| Veterinary Hazards |  | |
Introduction
Veterinary practice settings and other facilities that handle animals have a unique set of occupational health and safety issues. Like all other businesses in Washington veterinary clinics are subject to regulation under the Department of Labor and Industries' WISHA division. All veterinary clinics must have a written Accident Prevention Program in place identifying specific workplace hazards and interventions chosen to reduce each hazard.
Common Hazards in Veterinary Medicine
- Physical hazards - falls, animal bites, needlestick/sharps injuries, ergonomics hazards, ionizing radiation
- Chemical hazards - Anesthetic gas, ethylene oxide, insecticides and disinfectants, latex glove allergy
- Biologic hazards - zoonotic and vector borne diseases, live vaccines, asthma and allergies
Regulatory Information
- WISHA Core Rules - Contains WISHA regulations for all employers including Employers Responsibilites, Employees Responsibilities, Safety Committees and Safety Meetings, Accident Prevention Program, First Aid, Personal Protective Equipment, and Chemical Hazard Communication
- Recordkeeping and Reporting WAC 296-27
- Ethylene Oxide, WAC 296-62, Part G - sections 07355 through 07389
- Formaldehyde, WAC 296-62, Part I - sections 07540 through 07548
Resources
- Washington State Veterinary Medical Association
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Preventing Asthma in Animal Handlers
- Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex
Occupational
Health and Safety Issues in Veterinary Practice . A Powerpoint
presentation developed by WISHA/Policy and Technical Services staff. - Ounce of Prevention (Module 1) - A video to assist veterinary practice owners in developing safety and health and hazard communication programs.
- Ounce of Prevention (Module 2) - A video to assist in training employees on the hazards of working in a veterinary clinic.
- Safety Video Library - A searchable online video catalog.
