Health & Safety

This page was originally produced by Al, our Tools and Safety Officer of 2002-2003, and gives general information about the Health & Safety issues associated with the conservation group. For further details please contact him.

First Aid Information

Due to the nature of our work, it is necessary to have first-aiders present on all trips. If you are interested in becoming a first aider (and receiving the eternal gratitude of the committee), there are a variety of options available.

• First Aid At Work - the most comprehensive no-commitments general first aid course. The course is an HSE approved course and results in a certificate valid for three years. The normal cost of the course is £95, but it may be possible for this to be funded by the union and the City of Bristol College Learner Support fund if certain conditions are met. Alternatively, if you are sure that you will be attending a lot of our events, you can sign up with the Millenium Volunteers, who will pay £90 of the fee and provide a certificate to show what a wonderful volunteer you are! Contact Al for more information.
• St John's Ambulance / Red Cross - These are union societies (as well as their obvious national counterparts), that run excellent first aid courses, for no charge (I think). However, they will require some commitment from you to attend certain events in the year's calendar.
• Union Run First Aid - In the next academic year, the union Health & Safety Officer is hoping to start running first aid courses for students, at no charge. At the moment, neither the standard of the courses nor the start date have been determined. If you are interested in attending this course as and when it is introduced, please contact Al.

First Aiders in the Group

If you have completed a first aid course of any kind and your name is missing from this list, please me at mw8467@bristol.ac.uk.

• Ally

Tool Safety

This section gives general information on how to use the group's tools safely. A "tools talk" is given at the start of every activity explaining how to use the tools. This section has been included for reference.

1. General Notes
   • Carry tools down by your side and with the sharp end in front of you so that you can see it.
   • Always ensure that you are using the right tool for the job and that you know how to use it properly.
   • If tools are blunt, sharpening stones are available, if you're not sure how to use them, ask someone who does.
   • If you are unsure about anything, ASK!
2. Bowsaws
   • Used for most of our work, should be used for cutting anything that cannot be dealt with using Loppers.
   • When using two-person bowsaws, use a 'pull-pull' action to prevent damage to the saw.
   • Wear a glove on the hand that is not holding the saw, but be aware that the saw is capable of cutting through the glove.
   • Store the saw flat on the ground.
   • Where blade covers are present, always remove from the blunt side of the blade and allow to fall away from the sharp side - this is one of the most common causes of injuries.
   • If you are not sure of the correct way to fell a tree, ask - we're more than happy to give a demonstration.
   • When felling trees, always pay careful attention to the wind and to whether the tree is likely to become entangled with other foliage.
3. Loppers
   • Used for cutting small branches.
   • Do not cut anything bigger than your thumb, as this could ruin the loppers.
   • Carry with the jaws closed.
4. Slashers
   • Used for removal of brambles and the like.
   • Before using, check that the blade is firmly attached to the handle; if it is at all loose, do not use.
   • As with all wooden handled tools, you must not wear gloves with slashers (except when sharpening).
   • Keep at least two slasher-lengths between you and the nearest person to you.
   • Keep the sharp end below your waist-height at all times.
   • Always use in a side-side motion, never up-down.
5. Billhooks
   • Used for trimming branches off felled trees - do not try to cut trees down with these.
   • Before using, check that the blade is firmly attached to the handle; if it is at all loose, do not use.
   • As with all wooden handled tools, you must not wear gloves with billhooks (except when sharpening).
   • Always cut away from yourself and try to keep the trunk of the tree between you and the blade.
6. Pitchforks
   • Used for loading wood onto bonfires and for carrying piles of small wood.
   • Store the pitchfork flat on the ground with the tines pointing down.
   • Do not carry more than you feel able to comfortably handle.
   • Do not hold the pitchfork over the fire for too long as you will burn the handle.
   • Be aware of anyone behind you and around you when using the fork.
7. Spades
   • Used for digging.
   • Always keep your back straight when digging - conservation isn't a good reason to have a bad back for the rest of your life.
   • Store the spade flat on the ground with the blade pointing down.
   • Use the ball of your foot when digging, rather than the softer instep.
   • Be aware of anyone behind you and around you when using the spade.
8. Felling Axe & Hatchet
   • Do not use unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. These are extremely dangerous tools.
   • As with all wooden handled tools, you must not wear gloves with axes or hatchets (except when sharpening).
   • Ensure everyone is aware that you are using the tools and are a considerable distance away.
   • Check with the Tools & Safety Officer that there is no better tool for the job.
   • Exercise extreme caution at all times.

<< Back