Handling Venomous Snakes Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers planning, locating, capturing, containing and responding to incidents involving venomous snakes. It supports the identification of bite, escape, access, communication and handling hazards before, during and after the task.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Plan the task, confirm authorisation and assess site conditions
• Set up the work area and keep workers and bystanders clear
• Arrange communication, supervision and assistance for isolated work
• Inspect handling equipment, containment items and personal protective equipment
• Locate and approach snakes while managing visibility, footing and nearby hazards
• Capture and restrain snakes while managing bites, control and physical strain
• Transfer snakes to containment and manage transport and release interfaces
• Prepare for bite or exposure emergencies, including communication and first aid arrangements
• Report incidents, review near misses, store equipment safely and address residual site risks

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out venomous snake handling activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 3. Step 2 — How to assess risks; p. 15.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Confined spaces — 3.4 Assessing the risks; p. 24.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use