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Issued by HSE(TS)
Introduction
It is possible to see snakes in Kuwait desert areas. Some snake species are venomous and there is potential for serious health effects if someone is bitten.
Snakes are mainly encountered in KOC West Kuwait facilities, but they could be found elsewhere too.
Normally, snakes will avoid human contact, but they could be encountered during construction work if they are disturbed in their natural habitat.
The snakes are known to fall into trenches or excavations at night and then cant escape. They could equally be found under rocks or taking shelter under construction materials.
The following guidance is aimed to increase awareness of the various desert snakes that are around and help with the care of any bite victims. Normally, a snake has no motive to harm a human. They are only a threat to humans if they are actually touched or stepped on. Many snakebites are a direct result of horseplay. Almost all bites are therefore preventable.
Background
If you fear snakes, it is probably because you are unfamiliar with them or you have wrong information about them. There is no need for you to fear snakes if you know: Their habits. How to identify the dangerous kinds. Precautions to take to prevent snakebite. What actions to take in case of snakebite For someone wearing shoes and trousers and living or working in the desert areas, the risk of being bitten by a venomous snake is low compared to other common hazards.
Nearly all snakes avoid man if possible. Even aggressive species of snakes attack humans only occasionally. Most snakes get out of the way and are seldom seen.
Vipers, the Black Desert Cobra and the Arabian Rear Fanged Snake. The desert cobra is very rare and unlikely to be encountered. The Arabian Rear-Fanged snake or Molpolon is common, but is not particularly dangerous to humans. The most significant threat is from the Desert Vipers.
Snake venom
The three most important types of toxins found in snake venom are: Neurotoxins - Affect the nervous system, causing breathing to stop Cardiotoxins - Affect the heart muscles, causing it to stop beating Hemotoxins - Cause the blood vessels to rupture, resulting in widespread internal bleeding
Small to medium in length, stout bodied snake with short, slender tail. Maximum length of 1.07 metres. Head is broad and flat with narrow neck. Snout is short and blunt. Eyes are medium in size with vertically elliptical pupils. Horns are made up of numerous small scales, which is quite different to the Arabian Horned Viper. Slow moving snake. Capable of sidewinding locomotion. Takes shelter in rodent burrows, rock crevices or under boulders. Relatively placid disposition. If disturbed it will hiss loudly but usually requires some provocation before striking. Not much is known about venom toxicity, but it is unlikely to be fatal.
Medium-sized, moderately stout, desert cobra, adults usually 0.7-1.1 m long (max. 1.3 m). Body generally glossy black; belly paler. Scales smooth, hood usually not apparent, head small, not distinct from neck. Found in various arid habitats, including open desert; but usually at edges of desert, in oases, cultivated fields, gardens, irrigated areas, & around buildings. Not usually aggressive. When provoked it will hiss violently & strike. Can strike at a distance of 2/3 of its body length. Does not usually spread its hood, nor hold the front of its body up off the ground. Venom strongly neurotoxic, with some milder hemotoxic factors. Envenomation usually causes combination of local pain, swelling, fever, general weakness, headache and vomiting. Human deaths from envenomations have been reported.
Cliff or Wadi Racer (Platyceps rhodorachis) Slender bodied snake with a very
long tapering tail. Can grow to a maximum of about 1.4 m.
keep still. Many will fear sudden death and may become hysterical. Tell the victim that 70% of snakebites are from nonpoisonous species. Of the remaining 30%, only half will actually involve injecting venom. The chances are they are OK! a piece of cloth to support the arm. In the case of a leg bite, use a splint to support both legs and bandage them together. Do not tie the bandages tightly. Keep the victim immobile.
The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way. Most snake bite areas will swell. All rings or other jewellery on
the bitten limb, especially on fingers, should be removed, as they may act as tourniquets.
Administer artificial respiration if the victim stops breathing. If the snake has been killed it should be brought with the patient
for identification, but care is required because even a dead snake can envenom. No attempt should be made to capture a live snake as it will only increase the risk of a second bite victim.
Do not panic! The majority of snake bites are not fatal. More
deaths and injuries are caused in panic states than by the snake bites themselves. Remember, some snake bites may not be venomous. Many deaths or injuries have been caused by traffic accidents on route to the hospital due to careless driving or speeding.
Thank you
HSE (TS) Team