Product Overview

This Zoo Safety SWMS is a detailed Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with zoo operations and animal management. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document covering multiple aspects of Zoo Safety to support strong WHS compliance across a range of animal exhibits and work activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning, briefing, and conducting emergency drills to simulate animal escapes from enclosures
• Safe coordination between keepers, security, and emergency services during simulated and real animal escape scenarios
• Use of communication systems, alarms, and public address announcements during animal escape drills and incidents
• Safe approaches to water sampling from shark tanks, including access, egress, and work positioning around open water
• Control measures for working near dangerous marine animals, including separation distances and use of barriers
• Selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for animal handling, water sampling, and emergency response
• Procedures for working around enclosures, tanks, and barriers to prevent falls into animal habitats
• Management of public safety and exclusion zones during drills, maintenance, and animal-related operations
• Risk assessment and control of zoonotic disease exposure when handling water, biological samples, or animal waste
• Manual handling controls for equipment, sampling gear, and emergency response tools used around exhibits
• Safe use of chemicals and disinfectants associated with water treatment and tank maintenance
• Incident reporting, corrective actions, and review of emergency procedures following drills or actual events

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for zoo and aquarium operators, animal keepers, marine biologists, maintenance teams, contractors, and site supervisors responsible for managing safety in animal exhibits and public areas.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on safe storage, handling, and use of chemicals for water treatment and cleaning in animal enclosures and tanks.
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for zoo operations.
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, egress, amenities, and emergency planning in public and restricted zoo areas.
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid arrangements for animal-related injuries, slips, trips, falls, and chemical exposure.
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Applicable where alarms, PA systems, or equipment may create hazardous noise levels.
• AS/NZS ISO 31000 Risk Management – Guidelines: Principles and guidelines for systematic risk management in animal handling and emergency preparedness.
• AS 3745 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities: Requirements for emergency planning, evacuation, and response procedures within zoo and aquarium environments.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017