Environmental and Resource Hazards

• Lack of ventilation and the use of certain chemicals that have toxic fumes or produce heavy smoke
• The use of certain chemicals that have toxic fumes or produce heavy smoke
• Lack of windows
• Using recycled-air conditioner settings instead of a fresh cycle
• Dust
• Smoke from fire/s

• Eye irritation
• Throat irritations
• Severe conditions such as bronchitis
• Transmission of airborne diseases
• Toxicity via inhalation
• Allergic responses

• Use appropriate PPE
• Correct cycle type for air conditioner to minimise energy consumption
• Energy effect air conditioners
• Fresh air solutions such as open windows or air filtration units
• Updating organisational policies and procedures
• Staff training

• Incorrect disposal of animal bodily fluids and tissues, materials containing or contaminated by bodily fluids or tissues or carcasses (Department of Primary Industries 2021).
• Inappropriate disposal of pathology samples, sharps, feed or organic waste.
• Poor quarantine and or isolation techniques.

• Spread of viral or bacterial diseases, such as zoonotic diseases.
• Poisoning from the euthanasia drugs.
• Contamination of stock and domestic and town water supplies.
• Contamination of groundwater.
• Animal disease outbreak.
• Public health risk.

• Follow state/territory regulations as to the disposal requirements.
• Correct use of PPE and barrier nursing techniques.
• Updating organisational policies and procedures.
• Staff training (Safe Work Australia 2011).

• Bedding materials, such as straw or wood shavings that can generate dust.
• Dander from animals, particularly in grooming areas.
• Movement and activity within enclosed spaces stir up dust.

• Respiratory issues in both animals and staff, including allergies or asthma.
• Irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
• Accumulation of dust on surfaces creates a dirty and unhygienic environment.

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in all areas to reduce dust accumulation.
• Regular Cleaning: Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust from surfaces and air filters.
• Dust-Free Bedding: Use low-dust or dust-free bedding materials to minimise airborne particles.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide PPE like masks to staff when working in high-dust areas.

• Spilled food and water that can mix with waste materials.
• Inadequate or infrequent cleaning of waste disposal areas.

• Spread of disease and pathogens leads to infections in animals and humans.
• Unpleasant odours that can cause discomfort or nausea.
• Attraction of pests such as flies, rodents, or insects.

• Frequent Cleaning: Establish strict cleaning routines for waste disposal areas and animal enclosures.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Use sealed, animal-proof bins for waste and ensure regular disposal by a certified waste management service.
• Hygiene Protocols: Implement strict hygiene protocols for staff, including hand washing and sanitising after handling waste.
• Odour Control: Use odour-neutralising products or ventilation systems to manage unpleasant smells.

• Natural causes, illness, or injury leading to the death of an animal.
• Euthanasia due to health or behavioural reasons.
• Accidents within the facility.

• Emotional distress for staff and other animals.
• Risk of contamination or spread of disease if the body is not handled properly.
• Legal and ethical issues surrounding the disposal of deceased animals.

• Proper Handling: Train staff in properly handling and disposing of deceased animals to prevent contamination.
• Appropriate Disposal: Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding the disposal of animal remains, such as cremation or burial.
• Counselling Support: Provide emotional support or counselling for staff dealing with the loss of animals.
• Preventive Care: Implement preventive health care and safety measures to reduce the likelihood of animal deaths due to preventable causes.

• skin disease, irritation or burns.
• allergies
• respiratory illness
• respiratory conditions or disease
• difficulty breathing
• upper airway conditions or disease
• eye irritation or loss of sight
• gastrointestinal upset
• poisoning
• mucous membrane irritation (eyes, nose, throat, mouth and oesophagus)
• poisoning of waterways and wildlife
• unintentional poisoning of animals/humans due to accessing at tips
• contamination of soil, water and plants.

• Use proper ventilation.
• Wear protective gear (gloves, goggles).
• Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

• Barking, vocalising, or other loud noises from animals.
• Use of loud equipment like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, or power tools.
• Crowded or echo-prone spaces that amplify sound.

• Stress and anxiety in animals due to constant or loud noise.
• Hearing damage or fatigue in staff exposed to high noise levels.
• Communication difficulties among staff lead to potential mistakes in animal care.

• Soundproofing: Install soundproofing materials in kennels, catteries, or other noisy areas to reduce the impact of noise.
• Noise Barriers: Use noise barriers or curtains to section off loud areas.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure noisy equipment is well-maintained and consider using quieter alternatives where possible.
• Manage Noise Exposure: Rotate staff duties to limit exposure to loud environments and provide ear protection when necessary.

• Stress, fear, or aggression in animals, mishandling, unfamiliarity.

• Injury, infection, scarring, transmission of diseases (e.g., rabies).

• Proper training in animal handling.
• Use protective gear (gloves, sleeves).
• Identify and avoid high-risk behaviour in animals.

• Lifting large animals, heavy feed bags, or equipment (kennels, cages).

• Back strain
• muscle injuries
• dropped items, causing injury.

• Use proper lifting techniques.
• Use lifting aids (dollies, team lifting).

Escape or Animal Handling Failure 

• Improper cage latching, inadequate supervision, improper restraint methods.

• Animal injuries, human injuries (bites, scratches), and stress for escaped animals.

• Regularly check enclosures.
• Use appropriate restraint equipment.
• Ensure proper supervision of animals.

• Severe poisoning
• Death
• Drug resistance
• Minor poisoning
• Biohazard risk to staff
• Waste of resource
• Loss of money/costs to the facility
• Air pollution

• Detergent
• Disinfectant
• Solvents.

• Chemical burns
• Eye irritations
• Respiratory problems
• Poisoning of waterways and aquatic animals
• Financial costs to the facility
• Waste of resources
• Loss of wages due to staff being ill from overexposure
• Skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis
• Serious effects such as cancers