Which of the following is a recommended safety practice when handling animals?

• A. Keep a quiet environment
• B. Use proper PPE
• C. Wear sandals
• D. Ignore safety guidelines

Answer: (B)

Handling animals carries risks like bites, scratches, kicks, exposure to bodily fluids, and potential zoonotic diseases. The best safety practice is using proper PPE tailored to the task and species. This means protective gloves to shield your hands from bites and contaminants, eye or face protection for splashes or splattering, a protective coat or apron to prevent skin contact and keep clothing clean, and closed-toe, sturdy footwear to guard the feet. Wearing the right PPE is a key part of a safe handling routine and should be combined with calm handling techniques and adherence to safety guidelines. While keeping the environment quiet can help reduce stress and accidental encounters, and ignoring safety guidelines or wearing sandals increases risk, PPE directly protects you during animal interactions.