Parc-an-Colan
Allotment Association
Health & Safety Guide
Guide Index
Title
Introduction
1. Coronavirus (Covid 19)
2. Personal Safety
3. Physical Exercise
4. Health & Wellbeing
5. Manual Handling
6. Lone Working
7. First Aid
8. Hand Tools / Power Tools
9. Driving on the Allotment
10. Hazardous Materials
11. Ponds & Water
12. Adverse Weather / Wind Damage / Glass
13. Infections and Diseases
14. Bonfires
15. Working at Height
16. Solar power
Version control
Amendments Version Author Issue date
Draft Draft E Howard 03/02/2021
Original issue 1.0 E Howard 15/06/2020
Updated (Covid) 2.0 E Howard 18/02/2021
Annual review 3.0 E Howard 18/02/2022
Annual review 4.0 E Howard 28/03/2023
Introduction
Welcome to this Health and Safety Guide on Allotments
Allotment sites and the activity of gardening is relativity risk free if people are aware of the hazards and make steps to ensure that themselves, other people and wildlife are not put at risk.
This guide aims to assist plot owners in making allotments as safe as possible for all those that use them.
Under civil law anyone involved in allotment management has a common duty of care to ensure that their allotment sites are run in as safe and appropriate manner as possible, as set out in the Occupiers’ Liability Act, 1957.
This duty of care is extended towards all people accessing the allotment site and its boundaries, including plot holders, members of the public and bona fide visitors, intruders and volunteers. There are also environmental and animal husbandry laws to be observed.
All activities carry an element of risk, and allotment activities are no exception.
Everyone needs to take health and safety seriously, but it is also important not to become “litigation Paranoid”, turning allotments into bland, unusable landscapes.
Plot holders also have a duty of care for themselves and any visitors.
The Allotment Committee are recommended to inform plot holders of any Health & Safety issues that are directly relevant to them, hopefully this guide gives all the necessary information required to have safe and injury free environment.
1. Coronavirus (Covid 19)
As you are all aware the restrictions around Covid 19 are very different from the last few years, however as an allotment Association we should still be precautious on how we continue to manage our plots in a safe and secure manner post pandemic. We still need to take care and think about those that are vulnerable to the disease.
2. Personal Safety
Every member of the Parc-an-Colan Allotment association has a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions.
Although gardens can be a source of pleasure, relaxation and exercise, unfortunately, they also house the potential for nasty accidents so follow our advice on staying safe.
Allotment Injuries
Many individuals in the UK attended Accident and Emergency departments after having an accident on an allotment.
The lawnmower tops the list of the most dangerous pieces of equipment, with 6,500 lawnmower related accidents reported each year. Surprisingly the innocuous flowerpot is the second most dangerous tool, causing 5,300 accidents, with falls, cuts and lifting injuries some of the most common types of accident recorded.
It's incredible how many people end up in hospital because they haven't taken basic safety precautions on the allotment.
Why accidents happen?
• people take shortcuts
• lack of skill or training to ensure that the job is done safely
• ignorance of potential risks
• lack of planning and preparation
• and, of course, bad luck; being in the wrong place at the wrong time
Just by following some basic Health and Safety precautions you can make your allotment safer
You can help to avoid accidents by following some simple tips:
• Design your allotment so that it reduces the need for high maintenance and lifting.
• Avoid trip hazards such as loose paving slabs, hosepipes left unravelled or uneven surfaces.
• Use surfaces that provide a good grip underfoot.
• Avoid the allotment if possible when conditions are icy and slippery.
• Do not leave sharp tools lying around. Lock them away from children.
• Lock away chemicals such as weed killers and insecticides. Just because they have the words 'organic' or 'bio' on them, does not make them safe for children to touch.
• Wear safety equipment - such as goggles, hard hats, gloves and steel toe capped boots - when using machinery. Tuck in loose items of clothing.
• If you are in the least bit unsure about the safety of tackling a job, please get some advice.
Remember personal safety is about you making the correct choices on your actions. STAY SAFE.
3. Physical Exercise
Rather than spiral into despair as you peer over your paunch at the scales in the New Year, look to the allotment instead. I think this is the best way to get into shape, how many gym subscriptions are paid up then left unused as those good intentions wane. Many of us know what the downsides of the gym are, but how many realise the up sides of the
allotment?
How many calories do you use when you garden?
For the calorie-obsessed among us, it is fascinating to flick through a table of all the different allotment activities. Some of the meatier tasks, such as shovelling or mowing the lawn for an hour with a hand mower, will burn around 400 calories. If you jog for four miles you will burn about the same amount.
The point is that while it is an effort to drag yourself to the gym for three sessions a week, nipping over to the allotment is far more appealing. Even on days when you just pick a few beans, water some plants or open the greenhouse door, you will be putting your body through a useful range of movements involving resistance and stretching exercises, even if you don't realise that you are doing so.
If you spent three hours in the garden, doing a range of jobs such as raking, digging, chopping logs and weeding, you would easily use plenty of calories.
The benefit in terms of weight loss is that working on the allotment involves prolonged energy expenditure (as opposed to a shorter burst of intense aerobic activity) so you will tend to burn more fat as opposed to carbohydrates, which is more effective when trying to lose weight.
What great exercise can you do on the allotment now?
Don’t get carried away, or underestimate how strenuous the work is, doing it when we aren't fit and for long spells, far longer than we would be encouraged to in a gym may cause unnecessary injuries.
A good workout includes turning the compost heap, barrowing compost, chopping logs, planting trees and spreading thick piles of mulch around them. I would intersperse these more aerobic activities with gentler tasks such as tidying the greenhouse, seed sowing and weeding the plot.
It is vital to warm up before working on the allotment. For this, take a brisk stroll round the allotment to check on plants and see what needs doing, and do some stretches as you go.
Before you leave your plot, it’s also important to do a few stretches, geared to keep my body supple and to ward off post-allotment stiffness. The regular stretching lets your body achieve a wider range of movement and ensures that you do not stiffen up afterwards.
While so many of us pound away in the gym in our efforts to keep fit, burn calories and lose a few pounds, remember there is a great outdoor arena at your allotment which can help you exercise.
Someone weighing around nine stone will burn 150 calories in half an hour of digging, while non-motorised mowing typically burns around 165 calories per 30 minutes, according to research from Harvard Medical School.
Raking the lawn for 30 minutes burns around 120 calories - the same as the calories burned in a half hour of Tai Chi, volleyball and even horse riding - while half an hour of splitting wood burns the same number of calories as half an hour of vigorous weight-lifting, research suggests.
Squat and stretch
Try squatting when you're weeding or planting and you'll use a mass of muscles in the process. Stand on one leg while pruning, digging or clipping, which will stretch you and increase suppleness. Don't always get out the ladder. Instead, get on your toes on one leg if possible and stretch to reach.
The wonderful thing about working on the allotment is that, unlike repetitive exercises at the gym, it can provide all over-body fitness - raking, weeding, digging and other gardening tasks all use different muscles and test your body in different ways.
Warm-ups are important, especially if you've been a couch potato over the winter months.
It's best to limit your activity on one thing, so rotate your allotment jobs - don't spend hours digging all at once - and, most importantly, stretch, which makes a huge difference. If you don't stretch at the end of the day when you are warm, you will really stiffen up afterwards."
Build your core and back
Classic back problems associated with gardening can be avoided if you make your core muscles as strong as they can be.
When you are lifting a heavy pot, squat down and use your core muscles to lift it up, pulling it close to your tummy and then stand. You really don't want to be twisting and having the weight out from your body.
If you want to be super fit, combine gardening with a more traditional work-out and avoid shortcuts like ride-on lawnmowers, leaf-blowers and other tools which avoid having to pick things off the ground.
4. Health & Wellbeing
Wellbeing for the body and mind
Gardening is a wonderful pastime for people of any age; for seniors, who can improve their arthritis pain and reduce stress and anxiety, and for children, who can learn about Earth science and how to be responsible at the same time. For everyone else, gardening holds quite a few benefits, including a decrease in the risk of heart disease and diabetes and an overall mood boost. In fact, gardening can help stave off sadness and provides a healthy way to cope with stress, which is a major factor in substance abuse. In addition, there are benefits for the planet, such as creating a safe space for bees to find food and water.
It can help you get in shape
That’s right, working in the garden can help you feel and look better. It may not seem like it’s much of a workout, but when you think about it, gardening involves many of the muscle groups and will have you bending, stretching, kneeling, and standing quite a bit. Make sure you bring a soft foam mat to kneel on, which will save your knees some pain later, and wear protective gloves, sunscreen, and a hat to shield your face from the sun.
By extension, gardening can keep you from the risk of disease, in part because it helps you stay active, but also because it reduces stress and anxiety, which are hard on the heart. Also, if you choose to grow fruits and/or veggies, you’re more likely to start a healthy diet and stick to it.
It’s an instant mood boost
Spending time outdoors is a great way to boost your mood, especially if you’ve been feeling low. Working in the sun means you get a dose of vitamin D, which can help you feel happier, and you’ll get a big feeling of accomplishment when you’re able to see the colorful results of all your hard work.
Gardening can also help you bond with your children or grandchildren, as it’s a great activity to try with young people. Planting seeds, tending them, and watching them grow can teach kids about responsibility and empathy, and can help them stay active as well.
It can help your brain health
Various studies over the years have shown a dramatic connection between gardening and a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, in part because it keeps the brain active and vital and encourages creativity. Not only that, but engaging in the act of gardening can be soothing and allows the gardener to try new things each time.
"Partly, I do it because it never gets boring. Even if you grow the same plants and do the same things to them each year, they always perform differently because of weather conditions and other factors. And, there are always new plants to try, new combinations to experiment with.
Many gardeners say that the physicality of working with plants, digging their hands in the dirt and being able to see the fruits of their labors when harvest or bloom-time comes around, is part of the appeal, in part because it’s on the opposite end of the spectrum from sitting in an office all day.
Working in a space filled with flowers and plants can help you express your creativity and get in daily exercise, which is important for people of any age. Think about what type of plants you’d like to fill your garden with and do some research on the best ways to utilise your space.
5. Manual Handling
Digging the soil is one of the most physical demanding tasks on the allotment, as it involves continued bending and straightening of the back when lifting a spade of soil. It needs to be approached with care, particularly if you are not used to heavy work.
However, using some basic techniques when ensure you do not put a lot of strain on your back.
Manual Handling – whether it’s moving pots, paving slabs and bags of compost here are our top tips:
Be realistic about what you can move
• Can you can you move your load anther way? For example; roll or walk it, push it in a wheelbarrow, drag it, wait until you can get help.
• Two persons moving really helps to share the load, but make sure you co-ordinate well or one of you will end up taking all the strain.
• If you have to lift, then ‘Love your load’ -get it close to the middle of your body
• You don’t have to carry for the full distance or lift from floor to head height in one go. Instead lift in stages – from the floor to a midway point, reposition your load and you, and then do the next stage.
• Move your feet rather than twisting your back – Twisting and top heavy bending is bad enough on their own, it’s such bad news for your back if you combine the two.
• Use your legs not your back and upper body strength – this is what the powerful legs and bum muscles are designed for, and engage your core too.
• If you are carrying a load and can’t see where you are placing your feet, you are more likely to slip or fall – gardens are full of uneven surfaces and obstacles
• Carrying loads – try not to be lopsided, and don’t overfill your trugs or wheelbarrows.
• Wheeling loads or lawnmowers? Pushing is usually a better option than pulling.
For more information on Manual Handling please see HSE Manual Handling at Work, A brief guide.
6. Lone Working
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE ?
Allotment gardeners often spend long periods of time on their own site, common sense dictates that you should take your personal safety seriously and tell another person where you are, what you are doing and what time you will be home. If you have a mobile phone take it with you. For personal security please ensure that the gate to the allotment is closed upon entering and leaving the site.
However, the best solution for lone working is to take family or friends with you to the allotment, four hands are better than two.
For more information on lone working please see the HSE guidance on working alone attached.
If you find yourself in trouble shout for help. If you are in serious trouble and no one is there to help, use your mobile phone if you have one and call 999. You will need to be able to direct the emergency services to where you are on the allotments site. The location of the site is displayed on the notice board on the communal shed but it may be worth entering this on your phone for emergencies.
The location is:
Leaving Quintrell Downs towards Newquay along the William Hoskin Road, approx. 100 Metres past the Quintrell Downs Train Station, carry on round the bend (Gypsy Corner) the entrance is situated on the left. See Arrow
If someone is with you and they can get help, arrange for someone to meet the emergency services at the entrance gate to the site. They can then unlock the gates and direct the emergency services to you much more quickly once they have arrived at the site. If you are able to talk to the emergency services tell them as much as possible about what has happened as this can save time when they arrive at the scene. Keep yourself warm. Do not panic and try to keep calm.
Further information about safe gardening can be found at http://www.safegardening.co.uk/
7. First Aid
The nature of gardening tools and prickly plants means sometimes people accidentally get hurt. But learning a little first aid doesn’t hurt at all.
First Aid Kit
A basic First Aid Kit and Eyewash is kept at the first aid point in the communal plot shed. In addition, an accident record book is kept with the First Aid Kit and Eyewash. In the event of an accident plot holders/visitors are requested to complete a record form as soon as practical following the incident and notify a member of the committee so the accident can be investigated and reported to the Duchy, Cornwall Council and the Health and Safety Executive.
However, everyone is also advised to keep their own first Aid kit in their shed with some plasters, antiseptic ointment and a pair of tweezers to remove thorns or splinters and some lint gauze or lint pad to use as a compress to stop bleeding if you have a cut.
Here are our top first aid tips for all our allotters
Cuts and wounds
Pruning bushes and trimming hedges requires sharp kit like saws and shears. No matter how carefully you use them, it’s all too easy to cut yourself or others – sometimes badly.
Bleeding wound
If blood is flowing heavily from a wound and it is not possible to stop the bleeding with a plaster:
• Put pressure on the wound with whatever is available to stop or slow down the flow of blood.
• Call 999 as soon as possible, or get someone else to do it.
• Keep pressure on the wound until help arrives.
Trips and falls
Trips and falls are the most common garden-based accident and can lead to sprains, strains or even broken bones.
Sprains and strains
Someone with a strain or sprain will have pain, swelling and/or bruising around a joint or muscle. If the injury is at a joint, the person may have difficulty moving a limb. You should:
• Apply an ice pack to the injury.
• Get the person to rest the injured part of their body in a raised, comfortable position. If there is no improvement, seek medical advice.
Broken bone
If a person is in pain and has bruising or swelling, they may have broken a bone. Their limb may also look out of shape or be bent at an unusual angle. You should:
• Help the person to support the injury using their hand or items of clothing (such as a spare jumper or t-shirt) to prevent unnecessary movement.
• Get the person to hospital. Call 999 if necessary.
Insect and plant stings
Wasps and bees love your garden but can also sting, as can some plants. Stings can lead to allergic reactions in some people, so make sure you know what to do.
• If someone has been stung and the sting is visible on the skin, use the edge of a credit card to scrape it away.
• Apply an ice-pack to the affected area to minimise pain and swelling.
• Watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing and/or reddened and swollen, itchy skin on the hands, feet or face.
If someone has been stung in the mouth or throat, give them an ice cube to suck on or a glass of cold water to sip. These can prevent swelling. If swelling does start to develop, call 999 as it could get worse and block their airway.
Signs of a more severe allergic reaction include a rash, itchiness or swelling on a person’s hands, feet or face. A person’s breathing may also slow down. If you spot these signs:
• Call 999.
• Give them constant reassurance while waiting for the ambulance.
• If they have a known allergy and an auto-injector, help them to use it or do it yourself following the guidance on the product.
Gardening in the sunshine
Pottering around the garden in the warm, sunny weather can put you at risk of burns and dehydration.
The best defense is prevention by using sun cream and drinking lots of fluids. But if you forget, here’s what to do.
Sunburn
If you do get sunburnt:
• Move into the shade.
• Cool the affected skin by dabbing with cold water.
• Apply after sun lotion to soothe the area.
Dehydration
Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, headaches, and dizziness and confusion.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Water is usually sufficient but oral rehydration solutions or isotonic sports drinks are better as they also replace lost salts.
Defibrillator
In a worst-case scenario and a real emergency there is a defibrillator is located at the Quintrell Downs Village Hall on the left-hand side of the entrance.
8. Hand and Power Tools
Hand Tools
Garden tools can be a hazard if they are not used or stored properly or are left lying around the allotment when not in use. For example, upturned spades, forks and rakes.
Garden tools can be a hazard if they are not stored properly or are left lying around the allotment when not in use. For example, upturned spades and forks. Always reserve that little bit of time to put things away after a day’s work. An untidy allotment is a dangerous one.
Power Tools
Powered tools and equipment Gardening and landscaping equipment with powered mechanisms and blades can be dangerous. You must use equipment in the right way and will need to have some training to ensure you are fully competent in using them. In addition, you should always follow the supplier’s operating instructions
Make sure that your equipment has the appropriate guards and safety features and wear the personal protective equipment (PPE). Don’t be tempted to modify or override any safety features, for example, lawn mower controls – they’re there for a good reason.
If you use petrol or diesel-powered equipment, think about how and where you store both the kit and the fuel, and how to ventilate fumes.
Think about the noise generated by powered equipment. Most lawnmowers and strimmer’s now come with an indication of the decibels they generate – if it’s higher than 80 dBA then you’ll need to use hearing protection. Remember that damage – from tinnitus to hearing loss – can happen gradually over a period of exposure, so it’s best to prevent it before it starts.
Of course, it’s not just noise that can cause a problem with powered equipment – you or your team can develop permanent disabling injuries from vibrations using power tools like strimmer’s day in, day out. Conditions like vibration white finger, where sufferers’ hands become numb, struggle to grip and are more sensitive to temperature changes, can be painful and disabling. Always check what the manufacturer or supplier recommends.
Most power tools need specific safety and handling training e.g., power strimmer’s, lawn mowers and rotavators, all with metal blades.
Before using any of the allotment power tools you must familiarise and abide by the Safe Working Procedures. Which must be signed to say you have read and understood the precautions and safety working requirements.
Lawn Mower Safety Guide
So, the warm weather is approaching, summer is on its way, and you look out at your garden and remind yourself that the lawn is going to need cutting soon. After its winter hibernation, the grass is starting to reach up to the sun and before long, if you’re not careful, you’re going to lose your dog in there. Before you pull out your mower though, have a read of this lawn mower safety guide so you don’t end up doing yourself some mischief!
Safety has to come first when mowing your lawn
Most of the small tips and advice you’ll find in this section could probably be filed under the common-sense category. But health and safety statistics tell us that most accidents in the home occur in the situations that we take for granted and can be prevented.
Knowing how to safely use your petrol lawn mower can range from ensuring that the mower is maintained properly through to its actual use when you have it on the lawn. You have to read the user manual that came supplied with your mower. Yes, you may know what you’re doing generally and think you could overlook this, but there could be important information contained within that is specific to that particular brand or model. But more importantly, read the first entry on our list below:
Read your mower safety instructions
We usually ignore this part of the manual thinking we know all about safety. But that’s how accidents happen. The information supplied in this part of the user manual is usually both general safety advice and advice for the particular brand or model of the mower we’re using. Please read it and don’t ignore it.
Check the condition of your mower before use
You don’t have to pull the mower apart and strip the engine down to its bare bones, but check over some of the major parts. Just like you’d check the tires and oil on your car if you were going on a trip out, do the same with your mower before firing it up. It’s not only a good safety tip but can help prolong the life of your mower too.
• Check to make sure there are no oil or petrol leaks.
• Ensure that the cutting blades aren’t loose or restricted.
• Make sure that the throttle handle isn’t sticking.
• Check that each wheel is properly attached.
The lawn mower blades are sharp so don’t mow the lawn in your socks
Always wear good solid footwear when you mow the lawn. The blades can spin at a high rpm and will attempt to cut anything in their way, especially squishy flesh. A moment lost concentration could easily result in a lost toe or two. Wear boots if you have them and hard-wearing shoes if you don’t.
Clear any objects or debris from the lawn before mowing
Pay particular attention to any stones that might be buried in the grass. If one of these gets lifted by the blades they can be fired from the side of the mower like a bullet if a little gap can be found. Mostly, a protective shield surrounds the blades but if it’s an old mower and you’ve not been great with your maintenance over the years, then part of this shield might have broken off or weakened. In addition, again, this can help prolong the life of your mower too.
Push powered mowers should always be pushed away from you
Pushing a mower back and forth over the grass is an accident waiting to happen, especially if your toes get in the way on a back pull. Always push the mower away from you. Fortunately, with more and more self-propelled mowers becoming cheaper and the norm, then hopefully, this will become an accident of the past.
Switch off the engine and wait for the blades to stop before checking for faults
When you leave go of the throttle, the engine stops sending power to the cutting blades, however, it takes a short while for them to actually stop rotating. Don’t be thinking it’s ok to leave go of the throttle and then straight away tip the mower sideways to check for a fault or to clean. Those cutting blades will still be looking to cut for a few seconds.
Likewise, before any sort of maintenance or cleaning of your mower, switch the engine off.
Never smoke while you’re mowing the lawn
As an ex-smoker, I used to love having a cup of tea waiting on a near side garden table and smoke a cigarette while mowing the lawn – with my electric Flymo. But remember the key word in the term petrol lawn mower. Petrol can go boom if it’s not respected. If you’re going to smoke in the garden put a good distance between yourself and the mower and make sure the engine isn’t running. Even then, if you can smell petrol fumes, don’t light up!
Store your petrol safely
For similar reasons mentioned above, always make sure that you store your petrol when not needed in a neutral environment and never exceed the guidelines and law concerning how much petrol is a safe amount to store.
Don’t refill your fuel tank in a confined space or when the engine is hot
Fuel vapour has a nasty habit of hanging around if there is no escape for it and it’s just waiting for some form of ignition. Fill your tank up in the open air and, as the second part of the header above states, do so when your engine is cold. If you run out of petrol mid mow, then wait for a while for things to cool down.
If you’re performing maintenance, remove the spark plugs
Any little spark can ignite fuel vapour and if you’re working on the engine of your mower for any reason, then just unplug the spark plugs, because as their name suggests, they can provide that little spark that could result in your losing more than your eyebrows.
Perform regular servicing and maintenance checks
Keeping your mower in tip-top shape when not in use will not only save you money in the long run, but could prevent many accidents before they have a chance to develop. Pay particular attention to this when you’ve had your mower in storage over winter and out of use. Before the first mow of the spring / summer make sure you give your mower the full once over and a service (i.e., change the oil). If messing with an engine isn’t in your area of expertise, any car mechanic you know will have the skills necessary to help you out. Might want you to mow his lawn to return the favour, but hey, this is small price to pay when you think about it.
If you follow this advice in this short lawn mower safety guide then you should be able to avoid most accidents that can occur. However, always be mindful that most accidents in life happen can happen when you least expect them and they can come from the most extraordinary of circumstance, so always be on your toes and make sure the mower isn’t. Safe gardening.
9. Driving on the Allotment
The allotment has a road that runs centrally through the allotment with plots either side. The road also crosses a foot and cycle path at the main entrance. The road is used by both vehicles and pedestrians, which makes this a potentially dangerous area, that could lead to some serious consequences if there was an accident.
The Speed limit is 5 MPH
To ensure the safety of all, the following rules must be adhered to:
Drivers
1. Always look out for pedestrians. When you are operating a vehicle, you have accepted a heightened responsibility for other people on the road. Safety is a two-way street. Often, pedestrians— especially younger ones— are not where they should be or where you would expect them to be. Remain vigilant at all times.
2. Be very vigilant when driving across the foot and cycle path at the entrance, look twice both ways.
3. Always follow posted speed limits (5mph), especially during busy periods. This is even more important on the allotment as pedestrians may appear suddenly coming out of there plots.
4. Be extremely vigilant when reversing.
5. Stay alert when exiting the allotment as this is a very busy road.
Pedestrians
1. STAY VISABLE. Always make sure you’re visible to drivers and make eye contact with them whenever possible. This is especially important at night, or in low-light.
2. STAY ALERT. Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that, as a pedestrian, your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out. Avoid using your phone as they take your eyes off the road and try not to wear headphones.
3. Walk in safe places and avoid the road if possible.
10. Hazardous materials
Weed killers & Fertilisers
A lot of the weed killers can be harmful, but they can be used safely as long as you follow the instructions from the manufacturer or supplier. It’s important to use the personal protective equipment they recommend (e.g., gloves or a mask) and to follow basic hygiene rules, washing or rinsing your hands after using chemicals, and especially before eating and even before going to the toilet.
Some chemicals can burn the skin or have more long-lasting effects – certain chemicals and oils can cause cancer – so it’s very important to read the information that comes with the products you’re using. If you do end up washing your hands frequently you might need to use a moisturiser to help prevent dermatitis.
Take care when you handle powders. Try not to create a lot of dust that you might breathe in, and always handle chemicals in a well-ventilated area.
Ensure that all chemicals are kept securely locked away in clearly marked containers – preferably the original containers. Do not keep them in second-hand food & drink vessels such as bottles, tins or jars. When applying pesticides be sure to wear appropriate clothing and only do so when the conditions are suitable. Avoid drift and any other contamination to other plots and people
Always make sure that pesticides and fertilisers are disposed of responsibly. Pesticides should never be included in household rubbish, burnt, placed in skips or poured into any kind of drainage system or watercourse. If in doubt please seek advice from the site manager or local council
Consider organic and natural alternatives
Bottled Gas & Canisters
Gas bottles and canisters are inherently dangerous due to the flammable nature of the contents and the pressure the contents are under. Therefore, it is very important that bottle gas and canisters are used and stored correctly. Please read the attached guidance on the safe use of gas, for cooking appliances, barbeques, heaters.
Paraffin greenhouse heaters
CO2 is a main plant food that all plants use to photosynthesise, making paraffin heaters very effective for using to heat your greenhouse in the winter.
However, with paraffin and gas heaters they can hold dangers with regard to carbon monoxide poisoning. Any type of heater used in a confined space must have adequate ventilation to be safe. It is advisable to avoid using or purchasing old heaters, as these could be defective, and may not meet the current regulations. Be aware that Carbon Monoxide is a killer, and carries no smell. Heaters must be cleaned and check on a regular basis, and should never be used in a sealed area, especially when you’re working in there.
Symptoms to watch out for:
Headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, grey-blue skin colouration.
In addition, Paraffin heaters need to be filled up very frequently, and safety-wise there's not much to recommend them as they tend to be easy to knock over and are a fire risk.
Paraffin heaters were prone to leaks, messy, and difficult to turn on and off without burning your fingers.
Parc-an Colan Allotment association advise that you should find other alternatives to paraffin heaters, such as insulating your plants.
Glass
Glass in greenhouses and cold-frames: while functional, glass can attract the attention of vandals, or may break with wear and tear, and the resulting shards can cause injury. Aside from the potential for spreading blood-borne viruses, cuts from glass can be deep and embedded glass needs specialist medical attention. Broken panes should be repaired as soon as possible, and glass fragments cleared from the ground whenever they are found. Many gardens now have polycarbonate or other substitute materials in the place of glass.
11. Ponds & Water
Decisions about ponds lie with the organisation managing the site, although the landowner could have the final say. Decisions about ponds should be made, taking into account the site’s physical layout, level of open access and users.
Building a pond on a site with a public right of way raises different issues to one with secure fencing.
Size and shape
A child is less likely to drown in a pond or water feature that has gradual sloping sides compared to a small one with steep sides. Sloping sides also prevent drowning of mammals that come to drink water. Aim to make ponds shallow and seasonal; 30-50cm at the deepest point is sufficient for biodiversity. Ponds should be allowed to dry out in the shallow margins in summer. Margins will be more visible to children and biodiversity is greatest in warm shallows. In winter use a float to prevent icing over, otherwise children may be tempted to walk on ice and pondlife will be starved of oxygen. Large ponds should ideally allow for a shallow margin of at least 3m with a gentle and gradual gradient of no greater than 1:3. If the water level is likely to rise after rain or flooding then the shallow margin may need to be made greater than 3m wide. Depending on the constraints of the site and the affects upon biodiversity, consider re-grading existing large ponds to these specifications.
Planting
Naturally occurring ponds usually have a soft muddy edge with reeds, scrub or other vegetation established on the bank and in shallow water at the edge. This can reduce the possibility of children (and dogs) accidentally running into the pond, so it is good practice to encourage this in the shallow area. Some kinds of blanketing vegetation can look like solid ground. For safety and conservation remove carpets of duckweed and water fern (Azolla). Manage grasses, e.g., Float Grass (Glyceria) and leave a frill around the edge but not masking the water. Allow a belt of tall reedy vegetation to grow up around the pond.
Alternative water features
Where smaller ponds or containers are to be used, sloping sides should be incorporated into the design and vegetation should not be allowed to grow over and conceal the pond.
Security
Low fencing should not be necessary around a pond or water feature unless there is a drop from a well-used edge into deep water.
Low fencing around a pond draws attention to the hazard but might not necessarily prevent access to the pond - it is only a partial solution and can lead to a false sense of security. Fencing can provide an additional ‘temptation’ to natural childhood inquisitiveness and a low fence can easily be climbed over or through. If fences must be installed, they must be very regularly checked and maintained. Warning signs are rarely needed for most ponds - the people most at risk have not yet learnt to read and should be supervised around water. However, if the water is deep at the edge of the pond (e.g., more than 1.5m) it can cause risk to people of all ages – erect a “Danger – Deep water” sign. Ponds too deep for an adult to perform a wading rescue need a reach pole or throw line or consider filling the pond to a safer depth. Signs on the approach to a pond can warn people with children to supervise them more closely. A grid above the surface of a pond can also engender a false sense of security and requires regular checking. After rainfall the water level could rise high enough above the grid to present a drowning hazard for young children. If the grid is damaged a child may get trapped in it or crawl underneath. ROSPA provide useful advice.
Water butts to collect rainwater and water tanks or old baths next to communal taps to catch or store water should not be sunk in the ground as people could fall in. It is also bad for your back to stoop that far to fill watering cans. Position storage units high enough to be out of reach of young children but bear in mind that a curious child could use a prop to climb up, fall in the water and be unable to get out.
Keep containers free of debris and covered where possible: do not use rotten doors, sheeting or any other flimsy materials that children could fall through. Discard stagnant water as it poses a health risk and is not beneficial to plants.
12. Adverse Weather
Wind
The allotment is situated in an extremely windy area. Therefore, it is the responsibility for all plot holders to ensure that all buildings and equipment are secured within their plot.
As the allotment is situated next to a busy road it is very important that no objects are blown into oncoming traffic. Polytunnels are very susceptible to wind damage and extra consideration should be taken when setting up within your plot. Burying them in to the ground is one way of securing them more firmly.
Greenhouse glass can also be susceptible to the wind and extra clips and silicone should be used to secure the glass more firmly.
Sun
Although our UK climate does not appear to offer enough sun to cause damage, people who are working outside are more at risk from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays and must take extra care. Too much sun can cause skin ageing, painful burns and blisters and even cancers. It is advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat and long trousers during the sun’s hottest time (12 to 3pm) and use sun-block of Sun Protection Factor 20 or above on exposed skin. Some plants are photo-toxic, meaning contact with them can induce rashes, staining or other skin reactions when exposed to sun.
Cold
Being outdoors during the UK winter may not suit everyone. For people who are less mobile, it can be difficult to generate enough heat to stay warm during prolonged periods. Wet, icy or cold conditions can also make the usual surfaces where people pause for a rest uncomfortable, and paths that are normally safe in summer can become treacherous. Gritting, warm clothing and heated greenhouse spaces may allow some people to keep gardening all year, but for other individuals, outdoor gardening may be ill-advised during winter.
13. Infections and Diseases
Infections
Humans are at risk of infection from handling animal manure. Always wear gloves when handling any type of manure. Fresh manure should be heaped for 6 months, giving time for e-coli to break down. It is the responsibility of the plot holders for basic hygiene and to check tetanus boosters are up to date. 13.2. Stopping for a lunch break helps restore energy after lots of digging but don’t forget to wash your hands first. Keep a hand-sterilising gel handy or in the shed. 13.3. Always wash your fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating them
Skin irritations
Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when pruning plants that can cause skin irritations for example ivy, euphorbia or rue.
Bioaerosols
These are airborne micro-organisms including spores, bacteria and fungi (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus) that are naturally present in decomposing material. Gardeners are most likely to breathe these in when turning compost, especially in warm weather. People with an existing chest conditions such as asthma or bronchitis or those prone to allergies are most at risk.
Tetanus
This very serious infection is caused by a bacterium that lives in the soil and especially manured soil. It enters the body through a cut or open wound and a few days or weeks later the illness hits.
You may not even be aware of the cut – bacteria are very small! A tetanus jab will prevent it but not cure it. You can usually get the jab from your doctor – and it is not a painful one anymore.
Legionella
In very hot weather, especially in green houses, it is possible, although very rare, for Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease to multiply in warm water to potentially harmful levels. Avoid storing potting media in greenhouses or spraying fine mists.
Weill’s disease (leptospirosis)
Weil's disease is a form of a bacterial infection also known as Leptospirosis that is carried by animals, most commonly in rats and cattle. It can be caught by humans through contact with rat or cattle urine, most commonly occurring through contaminated fresh water.
Plant hazards: as well as some plants being poisonous, there are also a number of plants whose sap or hairs can cause skin blistering, burns, rashes or breathing difficulties.
Minimising the risks
What can we do to minimise the risks? Here are some simple precautions to take;
• Wear gloves whenever handling soil, compost, fertiliser or pesticides. Thin latex (or latex-free for allergy sufferers) gloves can be worn for delicate work.
• Do not open bags of compost or potting media with your head right over it.
• Fold over the top of compost bags when not in use.
• Avoid potting-up in confined spaces.
• Moisten dry potting media before use. Also dampen down dry compost heaps before turning or use.
• Consider wearing a dust mask when turning compost heaps and handling potting media or other dusty materials.
• Avoiding storing potting media in greenhouses as these will heat up and may encourage Legionella.
• Empty the water out of garden hoses after use and do not leave full hoses in the sun after use.
• Avoid splashing water around when watering pots.
• Keep water storage containers such as tanks and butts clean by emptying and scrubbing out once a year. Insulate them to reduce temperatures increasing in warm weather or paint them with a light colour to reflect the heat.
• If the temperature of stored water for use in mist irrigation or sprinklers is above 20°C, do not use.
• Wear gloves and keep arms covered when pruning plants that can cause irritations; e.g., ivy (Hedera), Fremontodendron, Euphorbia or rue (Ruta).
• Only shred woody pruning’s in an open, well-ventilated area.
• Ensure tetanus jabs are up to date. Otherwise, see your local GP for a tetanus vaccination if you have cut yourself on a plant or got soil or manure in an open wound.
• Discourage rats by securing rubbish in bins and not putting cooked food on the compost heap.
• Rat-proof compost bins with wire mesh if necessary. To reduce the risks from salmonella avoid using rat-infested compost on edible crops, especially those not cooked before consumption.
• Protect from water-borne diseases such as Weil’s disease by wearing waterproof gloves, clothing and boots when clearing out ponds.
• Always wash your hands after gardening and especially before eating.
• Keep a hand sterilising gel down in the potting shed if clean water is not available.
14. Bonfires
There is no law preventing bonfires, however Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to cause a statutory nuisance. This includes smoke, fumes or gases created by bonfires.
As an allotment we aim to enhance the local community and do not wish to cause a nuisance to our neighbours which has resulted in complaints to the council in the past.
It is also essential for the pleasure and safety of other members on the site that you act considerately when lighting bonfires and make sure they are attended at all times until they have gone out.
Fires are discouraged except for the burning of diseased plant materials. You are encouraged to compost other materials to improve fertility and biodiversity. The following guidelines should be considered by members if a fire is necessary so that a nuisance to members of the public or allotments are avoided:
• If they are on site, let your neighbouring plot holders know when you’re going to light it and where it is.
• Avoid lighting in unsuitable weather conditions. Smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening.
• Avoid burning when the wind will carry the smoke over roads or into other people’s property.
• Only burn dry material
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber or anything containing plastic, foam or paint.
• Never use old engine oil, methylated spirits or petrol to light the fire or to encourage it.
• Never leave the fire unattended or leave it to smoulder
• Always have a water available in case of any issues.
15. Working at Height
You do not need to fall from a great height to be badly injured. Most people who get injured falling from ladders are working at less than 2 m high.
There is lots of good advice available on working safely from ladders and stepladders –here are a few key points.
Ladders, do a pre-use check – is it in good working order, including the feet, rungs and frame and any locking devices
The ground should be firm and level (think how slippery gravel can be)
You are looking for a leaning of angle of 1 in 4 – 1 unit out for every 4 up, and have strong resting point for the upper part – not fragile guttering or a window
Keep hands free for gripping the ladder by using tools belts, hooks etc, which also reduces the risks of dropping objects too
Avoid overreaching, working off the very top rungs or side –on working. Keep your belt buckle stays within the stiles and keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task
Think about what is happening around you –children, pets, pedestrians, opening doors and windows can cause you a problem.
16. Solar Power
Solar power is obtained by tapping the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity using solar energy technologies like solar panels. These specially designed devices capable of converting the sun’s energy into electricity are called solar panels or photovoltaic panels. A solar panel is made up of multiple solar cells or photovoltaic cells, which are chiefly responsible for converting the sun’s energy into electricity.
Within the Communal area, we have installed a solar power conversion kit, which feeds two 12-volt batteries which is then converted to 240 volts of electricity using an inverter.
However, where there is any form of electricity there are some risks such as:
• Electric shock and burns from contact.
• Heart failure from electrocution.
• Fires from faulty wiring.
So, with these risks, we must ensure that we are careful around this area.
