reduce the risk of injury in the office environment including lighting, desk, chair and phone set-up procedures formed with safety in mind
![Veterinarian,Holding,A,Pig. Veterinarian holding a pig.](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_248328355-copy.jpg)
Pigs
What is the best way to work with (not against) the natural behaviour of pigs and remain safe? What are some of the more dangerous situations; and way to reduce risk in those moments? What zoonotic diseases might be relevant when working with pigs?
Radioactive Iodine (I-131)
Coming soon…
![IMG_6726 copy IMG_6726 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6726-copy.jpg)
Radiology
How to work safely with veterinary radiation, including who is allowed to be present (clients? teenagers? pregnant staff?), how to maximise radiation safety protection, how to check your radiation protection clothing is working
![-06 -06](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/06.png)
Scintigraphy
For those that undertake this specialised imaging technique, details are provided about the potential radiation exposure risk and how to adapt procedures and techniques to maximise safety, including what to do in the event of a ‘spill’.
![IMG_7338 2 copy IMG_7338 2 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_7338-2-copy.jpg)
Security
How to keep a vet clinic safe from burglary, how to protect valuable veterinary assets like S8 drugs, money and staff, how to work safely when working sole charge.
![D2ADA823-8B3F-4D02-B96B-10F550E45246_1_105_c copy D2ADA823-8B3F-4D02-B96B-10F550E45246_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/D2ADA823-8B3F-4D02-B96B-10F550E45246_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Sexual Harassment
What is sexual harassment? Why is it a safety risk? In a largely female workforce- how does this impact our behaviours and what is not acceptable? Get up to speed so you don’t get it wrong
![IMG_6874 copy IMG_6874 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_6874-copy.jpg)
Sharps
What veterinary items are considered ‘sharps’, how to behave safely with veterinary sharps, what not to do, how to stop sharps ending up in the wash or left on surgery kit trays, what is the law with disposal? Developed using research on veterinary clinic sharps handling behaviours and injury data.
![Veterinarian,Connected,To,Animals.,Curious,Little,Lamb,Jumping,On,Domestic Veterinarian connected to animals. Curious little lamb jumping on domestic animal doctor.](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1688134057-copy.jpg)
Sheep
How to safely with sheep either in a group or on their own; what zoonotic diseases are relevant and how to protect staff from them: what are the best handling techniques to use working with sheep, taking their behaviour and size into consideration?
![Catering,Services,Background,With,Snacks,And,Glasses,Of,Wine,On catering services background with snacks and glasses of wine on bartender counter in restaurant](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_152965781-copy.jpg)
Staff Functions
What are the expected behaviours when staff have work functions, and how do they link to safety legislation? Includes responsible alcohol guidelines and information on how to get everyone home safely.
![IMG_6833 copy IMG_6833 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_6833-copy.jpg)
Veterinary Chemicals
What hazards exist with the veterinary chemicals we work with? Where does safety information exist for veterinary chemicals? What do we wear when handling them? Which ones are potentially dangerous? Do we need a register of chemicals?
![7129A3A4-6C2F-4583-8D28-3F5380CC660B_1_102_o copy 7129A3A4-6C2F-4583-8D28-3F5380CC660B_1_102_o copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/7129A3A4-6C2F-4583-8D28-3F5380CC660B_1_102_o-copy.jpg)
Veterinary Drugs
What veterinary drugs can be the most harmful to our health and why? Hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, S8’s- which ones may be an issue? How are we best to handle them as well as their empty containers? What do we need to tell clients?
![IMG_6946 copy IMG_6946 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6946-copy.jpg)
Working After Hours
What steps do we need to take to keep staff safe after hours? What should we do when we enter the clinic and what can we do if we feel unsafe? How can the employer improve facilities to make them safer at night?
![-04 -04](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/04.png)
Working From Home
Sometimes, staff undertake some duties from home. This presents unique hazards that need to be specially managed. Lighting, ergonomics, security, sedentary work and overworking are all addressed in this document, and more.
![IMG_8861 copy IMG_8861 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_8861-copy.jpg)
Working Offsite
What should you do prior to leaving the clinic to ensure you remain safe? What to pack and plan prior to leaving? Why is staff safety less controlled when we work off site and what can we do about it?
![B2C22459-514C-4205-8344-32ACCF6A2569 copy B2C22459-514C-4205-8344-32ACCF6A2569 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/B2C22459-514C-4205-8344-32ACCF6A2569-copy.jpg)
Working Outside
How to protect staff against workplace hazards when they are outside? How does the weather effect our ability to work safely and what can we do about specific situations? Why is sun protection a legislated requirement for businesses in Australia and what are our obligations?
![IMG_6011-copy IMG_6011-copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_6011-copy-1.jpg)
Working When Pregnant
Everything you need to know about working in the veterinary industry whilst trying to conceive, being pregnant or breastfeeding. Includes advice for lifting, anaesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic disease, long work hours, working on your feet and more
![A674C4E9-3F02-4388-8F03-C8B95E9A1946_1_105_c copy A674C4E9-3F02-4388-8F03-C8B95E9A1946_1_105_c copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/A674C4E9-3F02-4388-8F03-C8B95E9A1946_1_105_c-copy.jpg)
Workplace Stress
What contributes to veterinary workplace stress, how can we reduce it, what does veterinary stress look and feel like?
![IMG_6031 copy IMG_6031 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6031-copy-1.jpg)
Young Workers
Why are young workers more prone to safety incidents and what can we do to protect them whilst they are with us? How to induct a work experience student on day one without overwhelming them? How to ensure they remain safe in a workplace with very unique hazards?
![IMG_6695 copy IMG_6695 copy](https://safervets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_6695-copy.jpg)
Zoonotic Diseases
What are veterinary zoonotic diseases of concern for vet staff? Which ones may be present in our working days? How to protect ourselves from contracting an illness from the animals we work with.