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WHS Management for Veterinary Clinics

Control animal handling injuries, anaesthetic gas exposure, and zoonotic disease risks in veterinary practice.

Veterinary clinics combine healthcare chemical and biological hazards with the unique risk of animal-inflicted injuries including bites, kicks, scratches, and crush injuries from large animals. Anaesthetic gas exposure during surgical procedures is a persistent chemical hazard when scavenging systems are inadequate or poorly maintained. Zoonotic disease transmission — including Q fever, leptospirosis, and psittacosis — creates biological risks not present in human healthcare settings. X-ray equipment creates ionising radiation exposure for staff assisting with diagnostic imaging. The new Healthcare Code of Practice commencing February 2026 applies to veterinary practices alongside the existing codes for chemical and radiation safety.

Key Hazards

Animal bites, kicks, scratches, and crush injuries during handling and treatmentAnaesthetic gas exposure (isoflurane, sevoflurane, nitrous oxide) during surgeryZoonotic disease transmission from infected animalsIonising radiation exposure during diagnostic imagingSharps injuries from needles, scalpel blades, and surgical instrumentsPsychosocial hazards from euthanasia, compassion fatigue, and client aggression

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Work involving hazardous chemicals (anaesthetic gases), work involving radiation, work involving biological hazards

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Healthcare Code of Practice 2026Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the WorkplaceManaging Electrical Risks in the Workplace

SWMS Required

Anaesthetic Gas →Sharps Management →Radiation Safety →Infection Control →Chemical Disinfection →

Related Sectors

Dental PracticeHospitalPharmacy Compounding

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We help veterinary clinics develop compliant WHS systems covering animal handling, anaesthetic gas controls, and zoonotic disease management.

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