Corporate Training – Africa

Click here to download our Corporate Training brochure, which includes full course details and course costs.

The African Snakebite Institute is the leading training provider of professional snake awareness, first aid for snakebite and venomous snake handling in Africa!

Our courses are in-depth and up to date, covering all aspects of snake awareness and safe handling techniques. Our trainers collectively have over 60 years of safe snake handling experience, writing scientific publications and presentation experience.

Our safe snake handling protocols were developed by Johan Marais while working as curator at some of Africa’s leading snake parks and as a result of visits to various reptile parks and research facilities in the USA, Mexico, U.K., Spain, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, China, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and various African countries. We pride ourselves on teaching delegates the safest available protocols for capturing and releasing venomous snakes.

Being the leading training provider in Africa, our clients include the likes of Sasol, Eskom, Department of Water Affairs, Umgeni Water, Master Drilling, Group 5, Anglo American, De Beers, Wilderness Safaris, Singita, Wind and Solar Farms, Siemens, Cape Nature and various mines and construction companies throughout Africa.

Snake Awareness, First aid for Snakebite and Venomous Snake Handling

Snake Awareness, First aid for Snakebite and Venomous Snake Handling

It is a 2 – 3 hour program that includes a section on the major groups of scorpions, prevention of stings, the do’s and dont’s of basic first aid for scorpion sting, spider awareness, the dangerous spiders and first aid, bee sting, snake awareness, snake biology and behaviour, myths and superstition, identification of snakes in the area, basic first aid for snakebite and a discussion on the medical treatment of snakebite.

The practical snake handling session lasts about two hours (depending on the size of the group) and delegates are taught how to safely capture and contain venomous snakes using snake tongs, snake hooks, snake tubes and snake buckets. At no stage do delegates make any physical contact with the snakes (i.e. grabbing by the tail or neck) – this is an unnecessary risk and conflicts with the health and safety protocols of most corporate companies. The purpose of this segment is to teach delegates safe protocols on how to cope with and safely remove venomous snakes in an emergency situation.

Our theoretical awareness session covers:

Spider Bite and Scorpion Sting First Aid Treatment

Snake Behaviour and Biology

Snake Identification

How to deal with Snake Encounters

Myths and Superstitions

Prevention of Snakebite

First Aid for Snakebite

Discussion on the Use of Antivenom

Discussion on Medical Treatment of Snakebite

Our practical venomous snake handling session covers:

Correct protocols for snake sightings on-site

Introduction to snake handling equipment and using the correct equipment for the snake removal

Learning how to use snake hooks

Learning how to use snake tongs

Handling a selection of local venomous snakes with appropriate equipment

Safely working with snake containers

Teamwork for snake removals

Implementing crowd control

Choosing suitable release sites

Each delegate receives both a digital and hard copy course certificate, which is valid for 24 months from date of issue.

The delegates also receives a Snakes in the Workplace booklet and an A3 Dangerous Snakes of their country poster.

The African Snakebite Institute provides all the necessary snake handling equipment for the duration of the training.

Recommendations will be made as to what equipment is required when capturing and relocating snakes.

Our course is registered with both the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) – registered health professionals earn 4 CPD points, and the SAIOSH (South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) and registered participants receive 2 CPD points. It is also registered with the PCIPC (Pest Control Industry Professional Council) and registered members receive 3 CPD points when completing this course. Our course are accredited by ISZS (the International Society of Zoological Sciences) and recognised by the AFGA (African Field Guides Association) and the NFTGA (National Federation of Tourist Guides & Affiliates).

Our courses are presented by Johan Marais, Luke Kemp or Willem van Zyl.

Johan Marais is one of Africa’s leading herpetologists with over 45 years of experience. Johan is the most prominent author of snake books in Africa and has written the best-sellers A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa, Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa and First Aid for Snakebite, to mention just a few.

Luke Kemp is a keen herpetologist and photographer who has been working for the African Snakebite Institute for more than four years and, in addition to presenting courses, develops much of the ASI course material and does the identification of snakes from all over Africa on the ASI App. He is also co-authoring a new a book with Johan on the Reptiles & Amphibians of southern Africa.

Willem van Zyl is an experienced snake handler, wildlife photographer and wilderness first responder who has been working with the African Snakebite Institute for the last five years. He has done many public and corporate snake awareness and venomous snake handling courses. Willem is a software developer, who assists with the ASI website and created our hugely popular free App ASI Snakes.

We require a lecture venue large enough to accommodate the delegates, and a white screen or wall for projection of the presentation. Delegates are asked to bring their own pens and note pads should they wish to take notes.

For the snake handling session we require an area outside (preferably in shade) about a quarter the size of a tennis court. The African Snakebite Institute will provide all the snake handling equipment required for use on the day. Delegates who are doing the venomous snake handling are to wear closed shoes and long trousers.

Our on-site training costs $1,350.00 (USD) per day, including travel time and excluding any compulsory government deductions or retainers.

All transport, accommodation and meals to be provided ex O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or charged at $0.44/km from and
to Johannesburg.

Additional costs may include the cost of road taxes, visas and malaria medication where required.

For official quotes, please email Ashley on admin@asiorg.co.za

Click here to download our Corporate Training brochure, which includes full course details and course costs.

For on-site corporate training enquiries, please email Michelle on courses@asiorg.co.za or call her on +27 64 704 7229.