Best Practice Bulletin #074

Working Near Reptiles

When working in more rural and open areas it is necessary
to factor the presence of reptiles into the risk assessment.
The main reason being is that reptiles are naturally quite
timid and will not be very clear to the naked eye, until
disturbed! Particular attention must be paid when working
near water, especially if it is overgrown; crocodiles are fast
and stealthy, they are quick to pounce and take their prey.

Reptiles are a diverse group of vertebrates that includes

creatures such as snakes, lizards, alligators, caimans,
crocodiles, tortoises and turtles.

Reptiles are cold-blooded animals. This means they are unable to regulate their own body
temperature like mammals. Therefore, reptiles must modify their activity to accommodate changing
environmental temperatures. They must seek shelter during excessive heat (to prevent over-
heating) and extreme cold (to prevent hypothermia).

Since reptiles do not need to burn calories to fuel a constant body temperature, they can survive on
much less food intake than mammals. For this reason, reptiles are the dominant vertebrate in
desert habitats.

Reptiles have several bones in their lower jaw that enable them greater bite mobility.

Safety when working in an environment where reptiles may be found:

• Know your environment; where and what sort of reptile is likely to be found.
• Be aware of the time of year: are reptiles hibernating. Is it mating season, when reptiles can be
more aggressive.
• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and develop a safe method system of work.
• Ensure employees have adequate
training and instruction in dealing
with reptiles.
• Daily toolbox talks to prevent
complacency amongst employees.
• Adequate protective clothing, long
sleeves, gloves, high sided boots.
• Have provisions for emergency first
aid, with trained, competent
personnel onsite.
• Know your emergency numbers
and procedures!

This 22-FOOT (6.7meters), 2,500Lbs

(1,134kg) was caught on the Niger
River in Western Africa but only after
the Army were called in because the
village was losing people!!!!

Safety is ethically “the right thing to do” & business-wise “the smart thing to do”.