Site and Personal Safety Procedures in Companion Animal Workplaces

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the U.S. agency responsible for workplace safety regulations.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards.

confined space

A space large enough for a worker to enter but has limited means of entry or exit.

GFCI

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, a device that quickly shuts off power to prevent electrical shock.

employer responsibilities

Duties of the employer to ensure a safe workplace and provide necessary training and equipment.

employee responsibilities

Duties of the employee to follow safety protocols and use PPE correctly.

worker safety program

A system in place to prevent injuries and manage safety in the workplace.

hazard identification

The process of recognizing potential risks in the workplace.

training and refreshers

Ongoing education to ensure employees are aware of safety practices and procedures.

incident reporting

The process of documenting any workplace accidents or near-misses.

confined space procedures

Specific protocols to safely work in identified confined spaces.

air hazards

Risks related to low oxygen, toxic gases, or flammable atmospheres in confined spaces.

boundaries

Physical barriers that separate workers from hazards.

labeling

The practice of marking hazardous materials or areas clearly to prevent misunderstandings.

biohazard

A symbol indicating the presence of biological materials that pose a health risk.

Right to Know

Employee entitlement to information about hazardous materials in the workplace.

SDS

Safety Data Sheet, documents providing information on handling hazardous substances.

first aid

Immediate care given to someone injured until professional medical help is available.

slings

Flexible lifting devices used to connect a load to lifting equipment.

lockout/tagout

A safety procedure to ensure machines are properly shut off and not able to be started while maintenance is being performed.

chemical exposure

Contact with hazardous chemicals that can cause injury or illness.

spill kit

A collection of tools used to manage and clean up chemical spills.

electrical hazards

Risks associated with the use of electricity, such as shocks or fires.

rescue planning

Preparation for safely retrieving an individual from a hazardous situation.

clearance

The space kept clear around equipment and exits to ensure safety.

spill response

Steps taken to manage and mitigate the effects of a chemical spill.

emergency eyewash

A station providing immediate flushing of the eyes to remove hazardous substances.