Often be overlooked as potential risks to volunteers, but some are worth noting: Bites and stings from snakes, bees, wasps, mosquitoes, other insects, dogs, rats, people, nettles, plant-sap, etc. While these rarely present major hazards, it is important to be aware of the risk of anaphylactic shock. This is a major allergic reaction of the whole body and can be recognised by widespread red blotchy skin, swelling of the face and neck, impaired breathing and a rapid pulse. It is caused by rapid dilation of the body's blood vessels and constriction of airways. It may be fatal. - Where this may be a problem ask volunteers if they have allergies to stings, etc. Warn people to keep away from adders in areas where they may occur.
- People with dog and other animal bites must go to hospital without delay because of the risk of infection.
- If someone has a reaction on another part of the body from the limb or local area where a bite or sting has occurred such as a sting on the leg giving a general drowsiness or one of the symptoms listed above this may be a sign of anaphylactic shock and the person should be taken to hospital immediately.
Blue Green Algae can create blooms in hot weather which can be toxic. - Avoid working close to this 'scum' and wash it off immediately if it comes into contact with skin.
Bracken highly toxic to mammals that eat it. There is also some evidence that spores breathed in can be harmful, as can the spores from fungi associated with bracken. - Protect skin against contact with sap by keeping sleeves rolled down and wearing work gloves.
- Avoid prolonged working in bracken, particularly during the summer sporing season from around July to September, and wear an appropriate mask.
- Mechanical cutting of bracken would require a COSHH assessment, and further personal protective equipment being required.
Giant hogweed larger than normal hogweed, it can grow up to 5m tall, with blotched purple stems. For some people, contact with the plant combined with the ultraviolet of sunlight can cause rashes, or in severe cases blisters. - Check for its presence on site and identify it to all present.
- Do not touch giant hogweed and wear gloves to minimise the risks from accidental contact.
Thorns/brambles cause wounds which can become infected. - Deal with splinters promptly.
- Go to a surgery immediately if there is any serious pain or swelling.
- Wear gloves and stout legwear if working with thorny shrubs.
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