Book: Practical Conservation Chapter: First Steps Section: Safety Metadata: Details Buy this book

Obviously, all teachers are aware of the safety of the pupils when in school. (Refer to the relevant leaflets on health and safety at school.) When constructing your nature garden, you may be using tools that are not familiar.

Rules for tools:

1. if you start to feel tired, stop working
2. don't wear gloves when using tools, they reduce grip
3. always work at a safe distance from others
4. avoid loose clothing and soft shoes
5. ensure tools are left at a central and safe place when stopping work
6. have an adequate first aid kit on site.

The care and maintenance of tools is important, not just in prolonging their life, but in helping to prevent accidents. The following points will help:

1. clean the tools after use. Occasionally wipe the metal parts with an oily rag and the wooden parts with linseed oil.
2. keep all bladed tools sharp
3. repair all damaged tools before using them again
4. transport or carry the tools safely ­ don't overload yourself, make two trips
5. inspect handles regularly for cracks or splinters
6. always bear in mind that tools have evolved over many years to carry out specific tasks. Know what the tool is designed for and use it only for this purpose.

BTCV field staff always take a short time before commencing work to discuss the tools, their use, and safety needed on site. It would be worthwhile following this procedure.

Safety is a matter of common sense but the children should be made aware of all possible hazards before starting work.

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