Animals and Wildlife
Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

Recording Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat or in Captivity

Unless you have expertise, the advice of a competent person may be necessary when completing the assessments. The best source of advice is likely to be the owner, handler, trainer or keeper, since that person will understand the character of the animals that are to be used. Handlers etc may, however, underestimate the risks because of their familiarity with the animals. If there is no one directly responsible for the animals, veterinary surgeons, zoos or university departments may be able to advise.

Some animals may seem to present a negligible risk domestic cats, rabbits and guinea pigs for example. 'Tame' or 'semi-tame' animals may, however, still cause injuries - people expect them to be safe, and the animals have less fear of people.

Main Points to Consider
The main points to consider in the risk assessment are:

What hazards does the animal present, i.e. what harm could it cause?
What contact will there be with the animal? If there is no possibility of contact the risk of physical injury is low. There may still, however, be a health risk, e.g. of Leptospirosis which can be contracted from surfaces contaminated with rat urine;
By what routes can any micro-organisms be transmitted to humans, e.g. hand to mouth contact, bites, scratches, or through the air?
All animals (alive or dead) should be regarded as likely sources of infection or infestation. This includes those kept as pets and most laboratory animals. The most dangerous in this respect are those closest to humans in the evolutionary scale, i.e. other primates;
What influence will you have on the animal? For example, filming quietly from a hidden position is less dangerous than arranging a stunt in which the animal is required to do something it does not like;
As advised by the trainer, take measures to prevent the animal from being unduly startled or distressed i.e. avoid loud noises, flashing lights, sudden movements, etc. make sure everyone is aware of the specific requirements.
How much contact will there be? Working from a distance is safer than holding an animal in your hand. Getting very close to wild or large animals may require a more detailed assessment of risks;
Who is exposed? A fit and healthy technician may be able to escape when children or elderly people cannot. Do any of those involved have allergies or phobias? Are any pregnant workers involved in the project?
What other animals may be present?
What could go wrong? Is it possible that the tame rat will bite the performer? If wild animals turn on you, can you defend yourself? Could the animal escape into the studio or theatre?
Is there an audience that could come into contact with the animal?

Precautionary Measures
In most cases expert advice will be needed about the specifics of the production but there are some basic points to consider:

Where practicable, risks should be eliminated or minimised, e.g. by selecting animals which present least risk, or by containing or restricting the animal;
People should always be told in advance if they are to work with animals so they have an opportunity to say if they have allergies or phobias;
Obtaining performing animals from a reputable handler should reduce the risks of the animal carrying disease;
Everyone involved should be properly briefed on risks and control measures, e.g. feeding.
Arrangements or instructions not to feed, the need to avoid disturbance, and what to do in an emergency.
Animals can cause infections that threaten pregnancy. In particular, pregnant women should not enter areas in which mammals have recently given birth;
You may need to have a minimum number of people to manage an animal, but everyone else should be kept well clear;
Animals can be provoked to attack by disturbance or discomfort. Take advice about the animal's needs, provide food, water and suitable temperature. It may be necessary for the animal to be held in a quiet place until it is needed;
Keep the length of time animals are required to a minimum. Rehearse the item last and perform it first where possible. If a retake is necessary do this straight away. A tired animal may become fractious;
Material such as hay or straw used in studios or on stage is usually fireproofed or fire-retarded.
However, this would be toxic for animals and arrangements may have to be made for untreated material with alternative fire precautions;
In order to minimise risk, animals should be handled no more than necessary and always with at least basic hygiene - wash afterwards, and especially before meals. Protective clothing such as gloves and overalls may be required. When bites and scratches can be expected it may be necessary to ensure that those exposed have adequate immunity to tetanus - seek advice;
Make provision for first aid. Unless they are life threatening, bites and scratches should be encouraged to bleed, washed with clean water and dressed. The casualty should then have medical attention. Where there is the possibility of exposure at a distance from medical facilities, specific antidotes may be required for hazards such as snake bites, but this option should be considered carefully.

Producer Responsibilities

The Producer is responsible for ensuring that:

A risk assessment of the programme has been made, recorded and is reviewed if there is any proposed change.
Controls identified are put in place and communicated to everyone involved in the production.
Responsibilities are assigned and understood.
Those involved in the production are competent and, training needed is provided.
There is consultation and co-ordination at planning stages and during work.
There is the right equipment for the tasks and environment.
Emergency arrangements are in place.

Expectations of handler
Make sure that everyone is clear about responsibilities for care of the animal. You need to make clear your expectations about the handlers responsibilities:

Everyone involved should be properly briefed on risks and control measures, e.g. feeding.
Arrangements or instructions not to feed, the need to avoid disturbance, and what to do in an emergency.
To advise on protection e.g. basic hygiene - wash after handling, and especially before meals; protective clothing such as gloves and overalls; action after bites and scratches;
To advise on measures to prevent the animal from being unduly startled or distressed i.e. avoid loud noises, flashing lights, sudden movements, etc. and make sure everyone is aware of the specific requirements.
To advise on safe contact - working from a distance is safer than holding an animal in your hand. Getting very close to wild or large animals may require a more detailed assessment of risks;
To follow the BBC safety requirements that are relevant to the programme, for the animal and the environment.

Animals and Wildlife Risk Assessment

Animals and Wildlife
Risk Assessment