Health & Safety Matters for Footpath & Conservation Group Volunteers

These guidelines are intended to assist you when undertaking work as a volunteer in the countryside. They are intended to ensure that you have an enjoyable and accident free experience whilst at the same time ensuring that you do not endanger the safety of others working on the project. Please remember that, even though you are a volunteer, you are still governed by the provisions of the Health & Safety at Work Act which basically requires that you “take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or don’t do”.  In that context you should consider the advice given here as mandatory. 

You will be asked to sign a copy of the instructions as a formality to confirm that the Parish Council has informed you of the risks and health and safety issues pertaining to this work.

Access to the Work Area

•  Please make sure you have safe access to the working area and that you remain on public rights of way unless you have the landowners permission to move into other areas.
• Be aware of Livestock which may present a hazard whilst you are working.
• Check that you are not working near to electrified fencing and if so ask the landowner if they will isolate it whilst you are working.
• Try not to work alone or if this is unavoidable make sure people know where you are working and when you are expected to return.
• Take time to check out any potential hazards such as wasps nests, hidden ditches etc.  Also check out any markers indicating underground services such as oil or electricity if excavation work is planned.

Use of tools

• Power tools should not be used unless you hold a competency certificate in their use. You will not be permitted to use Parish Council tools without this and if you elect to use your own tools you may not be covered by insurance either for self injury or third party damages.
• Only use tools which you understand and can use proficiently. If in doubt seek advice.
• Do not use tools which are damaged in any way such as broken shafts, loose heads or damaged cutting edges.
• Be careful when using pruning shears and secateurs; they cut through fingers even easier than they cut through branches!
• Don’t carry sharp pointed tools in your pockets – take them in a bag.
• When using scythes or bill hooks ensure that there is no other person closer than 10 metres. If someone approaches, particularly a member of the public, stop work until they have passed.
• Always keep tight hold of the tools – never throw them.

Protective Personal Equipment

• When working in areas with low branches, particularly with thorns that could pierce the eyes, wear goggles.
• Wear handling gloves if working with briars and thorns or engaged in handling soil or water.
• Use sturdy shoes when working with scythes and bill hooks – toes can be trimmed as well as the vegetation!
• Anyone using power tools must use the appropriate Protective Personal Equipment.

Lifting & Carrying

• Do not lift heavy objects which you think may be beyond your ability particularly if you have back problems.
• Plan the move and ensure the route you need to take is clear.
• Check for sharp or jagged edges and wear handling gloves if necessary. 
• Adopt a balanced, comfortable stance, tuck your chin in and keep your back straight during the lift.
• Lift by bending your knees and using your leg muscles.
• Move with your feet and do not twist your trunk.
• Lower the object in the same way you lifted it, by bending the knees.

Health Issues

• Carry a small first aid kit and make sure you know what to do if you inflict a bad cut on yourself.
• Make sure your tetanus shots are up to date. This is common sense even if you are working in your own garden!
• In strong sun make sure you use a good sun block and wear a hat. Carry water with you and drink plenty of it if you find you are perspiring a lot.
• Keep as much of you skin covered as possible to guard against scratches from thorns and briars.
• Check clothing and bare skin for tics and remove them carefully with tweezers ensuring you do not squeeze them or leave the head behind Lyme’s disease is carried by tics and is a potential killer although happily not common. Inform your doctor if you become unwell a few days after being bitten by a tic.
• Wear gloves, clean any cuts at once and wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking. Leptospirosis (Weils Desiese) is carried by rats and cattle both of which are common in this area. If you do develop flu like symptoms 4 to 19 days after working in the countryside and you think there is a possibility of this infection tell your doctor at once.  Likewise Toxicara Canis is a parasite whose eggs are carried in animal faeces and the same hygiene precautions will guard against this.
• In the highly unlikely event of suffering a snake bite seek immediate medical assistance. Adders, identifiable by there zigzag markings,are not particularly common in the area although harmless grass snakes are and they can be alarming large.
• Bracken spores are considered carcinogenic and a mask should be worn if theses are present. This is unlikely in this locality.

Reporting Accidents

Any accidents should be reported as soon as possible to co-ordinator for the group or if they are unavailable to the Clerk to the Parish Council 01386 462551

I have read and understand the above advice and I am over eighteen years of age

Print Name…………………………………..

Signed ………………………………………..     Date………………..