Page 45 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

Chapter 2 Laws, Policies, and OSHA Standards Affecting Veterinary Practice 29

(a) (b) (c) (d)

FIGURE 2.4 De‐gloving.

FIGURE 2.5 Safety goggles.
FIGURE 2.6 Face mask and shield.
apply a good hand cream. Twenty seconds is the
minimum amount of contact time required for the soap Masks
to do its job. Singing the happy birthday song or saying
the Pledge of Allegiance twice is about 20 seconds. Face masks and face shields are used to protect the
mouth and nose or the entire face from absorbing or
Goggles inhaling infectious or toxic materials through the mucus
membranes and face (Figure 2.6). Examples of this are
Safety glasses or goggles are to be worn at any time there the spray from a dental prophylaxis handpiece or dip-
is a potential for splashing or spraying of infectious or ping a patient with a fungicide. The spray from the
toxic materials. This includes mixing concentrated dental prophylaxis handpiece is full of bacteria and the
chemicals, working with body fluids, or other items that fungicide can be toxic if ingested.
may sting your eyes distracting you from the patient.
Goggles should fit so that you can look down without Outer Coverings
them falling off. If you wear glasses, goggles should be
fitted such that they fit well over the glasses and don’t Waterproof aprons, gowns, or coveralls are used to pro-
make your nose or ears sore. There are a couple of types tect scrubs from becoming soiled or contaminated with
of goggles that are easily found at building supply stores infectious or toxic materials. For example, dipping a
or uniform shops (Figure 2.5). Never assume that patient with a fungicide, fecal material when working
because you wear glasses you don’t have to wear safety with cattle, parasites from skin or fecal material, and the
goggles. Splashes can come from any angle and many spatter of water while cleaning kennels. Some of these
people have had to make trips to the emergency room microorganisms can live on clothing for a long period
because of this error. Investing in a good pair that is com- of time and have the potential for making you or your
fortable to wear is worth the expense because your eye- pets sick because you brought them home on your
sight is priceless. clothes.