Generic Risk Assessment (GRA) 2.5 - Large Animal Rescue' is part of a new series of GRAs that are the product of a ten year consultation period. The GRAs in the series have been designed to safeguard Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) personnel and members of the public.

GRA 2.5 examines the hazards, risks and control measure relating to FRS, the personnel of other agencies and members of the public when dealing with incidents involving the rescue of large animals.

This GRA should therefore, be considered in conjunction with other relevant GRAs, which include:

• GRA 2.2 Rescues from ice and unstable ground
• GRA 2.1 Rescues from confined spaces: Trenches / pits
• GRA 5.10 Working at height
• GRA 5.4 Biological hazards
• GRA 4.1 Incidents involving transport systems - Road

Whilst there is no specific definition of a ‘large animal’, any animal that cannot be easily lifted and handled by two persons and removed to a place of safety should be deemed to be a large animal. Consideration should be given to manual handling regulations and specific risks involving species.

Animal rescues by their very nature often occur in difficult locations and conditions. Attempting the rescue of large animals is inherently hazardous, and this is in an area where FRS experience may be limited.

Key features:

• Significant hazards and risks associated with the rescue of large animals
• Key control measures
• Training
• Personal protective equipment
• Releasing of animals and release area

As with all GRAs this assessment provides a starting point for FRS to conduct their own assessments and produce their own Safe Systems of Work within the context of local conditions and existing organisational arrangements.

This GRA is supplied as an A4, loose-leaf publication. A binder pack containing an introduction to the series, foreword by Sir Ken Knight, contents and dividers is available to order separately. The binder is the ideal solution for storing the loose-leaf GRAs.