235 Clearing horticultural and landscaping sites
The main differences in working on differing types of sites
Landscape sites can be broken down into 4 main types
Existing gardens
These represent the least challenge as the soil will hopefully be suitable. The basics of soil improvement (checking and altering soil pH, nutrient levels and ameliorating the soil by adding sand, organic matter etc. will need to be considered
Green-field
Greenfield sites should be free of debris and wastes but may require extensive weed control measures such as the application of herbicide to remove broad leaved weeds such as docks etc.
Urban derelict
These will contain debris such as bricks, concrete etc. and also may have compacted levels of soil and the possibility of hazardous waste such as old fuels etc. Therefore care will need to be taken that debris are removed and soil checked for waste that might affect future plant growth
Reclaimed land
Dependent on where the land was reclaimed from (past use/history) a range of activities may be required. If the soil is very heavy it may need sand and organic matter adding to improve it. Also the land may be low in nutrient content which will require applications of fertilisers to put right
Why it is important to confirm what should be cleared before you begin work
You should do this so you do not remove anything from the site that may break the law or affect the contract
Examples
- Trees that may have preservation orders on
- Hazardous waste that needs specialised contractors to deal with it
- Items that will be reused
- Areas that are protected (ponds with rare newts etc.)
You should check with your line manager before you begin work
The different methods that can be used to clear a site.
A range of methods can be used to clear a site the most common are
- Chemical weed killers to remove vegetation (such as Roundup)
- Soil cultivation equipment such as rotavators
- Strimmers to cut back vegetation
- Soil moving equipment (JCBs etc.)
The equipment which will be necessary for clearing sites for landscaping
A whole range of equipment hay be required depending on the size of the site
However the basic equipment will be
- Soil cultivation equipment – spades, forks, rotavators etc.
- Soil levelling and moving equipment – rakes, shovels, site pegs, measuring tapes, quick set levels, boning rods etc.
- Sprayers to apply weed killers
- Strimmers to remove vegetation
- Wheel barrows to move debris
- Transport and trailers to take debris away
- Skips to store waste on site for removal
Methods of maintaining the equipment ready for use
When equipment fails to work on site it can result in serious delays therefore workers should check it is ready for use before they leave the depot.
Examples might be carrying out prestart checks to machines such as checking oil, fuel, grease, that the machine starts.
Also carrying basic tools such as spanners etc. in case things come loose is a good idea.
Keeping equipment clean will also help work a clean spade is 40% easier to use than one with dried on mud covering it.
Current health and safety legislation and code of practice which applies to this area of work
The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) places an obligation for workers to protect themselves and others during work operations.
The Provision and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) places an obligation on employers to ensure all equipment and tools are safe and fit for the work intended.
If pesticides are used on site then the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) will need to be adhered to as will the Control of substances hazardous to health regulations and the Code of practice for using plant protection products
How environmental damage can be minimised when preparing sites.
The environment means areas surrounding the site. Damage can be caused by misuse of chemicals (drift into nearby water or vegetation) do not spray if too windy and do not spray near water such as streams and ponds.
Damage to soil structure (see photo above) by working soils when wet or very dry, only work soils when they are moist if possible.
Damage to nearby turf areas by careless machinery operation, use boards etc. to spread the weight of machinery to avoid damage to soil and lawned areas
The correct methods for disposing of organic and inorganic waste when clearing sites
It is vital that waste is dealt with correctly; green waste (grass, pruning’s etc.) might be composted on site or removed and composted. Hazardous waste will need to be removed by a licensed contractor or taken to a local authority waste disposal site.
It is important waste is removed correctly
- To stay within in the law
- To keep the customer happy
- To comply with the contract conditions
How is waste regulated?
In each area of the UK, it is generally a criminal offence to:
1.deposit controlled waste, or knowingly cause or knowingly permit controlled waste to be deposited in or on any land unless a waste management licence authorising the deposit is in force and the deposit is in accordance with the licence;
2.treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste, or knowingly cause or knowingly permit controlled waste to be treated, kept or disposed of in or on any land or by means of any mobile plant except under and in accordance with a waste management licence; or
3.treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.
There is also a duty of care, which requires any person in the waste chain from production to disposal to prevent any other person in the chain committing an offence, to prevent the escape of waste from his control, and to ensure that waste is transferred to a properly licensed person.