TERMS OF USE & INTENDED USE

SAFE Wildlife Rescue — Carbon-Fibre Telescopic Rescue Pole & Halo Attachment

Email: rhiannan@safewildliferescue.com.au Phone: +61 434 575 072

Last updated: August 2026 — Version 1.1

Please read these Terms of Use in full before using this equipment. By using a SAFE Wildlife Rescue pole and halo, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms, and you accept the risks described below. These Terms should be read together with our Warranty & Returns Policy.

1. WHO THIS EQUIPMENT IS FOR

This equipment is intended for use by trained, experienced wildlife rescuers who understand koala behaviour, low-stress handling, and the hazards of working at height and in the field.

It is not a consumer novelty item and is not intended for untrained members of the public. If you are not a trained rescuer, do not use this equipment. Purchasing the product does not qualify or authorise a person to carry out wildlife rescue; that remains the responsibility of the operator and any relevant authorising body.

2. INTENDED PURPOSE

The pole and halo are designed as a low-stress guidance aid to encourage a koala to move calmly down a tree of its own accord, so that a trained handler can safely intercept it. The equipment is designed to guide, not to touch.

The equipment is not designed or intended to catch, hook, strike, prod, push, restrain, dislodge or make physical contact with any animal, and must never be used to do so.

3. CORRECT METHOD OF USE — THE BASE MUST BE SUPPORTED ON THE GROUND

These poles are designed and intended to be used with the base supported on the ground. That is the correct and only recommended method of use.

They must not be lifted off the ground and held suspended in the air, rested on the thigh, or otherwise carried aloft — particularly at full 12–15m extension. Used this way, the pole acts as a cantilever: the entire load, magnified by the pole's length, places significant strain on the operator's lower back and, critically, on the pole itself. Bending stress concentrates at the section joints, which over repeated use can fatigue the material and lead to cracking or snapping.

Correct operation:

- Support the base firmly on the ground before extending.

- Extend, collapse and lock each section using the correct technique. Do not force sections or apply sideways (lateral) load to the sections or clips.

- Raise the halo into position above and slightly in front of the koala's head — never from behind.

- Hold the halo steady. Let the shape do the work; do not wave, jab or push.

- The pole and halo must never make contact with the koala or any other animal.

- If the koala does not respond, stop, regroup, and reassess. Do not escalate by pushing or getting closer. Consider alternative methods (for example, a qualified tree climber, an elevated work platform, or passive trapping) as appropriate.

4. OPERATOR SAFETY

Field rescue is inherently hazardous. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those around you. In particular:

- Electrical hazards / powerlines. Carbon fibre is electrically conductive and, in the field environment, can present a serious electrocution risk. Never use this pole near powerlines, electrical infrastructure, or any overhead electrical hazard. Contact or proximity can be fatal. If there is any electrical hazard in the vicinity, do not use the pole — withdraw and seek appropriate assistance.

- Overhead and falling hazards. Be aware of dead limbs, falling branches, the animal itself, and unstable canopy before and during use.

- Manual handling. Use the correct ground-supported method (Section 3) to avoid back and musculoskeletal injury. Do not overreach or work beyond your physical capacity.

- Weather. Do not use in storms, high winds, wet or electrical-storm conditions. Wind loading at full extension significantly increases strain and loss of control.

- Footing and surroundings. Ensure stable, level footing. Take care near roads, traffic, water, fences and members of the public. Keep bystanders clear of the working area.

- Situational awareness. Continuously assess the animal, the environment and your own fatigue. Stop if conditions become unsafe.

5. ANIMAL WELFARE

Animal welfare is the first priority at all times.

- The equipment must never make contact with an animal.

- Keep the ground quiet and calm; minimise noise, movement and handling time.

- If the animal shows escalating distress or does not respond, stop and reassess rather than persisting.

- Return equipment to a clean state between rescues; do not allow blood or biological matter to remain on the equipment (see also our Warranty & Returns Policy).

- Use of this equipment does not replace sound rescue judgement, training, or the welfare obligations that apply to you.

6. PROHIBITED USES

Do not:

- Use the pole other than with its base supported on the ground.

- Make contact with, hook, prod, push, strike or restrain any animal with the pole or halo.

- Use the equipment near powerlines or electrical hazards.

- Use the equipment in storms, high winds or unsafe weather.

- Modify, alter, repair or fit non-SAFE parts to the equipment.

- Use the equipment if you are not a trained rescuer, or beyond your training, capability or authorisation.

7. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Wildlife rescue involves working at height, near hazards, with unpredictable animals and in uncontrolled environments. To the extent permitted by law, you use this equipment at your own risk and you acknowledge and accept the risks associated with its use, including risks of injury, property damage, harm to animals, and financial or consequential loss.

You are solely responsible for assessing each situation, deciding whether it is safe and appropriate to use the equipment, and for the manner in which you use it. SAFE Wildlife Rescue is not present at, and has no control over, the circumstances in which the equipment is used.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the maximum extent permitted by law, SAFE Wildlife Rescue will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense — whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential — arising from or in connection with the use or misuse of this equipment, including use otherwise than in accordance with these Terms of Use.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, remedy or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified — including any rights under the Australian Consumer Law and any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable civil liability legislation. Where our liability can be limited but not excluded, it is limited to the extent permitted by law and, in respect of the goods, to the remedies set out in our Warranty & Returns Policy.

9. YOUR LEGAL AND REGULATORY RESPONSIBILITIES

You are responsible for ensuring that your rescue activities comply with all applicable laws, regulations, licences, permits and codes of practice, and with the requirements of any organisation under which you operate. This equipment does not confer any authorisation to handle, rescue or interfere with wildlife.

10. RELATIONSHIP TO WARRANTY

Correct use in accordance with these Terms of Use is a condition of our Warranty & Returns Policy. Damage or failure resulting from use outside these Terms — including cantilever use off the ground, contact with an animal, use near electrical hazards, or use in unsafe weather — is not covered by our voluntary warranty. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law for genuine manufacturing defects are not affected.

11. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia, and the Commonwealth of Australia, and any dispute will be dealt with in accordance with those laws.

12. CONTACT

For questions about safe and correct use of your equipment, contact SAFE Wildlife Rescue — email rhiannan@safewildliferescue.com.au, phone +61 434 575 072.