2. 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.
3. 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.
4. SAFETY FIRST!
Avoid injury
Biohazard Waste
Any 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.
5. SAFETY FIRST!
Avoid injury
Radiation Damage
A good reason to use lead gloves
and lead aprons. Thyroid protectors
also recommended.
6. SAFETY FIRST!
Avoid injury
Protect your back!
• Do not lift big animals
by yourself.
• Use proper lifting
techniques.
• Use gurneys or carts
when possible.
7. SAFETY FIRST!
Avoid injury
Be alert to avoid kicks, bites, scratches
8. 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
9. 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 What
You’re Dealing With!
• Understand how the • Animal’s behavior
animal can hurt you • Maternal aggression
• “Fight or Flight”
• Herding instinct
• Use sound judgment! • Mating season
• Territorial aggression
• Owner presence
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11. Safety of People
• Owner should NEVER restrain
animal in exam room
• Legal ramifications
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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
Vet Tech’s
Animal’s Perspective
Perspective
Restraint by person = Resistance =
Stress More forcible restraint
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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
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