Assistance animal practice may involve the use of a range of chemicals and substances that support workplace operations, infection control, animal care, environmental management and personal safety.

While many of these substances are commonly used and considered low risk when managed appropriately, they can create hazards if they are incorrectly stored, handled, applied or disposed of.

Examples of hazardous chemicals and substances that may be encountered within assistance animal settings include:

• disinfectants,
• cleaning products,
• detergents,
• sanitisers,
• veterinary products,
• parasite prevention treatments,
• grooming products,
• pesticides,
• insect repellents,
• pool or outdoor maintenance chemicals,
• sunscreen and barrier products,
• hand hygiene products.

Occupational Therapists working within assistance animal practice must understand that chemical safety is part of broader WHS risk management.

The presence of an assistance animal does not remove workplace chemical risks, and chemical management procedures must consider the safety of:

• workers,
• clients,
• visitors,
• contractors,
• assistance animals,
• other animals within the environment.

Understanding Hazardous Chemicals

A hazardous chemical is a substance that has the potential to cause harm to people, animals or the environment.

Harm may occur through:

• inhalation,
• skin contact,
• eye exposure,
• ingestion,
• accidental spills,
• inappropriate storage,
• incorrect mixing,
• prolonged exposure.

The level of risk depends on factors including:

• the chemical properties,
• concentration,
• amount used,
• frequency of exposure,
• method of application,
• environment,
• available controls.

A product being commonly available does not automatically mean it is risk-free.

Many household and workplace products can create hazards if used incorrectly.

Chemical Risks in Assistance Animal Environments

Assistance animal workplaces have unique considerations because chemicals may affect both humans and animals.

Animals may have increased exposure risk because they:

• spend time close to floors and surfaces,
• lick or groom themselves,
• have different sensitivities to substances,
• may encounter treated areas before products have dried or cleared.

Examples include:

A disinfectant used on a training floor may create risk if an animal enters the area before the product has dried.

A grooming product may create irritation if incorrectly selected or applied.

A cleaning chemical may create respiratory concerns in poorly ventilated areas.

A parasite treatment product may create risk if incorrectly dosed or applied.

Chemical safety therefore requires consideration of both human and animal wellbeing.

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Workplaces using hazardous chemicals must maintain access to current Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

An SDS provides important information including:

• chemical identification,
• hazards,
• safe handling requirements,
• required PPE,
• first aid responses,
• storage requirements,
• spill management,
• disposal considerations.

Workers should know:

• where SDS information is located,
• how to access it,
• how to interpret relevant safety information.

OTs involved in workplace assessments or recommendations should consider whether appropriate chemical safety information is available when reviewing environments.

Chemical Storage Requirements

Hazardous chemicals should be stored according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures.

Storage considerations include:

• appropriate containers,
• clear labelling,
• secure storage,
• separation of incompatible substances,
• protection from children and animals,
• appropriate temperature and environmental conditions.

Chemicals should never be transferred into unlabelled containers.

For example, placing cleaning chemicals into drink bottles or food containers creates significant risk of accidental ingestion.

Chemical Labelling and Identification

All chemical products should be clearly identifiable.

Labels should include relevant information such as:

• product name,
• hazard warnings,
• instructions for use,
• manufacturer information.

Incorrectly labelled products can result in:

• inappropriate handling,
• incorrect use,
• delayed emergency response.

Clear identification supports safer decision-making.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is one component of chemical risk management.

Appropriate PPE depends on the hazard and may include:

• gloves,
• protective clothing,
• eye protection,
• masks or respiratory protection where required.

PPE selection should be based on:

• the chemical being used,
• the task being performed,
• manufacturer recommendations,
• workplace procedures.

PPE should not be viewed as the only control measure.

Where possible, risks should first be reduced through safer systems and practices.

Hierarchy of Controls and Chemical Safety

Chemical risks should be managed using the hierarchy of controls.

Elimination

Remove unnecessary chemical use where possible.

Example:

Using a lower-risk cleaning method where appropriate.

Substitution

Replace a hazardous product with a safer alternative.

Example:

Selecting a less irritating cleaning product that still meets hygiene requirements.

Engineering Controls

Modify the environment to reduce exposure.

Examples:

• improved ventilation,
• sealed storage areas,
• controlled dispensing systems.

Administrative Controls

Use procedures and systems to reduce risk.

Examples:

• chemical handling procedures,
• staff training,
• restricted access,
• cleaning schedules.

Personal Protective Equipment

Use PPE where other controls cannot completely remove risk.

Chemical Use Around Assistance Animals

When chemicals are used in environments where assistance animals are present, consideration should be given to:

• whether animals need to be removed temporarily,
• whether surfaces require drying time,
• whether ventilation is adequate,
• whether residues remain,
• whether alternative products are available.

Animals should not be exposed unnecessarily to chemicals simply because they are present in a workplace environment.

Safe systems should consider:

• timing of cleaning,
• access restrictions,
• communication with handlers,
• environmental monitoring.

Sunscreen, Barrier Products and Personal Care Products

Some substances that appear low risk may still require consideration.

Examples include:

• sunscreen,
• hand creams,
• lotions,
• topical medications,
• insect repellents.

Consideration should be given to:

• accidental ingestion through licking,
• skin contact,
• sensitivity reactions,
• transfer from human skin to equipment or animals.

Handlers and workers should follow appropriate hygiene practices and manufacturer guidance.

Chemical Spill and Exposure Response

Workplaces should have procedures for responding to chemical incidents.

These should address:

• immediate safety actions,
• containment,
• evacuation if required,
• first aid,
• reporting,
• investigation,
• prevention of recurrence.

Examples include:

• a cleaning chemical spill,
• accidental exposure to a worker,
• an animal contacting an unsafe substance.

Workers should know who to notify and what actions are required.

Training and Competency

Workers using hazardous chemicals require appropriate information and training.

Training should include:

• recognising chemical hazards,
• accessing SDS information,
• safe handling,
• PPE requirements,
• storage procedures,
• spill response,
• disposal requirements.

Training should be appropriate to the person’s role.

A worker responsible for cleaning tasks may require more detailed chemical training than a person working in administration.

The Role of Occupational Therapists

OTs may not directly manage all workplace chemical systems; however, they should recognise chemical safety as part of holistic environmental assessment.

When considering assistance animal environments, OTs should consider:

• whether environmental hazards exist,
• whether workplace systems support safety,
• whether recommendations create new risks,
• whether reasonable adjustments are required.

For example:

An OT recommending an assistance animal workplace arrangement should consider whether cleaning practices, animal access areas and hygiene procedures support safe participation.

Key Practice Principle

Chemical safety is an essential component of safe assistance animal practice.

Effective hazardous chemical management protects:

• workers,
• clients,
• visitors,
• contractors,
• assistance animals,
• the wider community.

Safe practice requires more than simply having chemicals available.

It requires:

• appropriate selection,
• safe storage,
• correct use,
• suitable controls,
• staff education,
• ongoing review.

Occupational Therapists contribute to safer assistance animal environments by recognising that workplace safety includes every factor that influences the wellbeing of people and animals within the environment.