Environmental and Resource Hazards

Submitted by coleen.yan@edd… on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 18:15

There are many different types of hazards and risks associated with the animal care industry. The severity of the hazard or risk can also change depending on the specific circumstances. In addition to hazards that come from animals, there are also environmental and resource hazards and risks associated with the animal care sector.

Before we explore this in this section of the module, let's recap on what is a hazard.

Environmental and resource hazards in working with animals refer to the risks that arise from the surroundings and the resources used in animal care and management. These hazards can affect both the animals and the people who work with them, and they include issues related to the environment, the availability and quality of resources, and the sustainability of practices.

Watch

The next couple of videos give a quick refresher on what a hazard is and what the difference is between a risk and a hazard.

Sub Topics
sad dog inside cage

The following table illustrates some examples of environmental hazards, their causes and associated risks that may be present in an animal care facility. Some suggestions as to how to reduce or eliminate the hazards are also provided.

Environmental hazard Causes Risks How to reduce the risk or hazard
Air pollution / Poor air quality
  • 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
Biohazards
  • 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).
Dust
  • 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.
Animal Waste Urine, faeces, and other bodily waste from animals.
  • 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.
Animal- Deceased
  • 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.

Examples of Resource Hazards

Resource hazard Causes Risks How to reduce the risk or hazard
Chemicals (including fumes) Inappropriate use and disposal of animal treatment products, cleaning agents and other chemicals. Accidental exposure to humans and or animals could result in:
  • 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.
Noise 
  • 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.
Animal Bites and Scratches 
  • 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/ Handling heavy items 
  • 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.
A close view of a hazardous chemical on a table

Safe use of chemicals and cleaning agents is an essential element of an environmentally sustainable workplace as well as part of an effective occupational health and safety program within any organisation.

Each state or territory has a code of practice for the safe storage, handling, use and disposal of chemicals in the workplace. You must follow those guidelines. Correct procedures in controlling exposure to chemical agents will require careful hazard recognition and risk assessment to reduce or eliminate any risk of unnecessary exposure.

Many hazardous chemicals, medications and cleaning agents are used in animal handling practices. Various physical consequences result from misuse or overuse of these hazardous substances. The following table outlines some common hazardous products in animal care workplaces and the consequences that may result from their misuse or overuse.

Type of hazardous substance Explanation Outcomes of misuse or overuse
Animal medications and anaesthetics Handling animal medications, especially those administered via injection, can pose risks such as needle-stick injuries, accidental exposure to drugs, or allergic reactions to certain substances.
  • Severe poisoning
  • Death
  • Drug resistance
  • Minor poisoning
  • Biohazard risk to staff
  • Waste of resource
  • Loss of money/costs to the facility
  • Air pollution
Cleaning products including:
  • Detergent
  • Disinfectant
  • Solvents.
Regular use of cleaning products, disinfectants, or pesticides around animals can expose workers to harmful chemicals. Inhalation or skin contact with these substances can cause respiratory issues, burns, or long-term health problems.
  • 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

Failure to comply with the correct handling techniques can lead to long-term exposure. Some of these chemicals, if you are exposed to long-term, can have serious effects, such as cancers, due to carcinogenic factors.

All organisations must carry Safety Data Sheets (SDS). SDS are documents that are provided by manufacturers, which:

  • provide information about the health and safety concerns for the products
  • identify any substances or chemicals that are classified as hazardous substances or dangerous goods
  • describe the specific properties of the chemicals and how they may affect the health of people using them.
Explore

For more information on Safety Data Sheets, click on the links below:

All chemicals and cleaning agents must be stored and labelled as per the state or territory's legislation and guidelines. For example, some several drugs and medications must be kept in a locked container at a veterinary clinic and may only be issued by a prescribed person, in this case, the veterinarian or vet nurse.

Make sure that when you are handling any chemical or cleaning agent, you use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). For example, you may be required to wear gloves and a face mask.

Watch

The next video provides a walk-through of an SDS Material Safety Data Sheet.

Case Study

Happy Paws SDS Sheet

The SDS sheet is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the key safety considerations for a disinfectant commonly used in an animal care facility.

In a real-world setting, the SDS would be provided by the manufacturer of the product, and it would include detailed information specific to that product's formulation.

Section 1: Identification
  • Product Name: SafeClean Disinfectant
  • Product Code: SC-100
  • Manufacturer: Animal Care Solutions Pty Ltd
  • Address: 123 Green Road, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
  • Phone Number: +61 2 1234 5678
  • Emergency Phone Number: +61 1800 123 456
  • Recommended Use: Disinfectant for animal cages, equipment, and surfaces.
  • Restrictions on Use: Do not use on animals or near food and water sources.
Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification

Classification of the Substance/Mixture:

  • Corrosive to Metals: Category 1
  • Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Category 1
  • Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Category

Label Elements:

  • Signal Word: Danger

Hazard Statements:

  • H290: May be corrosive to metals.
  • H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Precautionary Statements:

  • P260: Do not breathe mist, vapours, or spray.
  • P280: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection.
  • P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
  • P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Immediately remove all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water.
  • P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
  • Chemical Name: Sodium Hypochlorite
  • Common Name: Bleach
  • CAS Number: 7681-52-9
  • Concentration: 5% w/w
Section 4: First-Aid Measures
  • Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If not breathing, give artificial respiration and seek medical attention.
  • Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation.
  • Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Drink water or milk to dilute the substance. Seek medical attention immediately.
Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
  • Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemicals, or carbon dioxide.
  • Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions (chlorine gas).
  • Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
  • Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not allow the product to enter drains, sewers, or waterways.
  • Methods for Containment and Cleaning Up: Contain spillage and absorb with non-combustible, absorbent material (e.g., sand, earth, diatomaceous earth). Place in properly labelled containers for disposal according to local regulations
Section 7: Handling and Storage
  • Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not inhale vapours or mist. Use in well-ventilated areas. Wear appropriate PPE.
  • Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as acids and metals. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits:
  • Sodium Hypochlorite (CAS 7681-52-9): No specific limits were established, but minimize exposure as much as possible.
  • Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control airborne levels.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shields.
  • Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene), protective clothing.
  • Respiratory Protection: If ventilation is inadequate, wear an appropriate respirator.
  • Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using this product.
Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
  • Appearance: Clear, pale yellow liquid
  • Odor: Chlorine-like
  • pH: 12-13
  • Boiling Point: >100°C
  • Melting Point: Not applicable
  • Flash Point: Not applicable
  • Flammability: Non-flammable
  • Solubility in Water: Completely soluble
  • Density: 1.1 g/cm³
Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
  • Reactivity: Reacts with acids to release chlorine gas.
  • Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  • Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May react with certain metals, releasing flammable hydrogen gas.
  • Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sunlight, and contact with incompatible materials.
  • Incompatible Materials: Acids, reducing agents, metals.
  • Hazardous Decomposition Products: Chlorine gas, sodium chloride.
Section 11: Toxicological Information
  • Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity via dermal or oral exposure; however, ingesting large amounts can be harmful.
  • Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe skin burns.
  • Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe eye damage.
  • Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer.
  • Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause chronic respiratory irritation.
Section 12: Ecological Information
  • Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
  • Persistence and Degradability: Sodium hypochlorite is not persistent and degrades quickly in the environment.
  • Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation.
  • Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in soil; potential to leach into groundwater.
Section 13: Disposal Considerations
  • Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local authority requirements. Do not dispose of waste in the sewer. Contaminated packaging should be treated as chemical waste.
Section 14: Transport Information
  • UN Number: UN 1791
  • Proper Shipping Name: Hypochlorite Solutions
  • Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
  • Packing Group: III
  • Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
  • Special Precautions: Avoid transport with acids and foodstuffs.
Section 15: Regulatory Information
  • Regulatory Status: Classified as a hazardous substance under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
  • Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS): All components of this product are listed on the AICS.
Section 16: Other Information
  • Date of Issue: 9th August 2024
  • Revision Date: Not applicable
  • Disclaimer: The information provided in this Safety Data Sheet is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the date of issue. However, no guarantee is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the data. It is the user's responsibility to determine the product's suitability for their specific application and to ensure proper safety measures are in place.
Reading

Below are some additional resources for you to help you understand the SDS Material Safety Data sheets.

A person disposing of used kitty litter

Animal waste can potentially cause harm by acting as pathological (disease-causing) waste while decomposing. Hazardous waste products in an animal care facility include:

  • Animal bodies that are not infectious or contaminated
  • Used animal litter and food products that are infectious or contaminated
  • Faeces that are not infectious or contaminated
  • Discharges of blood or blood products.

So, when dealing with waste products and soiled bedding, you must wear the correct PPE and determine if the animal is classed as contagious or non-contagious before you begin.

In Victoria, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regulates the storage, transport, treatment and disposal of clinical and related wastes under the Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations 2009. Guidance for generators of clinical and related wastes can be found in Part C of the document, ‘Clinical and related waste’. Each state and territory will have their own regulations.

Regulations relating to hazardous waste disposal, including animal waste, are also covered by the National Guidelines for Waste Management in the Healthcare Industry.

National Guidelines for Waste Management

Waste disposal in animal care

When it comes to dispose of waste in your workplace, it is important to understand what you must do for each type of waste product. Let’s take a look at the following three examples of waste products:

  1. Litter and faeces
  2. Used bedding
  3. Contagious animals

Litter and faeces

Waste products such as litter and faeces must be placed:

  1. into a hazardous waste plastic bag
  2. in a cool storage area until collected by an approved licensed removal company.

Cat faeces are particularly hazardous for pregnant women. So, pregnant women should avoid handling or disposing of this type of waste product wherever possible.

Used bedding

All bedding that is not too badly soiled will need to be placed into the washing machine and cleaned with washing powder.

To avoid cross-contamination, all used bedding must be washed separately from other laundry items, such as uniforms.

Contagious animals

Animals diagnosed with contagious diseases must be kept in an isolation ward (ISO-W). Animals in isolation MUST have ALL bedding, waste products and used PPE disposed of into hazardous plastic bags labelled “Contagious waste”.

Contagious waste must be destroyed accordingly – cremated or collected by the hazardous waste removal specialist. This is particularly important because some contagions can survive on surfaces and continue to spread.

Waste management procedures

A good example of a private company that deals with biohazardous waste from the animal care industry is the Australian business Waster Pty Ltd. The following video (2:50 min) outlines Waster’s clinical waste collection service, which could apply to a veterinary clinic.

Watch

Waster also provides general advice, such as the benefits of conducting a waste audit as shown in the following video (2:55 min), as well as advice about best-practice waste management for some specific animal care workplaces, such as ‘Disposal of Waste In A Dog Grooming Salon’. The NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice 8 outlines specific cleaning and waste disposal practices in Section 5, Hygiene, which must be followed in this type of workplace.

Watch
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