The Importance Of Veterinary Practices

Veterinary practices, much like any other job, come with a number of risks. There are strict rules, regulations and guidelines that are involved when running and working in a veterinary environment in order to keep employers, their employees and their patients safe and healthy during their time at the practice.

Within a veterinary practice you will be made aware of a number of laws and regulations which will be very important. The first of these is known as The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Act 2002 or more commonly known as COSHH. COSHH (2002) is a statutory law within the United

Kingdom that states general requirements for employers to protect their employees from any hazardous substances they may come into contact with.

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This act is put in places to ensure that all possible worst case scenarios and incidents that occur in the practice are recorded.

A method your employer will use to keep in line with these regulations is the Risk Assessment. a

Risk Assessment is a systematic method of looking at all aspects of a job and its day-to-day runnings, looking at anything that may cause harm or injury to an employee. By doing this, they are able to evaluate the seriousness of the action, it's risk of happening and protocols to allieviate the probability of it happening.

Other regulations enforced within the veterinary practice will include the Radiations

A zoonosis is a disease carried and infecting animals that can be transmitted to humans. An example of this is something such as a fungal zoonosis known as Ring Worm. Ring Worm is found in most common animals from cats and dogs to sheep and rabbits. It causes insightly round, itchy lesions on the skin and is transmitted through contact with the lesions.

Here is a list of safety tips to keep yourself and others safe and healthy whilst working in the veterinary practice.

1. Smoking is prohibited within the practice.

2. Noise should be kept to a reasonable level, shouting at patients is not permitted.

3. Eating and drinking may only be done in designated areas such as the staff room.

4. Members of the public should only be allowed in the waiting area, reception, toilets and the consultation rooms.

5. No medications or drugs are to be taken for human consumption.

6. Controlled drugs must be logged at all times, whether coming or going.

7. Soiled clothing must be changed ASAP.

8. Wash hands regularly, even after wearing gloves.

9. Clean up and tidy as you go along.

10. If you are ever unsure of anything during your time at the practice, don't struggle. Please