Health and Safety
As veterinary professionals we are unavoidably exposed to certain physical, chemical and biological hazards on an almost daily basis. Although most good practices will adhere to general and basic health and safety rules, it will be your responsibility to ensure your own safety, and the safety of those with whom you work. As a veterinary surgeon, the safety of others will be your responsibility too, so, the buck stops at you. If you feel a situation is deemed unsafe, it is within your rights to refuse to continue. Your future working life and earning potential may depend on this.
Although the list of potential risks is endless, here are a few of the most obvious. Note, these may seem very obvious, but many locums have been put out of work due to inadequate provisions.
Physical hazards:
Animal Bites, needle pricks, back injuries, ionizing radiation, latex glove allergies.
Although the list of potential risks is endless, here are a few of the most obvious. Note, these may seem very obvious, but many locums have been put out of work due to inadequate provisions.
Physical hazards:
Animal Bites, needle pricks, back injuries, ionizing radiation, latex glove allergies.
Precautionary provisions:
Adequate and functional muzzles, restraining equipment for dangerous animals, sufficient and well trained auxiliary staff to help lift and handle animals, sufficient sharps bins, a radiography area compliant with recommended safety regulations ( are there protective lead-lined areas and clothing, etc), the option of latex-free gloves etc….
Adequate and functional muzzles, restraining equipment for dangerous animals, sufficient and well trained auxiliary staff to help lift and handle animals, sufficient sharps bins, a radiography area compliant with recommended safety regulations ( are there protective lead-lined areas and clothing, etc), the option of latex-free gloves etc….
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a guide of best practice for the use of ionizing radiations. This guide is supported by the Health and Safety Executive and the National Radiological Protection Board.
Copies of the guidance can be ordered from the BVA Postal Bookshop
Tel: 01732 886422 Fax: 01732 886686 Email: cairns@mcmslondon.co.uk
Pregnancy:
Should you have to work during pregnancy as a locum, it will be your responsibility to take care of yourself.
Should you have to work during pregnancy as a locum, it will be your responsibility to take care of yourself.
Consult the following websites for further information and guidance here:
Note: you may not be eligible for working ‘benefits’ as a locum, but the safety aspects etc will certainly be applicable.
* The RCVS
* The British veterinary nurses association also supply information.
* The HSE’s publication ‘A guide for new and expectant mothers who work’ can be downloaded free of charge
* The British veterinary nurses association also supply information.
* The HSE’s publication ‘A guide for new and expectant mothers who work’ can be downloaded free of charge
Chemical hazards
Noxious anaesthetic gases, cytotoxic and other toxic drugs/substances.
Precautionary measures:
Proper disposal measures as recommended by the RCVS.
Precautionary measures:
Proper disposal measures as recommended by the RCVS.
Biological hazards:
The most obvious being infectious/zoonotic diseases.
Precautionary measures:
Protective clothing, adequate disinfectant and cleaning practices. Basic hygiene is implemented.
Should you be worried about the standards of health and safety that you and your fellow workers or patients are exposed to, consult with the practice first. If you feel results are unsatisfactory, then refer your concerns to the Health and Safety Executive or contact the RCVS directly.
