Blofield and District Conservation Group (BADCOG).

Potential hazards during wildlife conservation management work parties by BADCOG volunteers.

Site: LNR Howes Meadow (TG326 097)

What are the hazards? / Who might be harmed and how? / What are you already doing? / Do you need to do anything else to manage this risk? / Action by whom? / Action by when? / Done /
Ditches/Dyke/Ponds/Streams. / Volunteers may fall in to a watercourse. / All volunteers are familiar with the environment and the site layout and aware of the hazards. Volunteers will not enter a watercourse to carry out a task without a second volunteer in close proximity. / All new volunteers to be shown around the site on their first visit to be made aware of potential hazards. All new volunteers to read the ‘Being Safe’ leaflet, a general guide to hazards volunteers may encounter whilst at a work party.
Sharp tools: Rakes, scythes, folks, pitch folks, bow saws, loppers. / Volunteers could use tools incorrectly or those that are not fit for the task or defective. / Volunteers only use tools that they are familiar with after receiving instructions on their correct use and safe handling. / New volunteers to be given guidance on the correct use and safe handling of tools.
Sharp tools: Rakes, scythes, folks, pitch folks, bow saws, loppers. / Volunteers may step on or trip over tools not in use whilst on site. / Volunteers leave unused tools in a manner so as not to cause a hazard to others. / New volunteers to be given guidance on the correct storage of unused tools whilst at work parties.
Power tools/Machinery: Mower, brush-cutter, hedge trimmer. / Volunteers may use the power tools/machinery incorrectly and not use the appropriate safety equipment. / Volunteers only use power tools that they are familiar with, after receiving instructions on the correct use and safe operation of the tools. Volunteers wear the appropriate safety equipment and clothing relevant to the task. / New volunteers to be given guidance on the correct use and safe operation of power tools/machinery.
Power tools: Flying debris from brush cutter & hedge trimmer. Cutting blade on mower. / Volunteers may be injured by power tools or from flying debris kicked up by the brush cutter or hedge trimmer. / Operators of brush cutter, hedge trimmer and mower check that others are at a safe distance from the area of activity, switching off if unsure. Volunteers not operating the equipment maintain a safe distance from the area of activity, warning others if too close. Volunteers wear the appropriate safety equipment and clothing relevant to the task. / New volunteers to be given guidance on safe distances when machinery is in use.
Coppicing/pollarding:
Branches falling from height. / Volunteers may be injured by falling tree branches. / Volunteers maintain a safe distance from those undertaking coppicing/pollarding tasks. Those undertaking the coppicing/pollarding warn others to keep well clear and check area is clear before commencing task. / New volunteers to be given guidance on safety precautions while undertaking coppicing/pollarding. Make hard hats available for use at all work parties.
Falling from height when using ladders. / Volunteers may be injured falling from a height. / Volunteers use ladders in accordance with manufactory’s instructions with one other person acting as a safety person. / New volunteers to be given guidance on safety precautions when using ladders. Make hard hats available for use at all work parties.
Road traffic. / Volunteers may be in collision with a motor vehicle. / Volunteers warn others of approaching vehicles. / Put up signs to warn approaching drivers of work ahead and volunteers to wear high visibility jackets/vests.
Pulling/lifting heavy loads. / Volunteers may sustain muscle strains/back injuries whilst pulling/lifting heavy loads. / Sheets are used to move wet and heavy vegetation about sites. Loads are kept to a manageable weight to prevent strains and back injuries with volunteers asking for additional manpower if required. / New volunteers to be made aware that assistance is always available to move heavy loads.
Working alone. / A volunteer could become ill or sustain an injury whilst working alone. / When working alone, the volunteer informs at least one committee member of the location of the work and the expected time of completion. The volunteer informs that committee member upon completion of task. / Volunteer to carry a mobile phone.
Burning of vegetation. / Volunteers may receive burns when fires are lit. / Volunteers keep a safe distance from fires and fires are set only after careful consideration of weather and ground conditions.
A First aid kit is always available for minor injuries and a mobile phone is always available for calling emergency services if required.
Trips and falls. / Volunteers may be injured from tripping/falling on uneven ground. / All volunteers are familiar with the environment and the site layout and aware of the hazards. / All new volunteers to be shown around the site on their first visit, to be made aware of potential hazards. All new volunteers to read the ‘Being Safe’ leaflet, a general guide to hazards volunteers may encounter at a work party.
Insect bites/stings. / Volunteers may be stung by wasps/hornet/bees or bitten by insects. / Any bee/wasp/hornet nests found on site during work parties are marked and all volunteers advised to avoid the area. / All new volunteers to read the ‘Being Safe’ leaflet, which gives advice on the treatment of insect bites/stings and for the checking of ticks.
Waterborne diseases/infections. / Volunteers may ingest contaminated water which carries infections/diseases. / Volunteers wear waders when entering ponds/watercourses, washing hands after work parties. / All new volunteers to read the ‘Being Safe’ leaflet, which gives advice on avoiding contact with water to minimise the risk of waterborne diseases/infections and advices on good hygiene after work parties.

Note: 1. A first aid kit is always available at a BADCOG work party for minor injuries.

2. A mobile phone is always available at a BADCOG work party for calling emergency services if required.