Toolbox Training Snakes

SUPERVISOR INSTRUCTIONS:
 Use toolbox trainings to encourage safety/environmental discussions during monthly meetings with
employees.
 Campus Services’ employees should maintain the employee sign-in sheet in their department’s
safety/environmental compliance binder as a record of training. All other groups should maintain a record of
training in accordance with their Division’s training procedures.
S
nakes are important predators within the ecosystem,
typically feeding on rodents, birds and insects. These
reptiles are cold-blooded and must rely on external heat
sources to regulate their body temperature.
Therefore, during the hottest part of the day, it is not uncommon
to find snakes coiled in tall grass, lying in moist brush or
camouflaged in cool woodland areas. Of course,
this can be especially dangerous for outdoor workers that may wander
right into their path or accidentally disturb them in the course of
performing their job duties. Outdoor workers, including
groundskeepers, painters, custodial workers, mechanics or any other worker who spends time outside
should learn how to recognize the various snake species, how to avoid exposure to snakes and how to
respond in case someone is bitten.
How to Identify a Venomous Snake

In Georgia there are 41 native species of snakes, but only 6 of them are venomous: Eastern
Diamondback Rattlesnake;
Timber Rattlesnake (or Canebrake);
Pigmy Rattlesnake;
Eastern Coral Snake; Cottonmouth
(or Water Moccasin); Copperhead
However, some of the most frequently observed snakes include many non-
poisonous snakes, such as: black racers, rat snakes and nonvenomous water
snakes. Unfortunately, when a snake is encountered many people are
frightened; they automatically think that the snake is poisonous and try to
kill it. But beware – It is illegal for a person to kill a non-venomous
snake in Georgia! According to wildlife biologist John Jensen, the best
course of action for a novice to determine if a snake is dangerous is to Copperhead
become familiar with the patterns and colors of the venomous snakes.
 Except for the Coral Snake, venomous snakes are most
commonly identified by their triangular-shaped head;
 Three of the six venomous snakes in Georgia have rattles at the tip of
their tails (Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake and
Pigmy Rattlesnake) and only one has bright colors (Coral Snake).
Cottonmouth
Toolbox Training Snakes_2 Revision Date: 29-Nov-17 Page 1 of 3

SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL TOOLBOX TALKS – SNAKES
 One has light brown or grey background with darker brown hourglass or saddleback shapes
across its back and a solid-colored “copper” head (Copperhead).
 One has a very white mouth that is “gaped” open in a defensive position and cannot flee from
threatening situations (Cottonmouth).
Prevention and Protection

Many snake species use camouflage to protect themselves from
predators or as a method of catching their prey. It is wise to use
caution when navigating in moist debris, woodland areas or near
bodies of water, as these are typical habitats of snakes during the
summer. You may also encounter snakes when moving through
transient habitats or during breeding season during spring and
fall.
Be alert, because accidentally stepping on a snake may communicate that
Timber Rattlesnake you are trying to harm it, resulting in an
aggressive response. Most of the time, however, snakes are more scared of you than you are of them and
they will try and get away – fast! Here are some simple methods to keep yourself safe around snakes:
1. WATCH YOUR STEP AND YOUR REACH Pigmy Rattlesnake
 NEVER place your hands or arms into areas blindly; and
use a flashlight, when necessary.
 NEVER attempt to grab and/or pick up a snake. They will
almost always strike at you!
 ALWAYS wear closed-toe shoes and long pants when
walking through woods or places where you won’t have
clear views of where you step.
2. KEEP PEDESTRIAN AND WORK AREAS CLEAR OF DEBRIS AND WOOD
 Use gloves when disturbing wood piles, debris or other cool, moist areas during
daylight hours.
 Watch your step next to wood piles and around the crevices between the wood.
 Walk around logs instead of blindly stepping over them.
3. REMAIN CALM AND LEAVE THEM ALONE
 If you see a snake, maintain a safe distance (> 6 feet); simply step back, let it pass or
just leave it alone. Keep in mind that most snake bites occur when people try to
capture or kill them.
 Do not attempt to nudge a snake to move on its way – the snake may consider this
action a threat and react accordingly!
4. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND BE PREPARED
 Familiarize yourself with local venomous and nonvenomous snakes – for more
information go to: www.uga.edu/srelherp.
 Use caution when working in habitats that may be abundant with insects, fish,
amphibians, birds, rodents, small reptiles, as these are the primary food items of most
snakes. Many snake species are essential predators that control rodents and other pests.
In Case of a Snake Bite

Most people know that they were bitten by a snake, most likely because they were handling the snake or
tried to pick it up. However, if a person is walking in water or tall grass, they may not realize that they
were bitten and may think it is another kind of bite or scratch. Know the signs of snake bites!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depending on the type of snake,
the signs and symptoms may include:
Toolbox Training Snakes_2 Revision Date: 29-Nov- Page 2 of

SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL TOOLBOX TALKS – SNAKES
 A pair of puncture marks at the wound.

 Redness and swelling around the bite.
 Severe pain at the site of the bite.
 Nausea and vomiting.
 Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop
altogether). Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
 Disturbed vision.
 Increased salivation and sweating.
 Numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs.
If you or someone else is bitten by a snake, the most important thing to do is to keep the person calm and
follow these procedures:
 Reduce physical exertion of the victim - Keep the bitten person still and calm. This can slow
down the spread of venom if the snake is poisonous.
 Contact local emergency services and let them know that you have a snakebite
victim:
o At Emory University (Main Campus, Briarcliff Campus or Clairmont
Campus) in Decatur, GA, dial 911 from any campus phone or cell phone for
Dekalb County Emergency Medical Service (EMS).
o At Emory University (Oxford Campus) in Oxford, GA, dial 911 from any
campus phone or cell phone for Newton County EMS.
 Remove any jewelry or watches from the affected area, in case of swelling.
 Lay or sit the person down with the bite below the level of the heart.
 DO NOT cut or ice the affected area or use constricting bands or tourniquets.
 If possible, remember the snake’s shape/size and appearance (pattern) or take a digital (or cell
phone) photo, as this may prove helpful during medical treatment – DO NOT try to capture or
kill the snake.
 If you have a sterile, dry dressing – cover the bite.
 Remain calm and await emergency assistance.
Questions for Discussion

1) You are most likely to encounter snakes when:
a) They are crossing roads or moving through transient habitats
b) They are basking near habitat edges (e.g. water bodies, forested areas)
c) During breeding season (e.g. fall and spring)
d) All of the above
2) The best way to protect yourself from getting bitten by a snake is:
a) Use common sense and leave them alone
b) Wear boots
c) Be as quiet as possible
d) None of the above
3) If someone is bitten by a snake, what is the best thing you can do to help them?
a) Help them walk or drive to the nearest medical facility
b) Try to suck out the poison
c) Keep them calm and call for Emergency Services
d) Capture the snake for medical staff
Toolbox Training Snakes_2 Revision Date: 29-Nov- Page 3 of

Toolbox Training Snakes

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Toolbox Training Snakes

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Toolbox Training Snakes

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SUPERVISOR INSTRUCTIONS:

How to Identify a Venomous Snake

Toolbox Training Snakes_2 Revision Date: 29-Nov-17 Page 1 of 3

Prevention and Protection

In Case of a Snake Bite

Toolbox Training Snakes_2 Revision Date: 29-Nov- Page 2 of

 A pair of puncture marks at the wound.

Questions for Discussion

Toolbox Training Snakes_2 Revision Date: 29-Nov- Page 3 of

You might also like