Training in snake identification and first aid for snake bites has been offered to City of Cape Town staff working at landfill sites.
Mayoral committee member for utility services Ernest Sonnenberg said 85 out of 142 staff received certificates for the “Snake Out” course.
“The training covered snake identification and gave staff the necessary expertise to skilfully manage the situation if confronted with a venomous snake.”
As part of the course, trainees received hands-on venomous snake handling training.
“Some of the employees who attended the training course were reluctant to take part in the snake handling section.
“Although these employees did not receive training certificates, they were able to sit in on the identification and first-aid sections.”
He said that knowledge of snakes' behaviour and the danger that various species pose helped keep employees safe.
Those working in landfill sites had an increased chance of coming into contact with snakes because landfill often attracted rodents, a food source for snakes.
Sapa