There are over 3,000 species of snakes. Two third of the snakes are non venomous. Most snakes are not aggressive. They will usually retreat from danger. However if they start to feel threatened, they will strike. Snakes can strike a distance up to one-half their body length. Do not handle a freshly killed snake - it can still inject venom.

1. BASIC SAFETY AGAINST SNAKE BITE AT WORK PLACE
HSSE DEPARTMENT

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3. There are over 3,000 species of snakes.
Two third of the snakes are non venomous.
Most snakes are not aggressive. They will usually retreat from
danger. However if they start to feel threatened, they will
strike.
Snakes can strike a distance up to one-half their body length.
Do not handle a freshly killed snake - it can still inject venom.
Snake Facts

4. Venomous vs Nonvenomous
Most of the venomous snakes have slit- like pupils,
similar to a cat’s eye and nonvenomous snakes
have round pupils, like humans.
If you find a shedded snake skin, look at the scales
on the underside.
 Single Row – if they are in a single row all the
way to the tip of its tail – venomous snake.
 Double Row – if the scales split into double row –
nonvenomous snake.

5. Leave snakes alone – almost all cases of
snake bites occur when people attempt
to catch, pick up, or kill snakes.
Don’t bother them, even if they are
“dead.” Two-thirds of people bitten
saw the snake before being bitten but
attempted to kill, collect, or harass it.
Use specialty snake handling tools
when picking up or transporting any
snakes.
Snake Handling Tips

6. Buy a snake trap.
Hire a professional snake removal expert.
Learn how to identify venomous and
nonvenomous snakes.
Do not try to kill snakes. They are :-
 Faster than you think
 Hard to kill
 Wild when injured
 Strike after they appear or play dead
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Snake Handling Tips

7. Keep grass cut short.
Wear long pants and boots.Tuck your pant legs into your boots
Wear protective gloves when grabbing things off of the
ground.
Keep bushes, shrubs and flowers a few feet
away from sidewalks or other walkways.
Preventing Snake Bites At Work

8. Never leave food sitting out.
Do not keep materials piled up
outside (wood, brick piles, etc..)
If you see a snake while working back up
slowly and call emergency numbers.
Rat snakes can live in the attic –
can climb and fit in very tiny holes.
Eliminate the rodents and seal
shut any gaps or holes.
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Preventing Snake Bites At Work ….. Continued

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How to stay safe during snakebite season

10. Call for medical attention immediately.
Remove any clothing around the bite.
Clean the area gently but do not flush.
Wrap the area but do not restrict blood flow to
the site.
No running or engaging in strenuous activities.
Don’t panic. An increase in heart rate will move
the venom through your bloodstream faster.
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First Aid For Snake Bites

11. In the movies they cut the area or try to suck
out the venom.Doing this in real life could
cause an infection in the area.
Never attempt to capture the snake that bit
you. It could strike again since it is already
agitated.
Try to remember what the snake looks
like.This will help the doctors treat the
bite.
Keep bite area below head and heart.
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First Aid For Snake Bites

12. Intense pain in the area
Swelling
Bleeding
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Dizziness
Fever
Symptoms of a Snake Bite
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13. Numbness
Nausea
Sweating
Increased heart rate
Blurred vision
Fainting
Symptoms of a Snake Bite
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14. Summary
The monsoon season, particularly at this time of year means that
snakes become active and occasionally a snake will cross paths with
a human.
Minimize the food sources for snakes by removing anything that may
attract rodents or frogs.
Reduce rubbish/materials where a snake could shelter.
An increased awareness of snakes is the best protection. The snake will not
be looking for you, so be alert while walking in open areas.
Don’t panic or show reaction if you see a snake. A snake bite result from a
snake being frightened, surprised or cornered.12