General
- A suitable first aid kit must be on hand at the work site. There should be at least one Basic Trained First Aider on all practical volunteering projects, training courses or other events.
- All workers should be advised to be immunized against tetanus.
- Postpone the work if it is raining heavily. Once gloves, tools and the ground become sodden and slippery, there is an increased risk of injuring yourself or others.
- Wear suitable tough clothing.
- Safety helmets should be worn when using post drivers.
- Only trained operators should use powered equipment, including strimmers, brush cutters and chain saws. Training is available through The Conservation Volunteers, Lantra or local agricultural or land-based colleges.
- Attend to splinters promptly, taking particular care with the thorns of blackthorn, which are liable to cause infection.
- Take great care when lifting and handling heavy or awkward objects (see below).
- Clear up as you work, and don’t leave cut material or debris littering the area.
- If you need to attract the attention of someone using an edged tool, do not approach closely but call out from a safe distance.
Tool use
The following points are basic to all tool use. Further details are given where appropriate in later chapters. All tools must be properly maintained. Any tools with loose heads, cracked or splintered handles or other defects should be put aside for repair. See Toolcare for full details.
Edged tools are safest when sharp. See here for details on sharpening in the field.- Carry edged tools at their point of balance, just below the heads, and positioned at your side with the edges pointing down and slightly away from you. Bowsaws should be carried with the blade protected by a plastic sleeve, or one made from sacking. Don’t carry more tools than you can safely grip.
- If unfamiliar with a tool, don’t use it until you have been shown the safest technique.
- Take great care with billhooks, slashers, axes and saws.
- Keep a safe distance from other workers, equivalent to at least twice the length of an arm and tool.
- When using a billhook, slasher or axe, always make sure there is a clear path to swing the tool. Even a small twig can deflect the tool and cause injury.
- Never cut towards yourself with an edged tool.
- When using a short-handled tool, keep your free hand away from the line of cutting.
- Don’t leave tools lying around, as they are likely to cause injury, or get mislaid. Prop tools against a nearby tree or stump, or keep them together in a hessian sack or tool box. Store the tools centrally on the site so that all users know where to find and return them.
Lifting and handling
- Before lifting and carrying, plan the route carefully, and clear it of any hazards which may trip people up.
- When moving heavy objects, particularly when working in a pair or team, think through the ergonomics of the situation, and plan your moves carefully.
- When lifting, bend your knees, not your back, and lift using your leg muscles.
- Be aware of your own and other people’s physical limitations, and never try to lift more than you or others are capable of.
- Ensure you have a good grip on heavy or awkward objects, using the whole hand, not just the fingertips.
- Avoid manual handling where possible, by using wheelbarrows or machines.
