Econet Risk Assessment [Friends of Mapledurham Playing Felds]
Date: Saturday, 18th January 2025  (10:00 - 13:00)
Activity: Regular monthly task

Site: Mapledurham Playing Fields
Site Manager: Reading Borough Council    Site Contact: Parks Dept., Reading Borough Council (0118) 937 3042
Meeting Point: Community Orchard    Nearest Postcode: RG4 7DS    Map Ref: SU700755 (skirt.thin.scope)
Directions: The community orchard is located near the Chazey Road entrance (which is immediately to the right as you enter Chazey Road from St Peter's Avenue).

Bonfires: Notify Fire Service if having bonfire, telephone no. 0118 945 2888 and ask for the Control Room; call both before fire lit and at end of day when leaving site. "I'm .......... from Conserve Reading on Wednesdays conservation volunteers, we're at .......... today where we are .......... and will be having a bonfire (controlled fire)", you will then be asked for details of site location and a contact number.

A&E:
Royal Berkshire Hospital (3.5m)
London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN Telephone: (0118) 322 5111

Volunteer's Tools: Volunteers bring their own tools which must be fit for purpose, at their own risk. The Group cannot accept any responsibility for a volunteer's own tools unless by prior agreement.

Volunteer's Dogs: Dogs should only be brought to sites where they will not disturb wildlife and other livestock and where it is acceptable to the management and other users of the site. Dogs are brought at the owner's own risk, the group cannot accept any responsibility for their wellbeing.
Assessment Summary: General Conservation Activities; Public open space; Coppicing, felling & scrub clearance; Path clearance; Tree and other planting; Bonfires;



General Conservation Activities
Last updated: 02/07/2023 11:30:55 		Typical uncontrolled outcomes
Minor cuts and bruises; burns; lower back pain; verbal abuse; electric shock; contracting disease; blisters; sunburn; Lyme Disease 		Typical groups at risk
Volunteers; general public
  Hazards
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Contact with hand tools
  • Manual handling
  • Contact with services
  • Contact with traffic
  • Volunteer's dogs
  • Contact with micro organisms
  • Irritant or poisonous plants
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Weather conditions
 Controls
  • Keep site and materials tidy.
  • Make safe trip hazards highlighting any where this is not possible.
  • Tools (including volunteer's own) should be in good state of repair and fit for purpose.
  • Where possible tools being transported should be contained within tool bag(s) with blades guarded.
  • Give tools talk at start of task to impart and reinforce knowledge. (Volunteers should know name, purpose and correct manner of use of tools, including carrying techniques, storage, safe working distances and applicable protective clothing.)
  • Set aside damaged or blunt tools for maintenance or to be discarded.
  • Sturdy footwear should be worn.
  • Swinging tools should not be used with gloves (at least not on the hand gripping the tool) or in wet conditions; observe safe working distances.
  • Regularly check that safe working distances are being observed.
  • Tools should only be used if the required PPE is available.
  • Tools not in use should be stored in tool bag or laid on ground in clear view where not a trip hazard.
  • Guides on the safe use of hand tools can be found at https://www.econetreading.org.uk/admin/BTCV%20Handtools%20Guide.pdf and on tools talks at https://www.econetreading.org.uk/admin/Tools%20and%20Safety%20Talk.pdf.
  • Demonstrate safe lifting and handling techniques.
  • If available, use wheelbarrows and other handling aids to move heavier items.
  • Ensure routes for transporting tools and materials are kept clear.
  • Take regular breaks when undertaking repetitive actions such as the swinging of a tool or lifting, to reduce the risk of strains and other injuries associated with such movements.
  • Check for services as part of site inspection, mark and avoid. Avoid felling near overhead services. Pole saws must not be used within 15m of overhead electricity cables and power lines. Where underground services suspected, use hand tools for digging within 1m of line, do not use crowbars.
  • Unload vehicles away from traffic. Use tape, signs or cones where appropriate. Post lookouts to slow traffic whilst vehicles are manoeuvring.
  • Park vehicles to enable quick access and departure in emergency, and to allow access by emergency services.
  • Protect any cuts, advise all volunteers to ensure tetanus inoculation. Avoid contact with stream and pond water. Wear gloves when handling soil.
  • Warn of possible presence of irritant plants. Wear gloves and long sleeves when working with or near irritant plants; wash exposed skin thoroughly after work.
  • Wear long sleeves if biting insects may be present, use insect repellent. If wasp or bees' nest found, highlight and stop working in immediate vicinity.
  • Provide information about ticks and Lyme disease including symptoms. Advise volunteers to wear boots, long trousers and tops with sleeves to avoid ticks, tuck trousers into socks, and after task to check for ticks and bites and to seek immediate medical advise if they have concerns. Note: Although most common from late spring until autumn, tick bites can occur at any time of the year whenever the conditions exist for ticks to be active.
  • In hot or sunny conditions, keep skin covered and use high factor sun cream on exposed skin; stop work if volunteers ill attired for conditions, in discomfort or the work is increasing in risk.
  • Always wash hands or use cleansing wipes or gel before eating, drinking or smoking.
  • Dogs brought by volunteers to tasks must be well behaved and under the control of their owner at all times, they must not put volunteers or others at risk by causing a distraction or otherwise disrupting the task.
Public open space
Last updated: 01/01/2012 00:00:00 		Typical uncontrolled outcomes
Stress, distress, minor cuts and bruises, sickness 		Typical groups at risk
Volunteers, general public
  Hazards
  • Contact with public
  • Abuse or aggression from public
  • Discarded sharps
  • Uncontrolled dogs
  • Dog faeces
 Controls
  • If available, place warning signs at approaches to work area.
  • Keep paths clear of tools and debris.
  • Avoid volunteers working in isolation.
  • If confronted be conciliatory, avoid aggravating situation; be prepared to walk away.
  • If sharps found, do not touch or move, highlight location and advise site owner or manager.
  • Warn volunteers of possibility of dogs causing a distraction by entering the work area.
  • Warn volunteers of likely presence of dog faeces.
  • If practical, remove dog faeces from work areas using bags or burying where unlikely to be disturbed. Avoid skin contact.
Coppicing, felling & scrub clearance
Last updated: 02/07/2023 11:32:08 		Typical uncontrolled outcomes
Slips and trips; strained muscles; scratches to face and head; inflammation of joints; puncture wounds; cuts and lacerations; blood borne infections; concussion; serious injury 		Typical groups at risk
Volunteers; other site users; general public
  Insurance considerations
Econet's insurance does not cover the use of chain saws.

The following statement has been made to Econet's insurer's regarding tree felling: "We occasionally fell trees with trunks over 15cm diameter, maximum in the region of 18 - 20cm. Maximum height of tree felled would be in the region of 10 - 12m. [but such trees would generally of smaller girth]." Tasks should not be undertaken which contravene this statement. Note: A diameter of 20cm (8in) equates to a girth of 63cm (25in).
  Hazards
  • Contact with hand tools
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Eye injuries
  • Falling debris and branches
  • Unexpected movement when cutting timber under tension/compression
  • Thorns
  • Presence of man-made detritus, e.g. broken bottles, barbed wire
  • Repetitive movements
  • Blackthorn injuries
 Controls
  • Tools: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
  • Slips, trips and falls: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
  • Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries from protruding branches and branches under tension.
  • Volunteers recommended to wear hard hats.
  • Demonstrate felling techniques emphasising importance of maintaining clear escape route and the meaning dangers of 'kickback'.
  • Place warning signs at entry points and ensure visitors are kept away from main work area.
  • Check for broken glass, barbed wire, etc. and clear from work area.
  • Do not work in the vicinity of dead trees or trees containing deadwood in windy conditions.
  • Check for hanging dead wood and dead wood which may be brought down by activity; clear if possible.
  • Ensure sufficient space available between volunteers - greater than height of any trees to be felled.
  • Cut back branches and other vegetation to give clear access and good visibility.
  • Check ground for thorns or other sharp objects before kneeling.
  • Clear brash regularly to reduce trip hazards.
  • Wear gloves (preferably hedging gloves) when handling thorny material.
  • Remove the thorns of blackthorn immediately and seek medical attention if wound becomes infected.
  • Take frequent breaks when undertaking heavy or repetitive tasks such as when hammering or using slasher or strimmer, or alternate with other (lighter) task to reduce risk of strains and other injuries associated with vibration and repetitive movements.
  • Avoid working near power lines and other overhead cables.
  • If tree caught in overhead cables do not touch, call responsible authority immediately.
  • Pole saws must not be used within 15m of overhead electricity cables and power lines.
Path clearance
Last updated: 03/11/2022 22:41:07 		Typical uncontrolled outcomes
Slips and trips; strained muscles; scratches to face and head; inflammation of joints; puncture wounds; cuts and lacerations; blood borne infections; concussion; serious injury 		Typical groups at risk
Volunteers; other site users; general public
  Hazards
  • Contact with hand tools
  • Trips and slips
  • Contact with public
  • Falling debris and branches
  • Thorns
  • Blackthorn injuries
 Controls
  • Tools: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
  • Slips, trips and falls: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
  • If available, place warning signs at approaches to work area.
  • Keep paths clear of tools and debris.
  • Volunteers recommended to wear hard hats.
  • If removing larger branches or trees, post lookouts to warn and direct anyone approaching.
  • If removing overhead branches wear hard hat.
  • Do not work in the vicinity of dead trees or trees containing deadwood in windy conditions.
  • Check for hanging dead wood and dead wood which may be brought down by activity; clear if possible.
  • Wear gloves (preferably hedging gloves) when handling thorny material.
  • Remove the thorns of blackthorn immediately and seek medical attention if wound becomes infected.
  • Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries.
  • Avoid working near power lines and other overhead cables.
  • If tree caught in overhead cables do not touch, call responsible authority immediately.
  • Pole saws must not be used within 15m of overhead electricity cables and power lines.
Tree and other planting
Last updated: 02/07/2023 11:32:08 		Typical uncontrolled outcomes
Scratches to hands, arms and face; stomach upsets; Toxocariasis; muscles strains; lower back strains 		Typical groups at risk
Volunteers; other site users; general public
  Hazards
  • Contact with hand tools
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Contact with branches and twigs
  • Soil borne infections
  • Digging and moving earth
  • Manual handling of bags of plants
  • Staking of trees
 Controls
  • Tools: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
  • Slips, trips and falls: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
  • Warn volunteers of risk of scratches and ensure safe working distance are kept.
  • Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries from protruding branches and branches under tension.
  • Broken skin and existing wounds should be covered with plaster before work starts.
  • Cuts received should be cleaned and covered immediately.
  • Use tools and feet to move soil and to firm soil around plants. If working in or moving soil by hand, wear gloves.
  • Always wash hands or use cleansing wipes or gel before eating, drinking or smoking.
  • Take frequent breaks when undertaking heavy or repetitive tasks such as when hammering or using slasher or strimmer, or alternate with other (lighter) task to reduce risk of strains and other injuries associated with vibration and repetitive movements.
  • Demonstrate safe lifting and handling techniques.
  • If available, use wheelbarrows and other handling aids to move heavier items.
  • Ensure routes for transporting tools and materials are kept clear.
  • Demonstrate techniques for staking trees and the tools to be used.
  • When using post driver, ensure volunteers are familiar with its correct use.
  • When using either post driver or mell, hard hats must be worn, bar must be used to hold stakes or posts in position, stob twister or bar to hold stobs in position.
Bonfires
Last updated: 16/02/2024 18:39:26 		Typical uncontrolled outcomes
Burns (minor and major); grit in eyes; minor cuts and bruises; breathing difficulties; damage to adjacent land and property 		Typical groups at risk
Volunteers; other site users; general public; neighbouring property
  Hazards
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Burning embers and flying debris
  • Flammable liquids
  • Smoke obscuring other hazards
  • Spread of fire
  • Smoke inhalation
 Controls
  • Locate fire site on level ground clearing all trip hazards from the surrounding area.
  • Volunteers near fire should wear long sleeves and trousers to prevent burns from flying ashes.
  • Long hair should be tied back and loose clothing tucked in. Hard hats are recommended.
  • Safety glasses should be worn to protect eyes from flying ash and debris.
  • Fire must be sited downwind of main work area, and should not be larger than is required to do the job.
  • Fires must be sited away from roads and buildings.
  • Fires must not be lit in strong winds, on peat soils, in drought conditions, under trees or on any surface likely to catch alight, or near overhead or underground services.
  • Vehicles should be parked at least 50 metres from any fire.
  • Flammables (gas, petrol etc.) must be sited at least 30 metres from any fire.
  • One person must be tending the fire at all times.
  • Load material on to fire at a single point and in a controlled manner.
  • Exclude dangerous items e.g. aerosols, from material to be burnt.
  • Stop work if main work area significantly affected by smoke and insure all volunteers move out of the area.
  • Ensure fire beater is available and immediately accessible.
  • Cease loading new material on to fires at least thirty minutes before the end of task.
  • At end of task: Turn fires in and where possible damp down. Fires should only be left unattended if subdued and unlikely to flare. Place warning signs and/or hazard tape around hot embers.
PPE
Rigger gloves;

Public open space: Warning signs;

Coppicing, felling & scrub clearance: Hard hats; Hedging gloves; Safety glasses; Warning signs;

Path clearance: Hard hats; Hedging gloves; Safety glasses; Warning signs;

Tree and other planting: Hard hats; Safety glasses;

Bonfires: Fire beater; Hard hats; Hazard tape; Safety glasses; Warning signs;

Actual items needed may vary according to the task.

Background Information

Lyme Disease
Bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans by tick bites. Animal hosts include deer, foxes, sheep, squirrels and rodents. Ticks are most active in the early summer and autumn although they may be found at other times. They are often located on tall vegetation in woodlands and heaths from where they can attach themselves to their host. To protect yourself wear long sleeves and long trousers tucked in to your socks. Check for ticks on your return home, if found it should be removed immediately. Removal is best achieved with fine-toothed tweezers, pulling steadily away from the skin.

Only a small minority of tick bites carry Lyme Disease. Symptoms include a red, expanding rash parts of which may clear as it enlarges resulting in a "bull's-eye" appearance. Other symptoms are fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. If you think you may have contacted Lyme Disease please seek medical advise immediate. Treatment is with antibiotics, without treatment a number of serious conditions can arise including a viral-like meningitis, facial palsy, other nerve damage or arthritis.

Further information can be found on the NHS Choices website, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
Last updated: 22/03/2021 13:12:20

Toxocariasis
Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites which is spread from animals (particularly cats, dogs and foxes) via their infected faeces. For most these larvae cause no symptoms and die within a few months. However, some may experience mild symptoms such as a cough, high temperature (fever), headaches or stomach pain. In rare cases, organs such as the liver, lungs, eyes or brain become infected causing severe symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties and blurred or cloudy vision in one eye.

Further information can be found on the NHS Choices website, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxocariasis/
Last updated: 22/03/2021 13:13:32

   Econet's Health and Safety Policy can be found at www.econetreading.org.uk/admin.

   4 November 2024 18:22 T2501184396