Zoo Animal Care Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Inadequate nutrition — Collaborate with veterinary nutritionists to develop species-specific diets. Monitor animal health and adjust diets as needed. Train staff in proper food handling and storage to prevent contamination. Keep detailed records of feeding schedules and dietary changes.
• Slips, trips, and falls — Maintain clean and dry walkways. Use non-slip flooring materials in high-risk areas. Conduct regular inspections to identify and address hazards. Provide staff training on safe movement practices and proper footwear.
• Contaminated food sources — Source food from reputable suppliers and conduct regular quality checks. Implement strict storage and handling procedures. Train staff on food safety and contamination prevention. Maintain records of food batches and expiry dates.
• Manual handling injuries — Train staff in proper lifting techniques and use of lifting aids where possible. Implement team lifting for heavy loads. Regularly assess tasks to reduce strain and prevent repetitive motion injuries. Provide ergonomic equipment and encourage rest breaks.
• Fire hazards — Install and maintain fire detection and suppression systems. Conduct regular fire drills and training for staff. Store flammable materials properly and enforce no-smoking policies. Develop and communicate emergency evacuation plans for animals and personnel.