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Site visit

Visit the work site in advance to gain a clear idea of what you will be doing on the day.

Assess the suitability of the project for the group you will be leading and the time available.

Undertake a risk assessment for both project and site.

Tools and equipment

Depending on the size of the team adjust the quantity of equipment taken to the site.

Check the tools are in good condition before using them.

• First aid kit
• Appropriate protective gloves
• Shovels
• Digging spades
• Trenching spades
• Mattock
• Fork
• Dibber
• Wheelbarrow
• Rope (for dragging brushwood)
• Book of tide tables
• Buckets
• Plastic sacks
• Old fish netting

If fencing you will need equipment as listed in How to build fences. If clearing scrub, see How to clear scrub. See How to improve access for equipment to build boardwalks.

Ensure all team members are wearing appropriate footwear and clothing and issue the specified safety equipment.

Introduction

Introduce the site, the work and the reasons for doing it.

Walk around the site explaining what work will be undertaken. Identify potential hazards and explain how to work safely around them.
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Demonstrate Tool Use

Demonstrate and explain the safe use, carrying and onsite care of the tools before starting work.

Refer to the BTCV Hand Tools booklet.

Demonstrate work techniques

Demonstrate all new work techniques as you come to them. This will save mistakes and avoid accidents.

Demonstrate the correct lifting technique (bending the knee and keeping the back straight so that the leg muscles are used and the back is not strained).

Refer to the BTCV Basic Safety leaflet.

Organisation of team

Divide the team into pairs, teaming beginners with more experienced volunteers.

The most efficient way to work is to form a production line, each team doing a specific job, eg hole digging; post-driving; wire straining etc. Swap pairs around at tea or lunch breaks.

The leader should check, assist and encourage people and ensure work standards are being maintained.

Boardwalks are best constructed by small teams of two to four people, so it is best to have other types of work going on at the same time.

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