1. It is of the very highest priority that as safe an environment as is reasonably practical is maintained for both staff and customers. Note should be taken of all relevant legislation but particularly the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA 1974).

2. Particular care should be taken to ensure that:
   1. emergency evacuation procedures are known to all staff

   2. fire-fighting equipment is regularly maintained and its location and mode of operation is known to all staff.

   3. entrances and exits are kept clear and are clearly and correctly marked.

3. Particular note will be taken of the need for care and training in the following areas:
   1. First Aid and the use of an Accident Record Book

   2. Hazardous and venomous species

   3. Zoonoses-diseases which spread from animal to man e.g. Fish TB and Salmonella

   4. Safe use and disposal of chemicals

   5. Safe installation and working procedures for the use of electrical equipment in damp environments. Any installation of electrical equipment should be carried out by a competent electrician

   6. Firefighting

   7. Emergency procedures e.g. electric shock, spillage of chemicals, sting by venomous livestock etc.

   8. If there are more than 5 employees OATA Ltd would recommend that these points are recorded in the written Health and Safety policy maintained by the business as required by HASAWA 1974.

4. The licensee or a designated keyholder must at all times be within reasonable distance of the premises and available to visit the premises in case of emergency.

5. A list of keyholders with their addresses and telephone numbers must be lodged with the local police and fire brigade.

6. An emergency telephone number must be displayed at the front of the premises. This may be 999.

7. When retail outlets are sited within other premises, the licensee or keyholders must have access at all times to the premises containing the livestock.

8. Fish are exempt from the provisions of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. Thus anyone may diagnose and treat fish diseases.

9. However, fish are not exempt from the Medicines Act. This means that drugs such as anaesthetics, antibiotics or other controlled medicines should only be used under veterinary direction.

10. Veterinary Surgeons may only prescribe drugs for animals under their care. This must be actual rather than theoretical and will mean periodic on site visits.

11. Failure on the part of the veterinary surgeon to meet this legal requirement may lead to him/her being struck off.

12. No animal should be stocked unless at least one member of staff is familiar with its care and welfare.

13. Staff will be encouraged to increase their knowledge and experience and so enhance the quality of information they may provide to customers.

14. A written training policy should be formulated to demonstrate that systematic training is taking place.

15. Training may be:
    1. in house; instruction by experienced, preferably qualified staff.

    2. home study; providers are:
       • Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) -
         Water Quality and Filtration Advanced Diploma
         Fish Biology and Fish Health Advanced Diploma
         Water Quality Certificate
         Filtration Certificate
         Fish Biology Certificate
         Fish Health Certificate
         See home study

       • Pet Care Trust -
         City & Guilds (776) Pet Store Management Certificate

    3. short courses

    4. full-time courses

    5. conferences

    Sparsholt College, Hampshire, Capel Manor, Brooksby College and Pencoed College offer short courses, full-time courses and conferences.