Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Undertaking WIRES wildlife volunteer activities means you may find yourself in a variety of environments, weather conditions and scenarios which will require you to have a range of personal protective equipment easily accessible.

PPE:

• Gloves (both disposable and heavy duty gloves such as gardening gloves)

• Face masks

• Safety goggles or eye protection

• High-vis vest

• Sturdy, covered shoes

• Long pants and shirts

• Hand torch/head torch

• Lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) (when working in or around water)

It is also crucial to have a First Aid Kit easily accessible whilst conducting WIRES volunteer duties and activities. Your First Aid Kit at a minimum should contain several broad pressure bandages, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, sanitiser, a variety of plasters, scissors, disposable gloves, antiseptic cream and a first aid manual or instruction booklet. 

It is also important to protect yourself from the elements at all times. Ensure you have access to sunscreen, a hat and a weatherproof jacket should you need them while assisting wildlife in the elements.  

When selecting your PPE, you must consider the following factors:

- Will this minimise risk to work health and safety? 

- Is this equipment suitable for the nature of the activity (such as the wildlife rescue) and any hazard associated with it?

PPE should be utilised in addition to conducting your risk and hazard assessment. Ensure the PPE you have available is of a suitable fit and reasonably comfortable so that any handling techniques, vision, dexterity or mobility isn't compromised while performing the rescue. Wearing ill-fitting PPE may adversely affect how well you are able to perform the activity and may present a further risk to you or the animal.