Health and Safely Guidelines

When working outside or inside with plants and soil, a commonsense approach needs to be taken with respect to health and safety. Always carry out a risk assessment before gardening activities take place. The following are guidelines only and Garden Organic does not take any responsibility for incidents that may occur.

General

Hand washing
Thorough hand washing is extremely important. Teach young people to wash their hands correctly and thoroughly. They will need reminding of this regularly. This is a basic method of reducing risk related to many of the items detailed including protection against tetanus and when composting. Cover cuts or grazes with waterproof sticking plasters before gardening or making compost.

Gloves
Schools should adopt their own approach as to whether or not pupils should wear gloves when carrying out certain activities such as handling soil and compost. This is not essential if good hygiene routines are taught. However, gloves should be available for use if necessary. Gloves may be required for people that have skin allergies such as eczema.
 
Tetanus bacteria
Don’t let pupils eat soil; it can carry tetanus bacteria as well as other pathogens. Check that tetanus vaccinations are up to date and try to stop pupils sucking thumbs or fingers, or biting nails while in the garden. Wash fresh cuts well with cold running water or clean with an antiseptic wipe.

Footwear
Ensure that the pupils wear the correct footwear, eg sturdy boots/shoes or Wellingtons. As part of your school’s risk assessment a decision will need to be made regarding circumstances when it may be advisable to wear steel toe-capped boots.Work area Help avoid accidents by making sure the working area is kept tidy.