Page 23 - AMS Driver Training Manual Version 2 2024

A V O N M A T E R I A L S U P P L I E S L T D ( A M S L T D ) D R I V E R T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 2

Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis)

This is a serious and sometimes fatal infection that is transmitted to humans by contact
with urine from infected rats.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who is exposed to rats, rat or cattle urine. This could be you, when collecting waste from building sites,
commercial waste or working within the MRF.

How may I catch it?

The bacteria can get into your body through cuts and scratches and through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes
after contact with infected urine or contaminated water, such as in sewers, ditches, ponds, puddles and slow flowing
rivers.

Prevention

• Wash Cuts and Scratches immediately with soap and running water and cover all cuts and broken skin
with waterproof plasters before and during work.
• Wear correct PPE including gloves
• Wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking
• Wash contaminated clothing

Additional Information can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg84.pdf

What else should I do? Report any illness to your doctor, tell the doctor about your work and show
the card on Leptospirosis you will have been given. Leptospirosis is much less severe if it is treated
promptly

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