Hendra Virus Risk SWMS (Equine)
Hendra virus exposure prevention for veterinarians, equine workers, and farriers — vaccination programme, PPE for suspected cases, decontamination, and public health notification.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Hendra virus is a fatal zoonotic paramyxovirus transmitted from flying foxes to horses to humans, causing 57% human mortality. Veterinarians, equine workers and farriers handling sick horses face exposure to respiratory secretions and bodily fluids. WHS Regulation 2017 Part 3.1 mandates risk assessment and controls for biological hazards in equine workplaces.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Fatal encephalitis or pneumonia (57% mortality)
Aerosol and mucous membrane transmission
Indirect transmission via fomites and surfaces
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Mandate equine vaccination (Equivac HeV) and treat all unvaccinated febrile horses as suspect Hendra cases.
- 2Wear P2 respirator, eye protection, fluid-resistant gown, double gloves and overboots when examining suspect horses.
- 3Notify Biosecurity Queensland immediately on suspicion; isolate horse, restrict access and decontaminate with sodium hypochlorite.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Mandatory risk assessment framework for equine veterinary practice
P2/N95 respirator selection and fit-testing for zoonotic exposure
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to your equine practice or farrier business
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA) plus Biosecurity Act 2015 references
- ✓Hendra virus hazard register with vaccination status, PPE matrix and notification triggers
- ✓Worker sign-on register for vaccination consent, PPE training and biosecurity briefing
Related legislation
- WHS Regulation 2017 Part 3.1 — Managing risks to health and safety
- Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) — National notifiable disease reporting
- Public Health Act 2005 (Qld) — Hendra virus notification requirements