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Teacher’s Resource Pack for Key Stage 2

Rubbish Awareness ProjectSchools & Community

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Contents 1 Introduction

2 Links to the National Curriculum

3 Facts About Litter, Waste and Recycling

4 Cornish Facts About Litter, Waste and Recycling

5 Litter Pick Lesson Plan

6 Litter Pick Audit Sheet

7 Data Analysis Lesson Plan

8 Researching Litter Lesson Plan

9 Activity Sheet

10 Activity Sheet

11 “The Work of Art” info

12 “The Work of Art” info

13 Poster Designing Lesson Plan

14 Useful Websites and Resources

15 Sample Safety Guidelines

16 Sample Risk Assessment

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Links to the National CurriculumScrap Attack can link with many areas of the National Curriculum. It can be used as a set of one off lessons or used to create a cross curricular unit of work. Here are just some of the areas at Key Stage 2 where SCRAP Attack can be used. Additional curriculum links can be explored at www.educating.gov.uk

Literacy Non-Chronological Reports

Researching – Note Taking

Letter Writing

Persuasive Writing

Poetry

Speaking and Listening –

debates/discussion

performance poetry

drama

GeographyEnvironment –

protecting the environment

effects of humans

making others aware

asking geographical questions

pollution

Art/D&TPosters

Murals

Sculptures

Fashion

Recycled Products

MusicLyrics

Performing Own Songs

Instruments Made from Rubbish

NumeracyData Handling

Problem Solving

ICTData Handling/Graphs

Email

Internet Research

ScienceMaterials

Compost/Decay

Wildlife

Habitats

PSHCEExpressing views on issues that affect them and others to take responsibility for shared or public property in the community

Debate topical issues

P.EDance

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Facts about Waste, Litter & Recycling

Litter kills wildlife! Small animals get trapped in bottles and cans. Large animals, like horses, can die from eating carrier bags.

The 2008 Beach Watch survey found 2,195 pieces of litter per one kilometre in the UK.

The most common litter is chewing gum, cigarette ends and packaging (drinks containers and tops, sweet wrappers and fast food wrappers and carrier bags). Some of these can be easily recycled!

Plastic is made from oil, a non-renewable resource made from dead plants and animals over millions of years. Scientists predict that oil will run out in 50 years.

London Underground collects 32 tonnes of rubbish everyday. That’s the same weight as 8 large elephants!

The UK produces more than 454 million tonnes of waste every year.

In the UK we create enough rubbish to fill the Albert Hall every two hours!

You can find more information on the Useful Websites page

Estimates of how long it takes rubbish to rot:Orange peel/Banana skin Up to 2 years

Plastic bottles 500 years - forever

Plastic bags 100-500 years

Aluminium cans Up to 500 years

Cigarette butts 1-12 years

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Cornish Facts about Waste, Litter and RecyclingThe current rate of recycling and composting in Cornwall is 37% of household rubbish. We could recycle over 60%.

On average each one of us uses 140 glass bottles and jars per year. Of these only 60% are recycled.

Cornwall Council currently spends around £4.5 million every year collecting and disposing of litter.

Every year in Cornwall we throw away approxiametly 21 million cans, all of which can be recycled.

Steel cans that go for recycling can end up being made into new cans, parts of bridges or even paper clips. Steel can also be recycled over and over again.

Look at the difference!!

Amount of Household Waste going to landfill in Cornwall (2010/11)

34,675 tonnes.

Household Waste recycled in Cornwall (2010/11)

143,038tonnes.

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Litter Pick Lesson PlanAim•To tidy up your local community

•To involve pupils in positive community action

• To instil environmental awareness and responsibility for local area

•To collect data on how much litter is collected.

Resources•Refuse Sacks

•Litter Pickers

•Clip Boards

•Litter Pick Audit Sheets (supplied)

•Pencils

•A Hanging Measure to Weigh Bags

Curriculum Links Citizenship and PSHCE: (KS2 1.2.3.4.5) Geography: (KS2 1.2.5.7)

Points to noteYou may wish to involve the local community in this project, perhaps you could have a tree or flower planting event to mark the occasion.

Lesson Plan(The litter pick must last no longer than 2 hours)

1 Register your litter pick with Clean Cornwall on 07530 262428 and arrange for any resources for your litter pick and any special collection of the litter if required.

2 Make sure you’ve done a risk assessment.

3 Do an introductory talk about why you are doing the litter pick.

4 Health and Safety – explain what not to pick up and what to do if you find something dangerous.

5 Put pupils into groups – groups of up to 4 work well.

6 Hand out equipment and audit sheets. Explain that children must put litter that can be recycled in one clear sack (plastic bottles and aluminium cans) and the remaining litter in the other clear sack(s).

7 Remind children of how we collect the data using the audit sheet.

8 Ensure the children know which area they are to clean, set parameters.

9 Set a time limit and meeting point.

10 Children to collect litter and fill in their forms with group members swapping roles.

11 When finished, weigh the bags. A council and/or sponsor representative may be present for this.

12 Ensure all children wash their hands.

13 Collate information collected. See Using the Data Analysis Lesson Plan.

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Litter Pick AuditGroup Name

Item Tally Total

Total number of items

Weight of bag kg

crisp Packet

Chocolate/sweets inclastic wrappers

drink bottle

can

drink Carton

banana peel

orange peel

apple core

foil

carrier bag

paper

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Data Analysis Lesson PlanAim•To analyse the results from the litter audit

•To get an idea of how much litter is created

•To understand what litter consists of

•To think about where litter may be coming from

•To display and share results

Resources•Whole class results from litter pick activity

•Paper and pencils

• Computer programme which enables children to create graphs; e.g. Excel or Blackcat

Curriculum Links Maths: (KS2 Ma4. Ma2) Geography: (KS2 1.2.4.) Science: (KS2 Sc3) ICT: (KS2 1.3.)

Points to noteThe data from this lesson gives you a good lead into researching this topic further, therefore linking to geography, literacy, art, ICT and science.

Ask the children to consider how to stop this problem. Would the 3Rs (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle) help reduce litter?

Lesson PlanThe data can be used in a wide range of ways depending on the pupils ability and place in the curriculum.

Areas that can be covered through this include: percentages, graphs, mean, median, mode, ICT

1 Allow the children time to look at their data and to use this to create graphical data..

2 Create different graphs, including individual groups, whole class or individual areas, depending on what you want to gain from the exercise. Here are some sample questions children could try and investigate with their data.

•What was the most common item of litter?

•How would you display the different items collected in a bar/pie chart?

•How many pieces of litter did each group collect on average?

•How much did the average bag weigh?

•What percentage of litter was food?

•What percentage was packaging?

•What percentage was plastic?

•What percentage of litter can be recycled/composted?

• If you were outside for 20 mins and collected 300 items of litter, how many things did you pick up per minute?

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Lesson Plan 1 Discuss with the children the litter collected on the litter pick.

2 Talk about where this litter comes from and what they think we should do about the problem.

3 Give the children a key question to research.

•What is litter?

•Where does litter come from?

•Who creates litter?

•What problems does litter cause?

•What can we do about it?

•How does litter affect us?

•How does litter affect others/animals?

•What can we do to make others aware of the problems?

These questions can be adapted depending on the age/ability of your class.

The information that children find can be used in a variety ways, e.g. non-chronological report writing, letter writing, persuasive writing, debating/discussion and can lead into other areas of the curriculum.

Researching Litter Lesson PlanResources•Fact sheets about litter

•Internet access

•Useful websites sheet

Aim•To understand what litter consists of

•To think about where litter might come from

• To consider what we can do about the problem of litter

•To think about how litter affects us

• To research information using a variety of sources

Curriculum Links Literacy: (KS2 En1: 1c, 3; En2: 3, 9; En3: 1.2) Citizenship and PSHCE: (KS2 1.2.3.4.5) Geography: (KS2 1.2.5.7)

Points to noteYou could also use this information in role play. The children could form their own opinions and discuss ‘Who is to blame for litter?’

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Activity Sheet

AnagramsRearrange the anagrams to find the different types of litter.

1 coca ken 2 picket scrap

3 bachelor coat 4 kind corn rat

5 big rare car 6 chin weg mug

Crack the code

How many new words can you make from the slogan below?

Try writing an acrostic poem.

d b t x e j f p e x o q j d n m

q s v x e t n m n c q f d n s t

r f a r a y n j s x h d u c s y

i g o g a m o j a b p n t o k l

g k g a m t g t f i r h b c e s

n h w r i a h q m n s a a n j m

a g h e m e s v i n c t i q w e

e i t u t s i e i g t c e e l l

l d g s e o b p c a e o k c i l

r e a e g p b n p o d p y u t y

n w j m v m u a w x f c r h t i

t n e m n o r i v n e c u d e r

i a o s a c g t d r a g e e r e

i s l w s e s e z s n j t e z e

t t s n n d o e j r b e e r z e

o y t t k h n a s o z a x r n h

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Word Search Find these words in the grid.

bin litter decompose smelly rat waste environment scrapattack rubbish reduce reuse recycle nasty gum

A B C D H G F E O N M L K J I W V U T S R Q P Z Y X

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CRISPS

CRISPS

A Primary School has 7 classes and each class eats an average of 12 packets of crisps a day.

How many packets of crisps does the school eat each day?

How many in a school week?

How many in a school year of 32 weeks?

Activity SheetAsk your teacher if you can have a calculator, then have a go at these number challenges.

Challenge

Imagine every crisp packet is put in the bin.

How could you measure the volume that this many crisp packets would take up? What do you think you could compare this to?

A Secondary School has 1,300 pupils and 50% admit to dropping litter.

How many pupils drop litter?

If each of these litter bugs drops one item of litter a day, how much is that in a school week?

How much is that in a school year of 32 weeks?

ChallengeCornwall has 31 Secondary schools. If they all drop as much litter as the one above, how much litter do they drop in total?

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Now the litter has been collected and the information sorted, there are still many directions in which you can take this topic.

The second part of the competition is to create a “Work of Art”, inspired by the litter pick.

What the judges are looking for…The judges will be looking for something that is creative and fun for all children. For this you can use any area of the curriculum you wish.

Projects will be judged on their content, originality and creativity:

•Thoroughness of research

•Thought provoking

•Education

•Inclusive participation of the class

•Evidence of litter pick element

ork oW f Art info

Ideas for the “Work of Art”Over the next few pages there are many ideas which have been used within classrooms already. Feel free to use these ideas but of course you are not restricted to these, they are just suggestions.

Using the LitterYou may wish to use the litter that you have collected to create a piece of art work.

Making musical instruments

Collage

Litter collecting robots

Sculpture/Models KS2 Art 1.2.3.4.

What the world could look like

Litter collecting machines

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ork oW f Art info

Using the data/researchYou may wish to focus your “Work of Art” on all the information that you gathered through the litter collection and other research.

Multimedia/Video Project Take pictures/video of the litter and use in a multimedia project.Links KS2: ICT – 1:3:4, Literacy En3, Geography - 1, PSHCE – 2.

Written/Artistic Projects Using some of the key questions from the research lessons create a project to be displayed.Links KS2: Literacy (Report writing) – En3, Geography - 1, PSHCE - 2, Art - 1.

Song Writing Write a new song or re-write the lyrics to a well known song.Links KS2: Music - 1, Geography - 1, PSHCE - 2.

Create/Write a Play ‘The Cleaning Crew’ Save the day! Give the children the opportunity to create their own characters.Links KS2: Literacy – En3, Speaking and Listening – En1:4, Geography - 1, PSHCE – 2.

Most Importantly - The Children’s verdict…Overall this project should be fun and informative for the children.

Here are a few of the comments received about the work from children who have participated in the past.

I love this type of work. Daniel

Wow! Our song’s cool, can we perform it in assembly? Amie

We’ve collected loads of rubbish! Jade

This is fun can we do a litter pick next year? Jack

I’m really proud of my work; it’s the best piece of work I’ve done.Matthew

Can we do SCRAP Attack work this morning? Lucy

When are we doing the SCRAP Attack work again? I can’t wait! Luke

Designing Posters (see lesson plan)Persuasive writing/writing for a purpose. Laminate to put up in heavily littered areasLinks KS2: Literacy – En3 and PSHCE - 2

PoetryUsing facts and observations as a starting point. Perform poems to target group of people. Links KS2: Literacy – En3:1, Speaking and Listening – En1:1

CRISPS

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Poster Design Lesson PlanAim• To design a clear and eye catching poster to

encourage other people to take litter home or to use a bin

• To use powerful words to get across your message

• To create catchy slogans that people will remember and not drop litter

Resources•Rough paper for draft

•Paper, pencils, pens

• Computers with a word processing/graphical facility, e.g. Word/Publisher

• Laminator if you wish to display these outside

Lesson Plan1 Discuss as a class what makes a good poster.

• Eye catching

• Bold/bright colours

• Identification of target audience

• Clarifying the message

• Catchy slogan – e.g. litter louts, litter bug, stamp out litter, Keep Britain Tidy

• Use of powerful language

• Where best to put these posters

2 Discuss useful words with the class, create a word bank.

3 Allow children to create a draft copy of their poster. Use peer assessment strategies to discuss their draft with a friend.

4 Adapt posters if necessary and create final draft.

Curriculum Links Literacy: (KS2 En3: 1. 2.3.5.9c)

Points to noteChildren could display the posters and create questionnaires for other year groups to gather opinions on the posters to see if the posters will make them change their behaviour.

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Useful Websites and ResourcesHere are some of the places where you could gain information on environmental issues.

•To arrange a visit from, and talk by Clean Cornwall about litter call 07530 262428 or email [email protected] or to arrange a visit by a Cornwall Council Waste Awareness/Sustainability Officer on the environmental topic of your choice call 0300 1234 100.

• See if you can visit your local Recycling Centre which has been specifically designed for school visits – see and learn about recycling in action.http://www.sitacornwall.co.uk/community/education

•Ask the Cornwall Waste Management for available literature on recycling. Freephone 0800 612 0456

•Visit your local library

Here are some websites where you can find lots more interesting facts about litter and the 3 R’s.

http://www.recycle-more.co.uk

http://www.cleancornwall.org

http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/

http://www.keepbritaintidy.org

http://www.recyclezone.org.uk

http://www.recyclenow.com

http://www.wastewatch.org.uk

http://www.eco-schools.org.uk

http://www.olliesworld.com/uk/index.html

http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/recycling

Why not test your knowledge with the recycling challenge at

http://www.recyclezone.org.uk/home_fz.aspx.html

http://www.recyclezone.org.uk/home_fz.aspx.html

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Litter Picking Safety Guide (SAMPLE)

• Use gloves and avoid hand contact with litter at all times, particularly glass and metal items - use litter picking tool where possible

• Any needles or sharp objects should be dealt with by a designated member of the team using a litter picking tool and disposed of in a ‘sharps’ box

•Wherever possible avoid other bodily contact with litter

•Clean hands thoroughly before eating food or drinking

•Rubbish should not be compressed using hands or feet for reasons of skin puncture

•Avoid contact with the body when carrying plastic bin bags

•Ensure any cuts or abrasions are clean and covered with a waterproof plaster

•Stout shoes and waterproof clothing should be worn

•Avoid working within a distance of 1.5 metres from the edge of the highway

•Avoid lifting heavy objects or sacks at all times – ask for assistance if required

•Be aware of your environment and do not put yourself at risk whilst picking litter

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Risk Assessment (SAMPLE)

The purpose of this Risk Assessment is to make sure the health, safety and welfare of the volunteers has been considered and that all reasonable precautions and controls are in place prior to any Clean up activity taking place. Volunteers under 18 years of age will require a completed medical condition and consent form.

Any person with a known medical or other condition that may affect there own welfare or that of others should discuss with the organisers any special requirements they may have prior to the activity taking place.

This generic style Risk Assessment is not a definitive listing of all potential hazards but is intended as a guide to enable activity organisers to complete their own task specific Risk Assessment.

You can download this sample and change it to suit the location and the needs of the volunteers in the group. You will need to both: -

1 Tick the box of the “control measure” which are applicable to the job you are offering and

2 As this is NOT a definitive list of all the hazards that may be encountered add any further Hazards and required control measures that you may identify during the pre-task survey and planning to additional sheets.

This litter pick organised by

Organiser contact number

Location of litter clean up (include Map reference)

Emergency contact Names and Numbers for Group

Date and time and duration of activity

Number of sheets in this assessment

Date and time of risk assessment

Risk assessment carried out by name and signature

Volunteers involved, number, ages, any special considerations

Main tasks and duties to undertake a litter clean up ...

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Specific Hazard Identified Suggested Control Measures

Additional controls for volunteer groups to make sure the risk is

adequately controlled

Thefollowing control

measures will apply to

this job (Tick box)

Untreated InjuriesRisks – infection, bleeding, shock, poisoning, permanent disability, death

• First aid provision in accordance with an assessment of needs to ensure; 1/ Adequate numbers of competent first aider’s 2/ Suitable and sufficient equipment

• Adequate and reliable communications (consider mobile reception and battery)

• Complete medical information forms and ensure equipment and supervisor competences match any declared needs

• Safe storage and supervision for any required medications

• Organiser to ensure how work areas can be accessed by emergency services

Handling of waste materialsRisks – cuts, scratches, poisoning, allergic reactions, manual handling

• Use appropriate protective equipment and clothing • Consider the use of gloves and litter picking tools • Use shovels and hand tools as appropriate • Ensure storage containers are sufficiently robust

and designed such that they may be handled safely • See Flotsam/Jetsam, Fly tipping, Broken glass/

Sharps

• Volunteers to be briefed and supervised to ensure correct procedures are followed

• Bags or other containers should only be filled such that they may be easily handled

• Supervisors will have to ensure that volunteers do not lift heavy loads

• Supervisors must maintain an awareness of manual handling issues

Domestic animals Risks – sudden confrontation, bites, scratches

• Wear appropriate clothing for walking in the countryside and keep a sharp lookout for loose dogs.

• Carry an ultra-sound dog deterrent such as a “dog dazer”.

• Avoid physical contact with all animals. • Leave your dogs at home unless kept under proper

control and are not aggressive

• Supervisor to ensure a safe distance is maintained from any loose animals

• Volunteers to avoid contact with animals and report any loose animals to the supervisor

Farm animals Risks – kicks, bites, goring, stamping, crushing, emotional trauma, cuts, bruises, broken bones, external and internal injuries. Infections and allergic reactions.

• If contact is unavoidable, avoid sudden moves and do not place yourself between a female animal and its young.

• Do not run or show signs of fear. • Leave the animal enclosure as quickly as possible,

without running.


• Potential danger areas to be identified in advance and avoided

Snakes Risks – poisonous bites

• Wear stout boots (with ankle protection) and gaiters to protect lower legs.

• Keep a sharp lookout, to avoid stepping on or disturbing an adder.


• Supervisor to possess appropriate competences in snake recognition and maintain lookout

Insects Risks – bites and stings

• Wear long trousers (tucked into socks) and long sleeved top, to cover arms and legs.

• Take care not to disturb hives or nests and keep well clear of swarming bees or wasps.

• Use insect repellent at times and in areas where insects are known to be active, particularly if you suffer severe reaction to insect bites or stings.

• Supervisor to be aware of any allergies, and treatments required and ensure they are available


• Volunteers to be advised on insect control and precautions

Rats, Cattle Risks – Infection through cuts, scratches or abrasions or by mouth

• In the right conditions the Leptospirosis bacteria can survive for a number of days after leaving the host animal and it has the potential to infect during that period.

• When working in water, wear protective clothing and boots and avoid rubbing your nose, mouth or eyes with your hands.

• After contact with water that may be infected or with contaminated boots or clothing, wash affected parts of the body thoroughly with soap and water, paying particular attention to fingernails. Do not eat until you have thoroughly cleaned your hands and arms.

• Potential danger areas to be identified in advance and avoided if possible

• Working in water or in direct contact with water should be avoided

• Gloves and litter pickers should be used as appropriate

• Supervisors should monitor and halt activities if contamination is suspected

• Supervisors to ensure hand washing routines etc are carried out

• Volunteers to be briefed on dangers and precautions

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• Wet clothing and footwear should be thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible after use.

• Keep open wounds covered with waterproof dressings

TicksRisks – bite resulting in rash, flu symptoms, joint pains, headaches – uncommon in UK but likelihood increases where deer are abundant

• Wear long trousers (tucked into socks) and long sleeved top, to cover arms and legs. Ticks can be seen more easily on light coloured clothes.

• When working in tick infested areas inspect body for ticks every few hours and if possible, at the end of the day’s outdoor activity, undress and inspect body for ticks. Remove tick by grasping it close to the skin, with tweezers. Apply gentle pressure, twisting anti-clockwise and upwards, repeating as necessary

• Supervisor to assess area in advance and if infestation is suspected move to another area

• Supervisor to ensure all clothing worn is fit for purpose

• Volunteers to be briefed on precautions and treatments

• Volunteers to report any contact with Ticks to supervisor prior to attempting any treatment

Wild Animals Risks – sudden confrontation, bites scratches, contact with excrement.

• Keep a sharp lookout for animal movements. Avoid contact with animals and their excrement. Do not disturb their dens or interfere with their young.


• Identify potential danger areas be in advance and avoid

Chemicals Risks – Inhalation, ingestion, contact with skin, contact with eyes.

• Thorough knowledge of the types of chemicals used in the countryside, their effects and the “first aid” measures to be used in the event of contamination.

• Avoid any area being treated with pesticides or insecticides and for at least 24 hours after the application.


• Supervisor to possess appropriate competences in recognition of hazardous substances that may be encountered and brief group prior to starting task

• Volunteer groups should be advised not to touch any unknown substances or containers but to seek assistance

Derelict structures Risks – collapse of floors, roof or walls.

• Do not enter buildings, which appear to be derelict, unless absolutely necessary.

• Take notice of warning signs and safety fencing.

• Volunteer groups should not be allowed access into any derelict buildings unless declared safe by an appropriate authority

• Derelict works should be inspected and made safe before any adjacent activity is undertaken

Cliffs, quarry faces, steep slopes and crevasses.Risks – Trips, falls and slides.

• Avoid landscape features known to be unstable and hazardous.

• Careful choice of routes over and around obstacles.

• Wear stout boots with well-treaded soles. • Take weather conditions (and possible weather

changes) into account. • Avoid areas immediately below unstable cliffs or

steep slopes.

• A pre-activity survey should identify such hazards and enable them to be avoided or managed appropriately

• Organisers must ensure safe distances and appropriate levels of supervision are maintained near such hazards

Electrical fences Risks – Electric shock

• Always assume that electric fences are “live”. • Avoid contact. Close proximity can result in a

shock, in damp conditions.

• Supervisor to ensure a safe distance is maintained or arrange for the fence to be de-energised

Golf Courses Risks – Being struck by a golf ball

• Take great care when walking on golf courses and particularly when crossing fairways. Be alert to warning shouts and allow for badly sliced or hooked drives.

• Organiser to ensure advance notice is given to any golf club such that play is suspended during activity or that safe working procedures are agreed

Ground Conditions Risks – Trips, falls and slides

• Avoid dangerous areas and choose the safest possible routes over ground, which is in a poor condition.

• Wear strong boots with good ankle support and well-treaded soles.

• Wear appropriate protective clothing.

• Organiser to brief group as to the need to be aware of ground conditions and the appropriate level of care required

• Supervisor to select safe routes and ensure their use

Hedges, Fences, Walls, Gates and StilesRisks – Falls when climbing styles, trapped fingers or hands when opening and closing gates. Cuts and scratches from

• Take care when climbing stiles, particularly in wet conditions.

• Take care when opening or closing gates, particularly when the gate is in a poor state of repair or is badly hung.

• Avoid climbing walls - always use gaps, stiles or gates.

• Organiser to brief group on general good countryside practice

• Supervisor to select safe routes and ensure their use.

• Supervisor to ensure appropriate clothing is worn.

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• Wet clothing and footwear should be thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible after use.

• Keep open wounds covered with waterproof dressings

TicksRisks – bite resulting in rash, flu symptoms, joint pains, headaches – uncommon in UK but likelihood increases where deer are abundant

• Wear long trousers (tucked into socks) and long sleeved top, to cover arms and legs. Ticks can be seen more easily on light coloured clothes.

• When working in tick infested areas inspect body for ticks every few hours and if possible, at the end of the day’s outdoor activity, undress and inspect body for ticks. Remove tick by grasping it close to the skin, with tweezers. Apply gentle pressure, twisting anti-clockwise and upwards, repeating as necessary

• Supervisor to assess area in advance and if infestation is suspected move to another area

• Supervisor to ensure all clothing worn is fit for purpose

• Volunteers to be briefed on precautions and treatments

• Volunteers to report any contact with Ticks to supervisor prior to attempting any treatment

Wild Animals Risks – sudden confrontation, bites scratches, contact with excrement.

• Keep a sharp lookout for animal movements. Avoid contact with animals and their excrement. Do not disturb their dens or interfere with their young.


• Identify potential danger areas be in advance and avoid

Chemicals Risks – Inhalation, ingestion, contact with skin, contact with eyes.

• Thorough knowledge of the types of chemicals used in the countryside, their effects and the “first aid” measures to be used in the event of contamination.

• Avoid any area being treated with pesticides or insecticides and for at least 24 hours after the application.


• Supervisor to possess appropriate competences in recognition of hazardous substances that may be encountered and brief group prior to starting task

• Volunteer groups should be advised not to touch any unknown substances or containers but to seek assistance

Derelict structures Risks – collapse of floors, roof or walls.

• Do not enter buildings, which appear to be derelict, unless absolutely necessary.

• Take notice of warning signs and safety fencing.

• Volunteer groups should not be allowed access into any derelict buildings unless declared safe by an appropriate authority

• Derelict works should be inspected and made safe before any adjacent activity is undertaken

Cliffs, quarry faces, steep slopes and crevasses.Risks – Trips, falls and slides.

• Avoid landscape features known to be unstable and hazardous.

• Careful choice of routes over and around obstacles.

• Wear stout boots with well-treaded soles. • Take weather conditions (and possible weather

changes) into account. • Avoid areas immediately below unstable cliffs or

steep slopes.

• A pre-activity survey should identify such hazards and enable them to be avoided or managed appropriately


Electrical fences Risks – Electric shock

• Always assume that electric fences are “live”. • Avoid contact. Close proximity can result in a

shock, in damp conditions.

• Supervisor to ensure a safe distance is maintained or arrange for the fence to be de-energised

Golf Courses Risks – Being struck by a golf ball

• Take great care when walking on golf courses and particularly when crossing fairways. Be alert to warning shouts and allow for badly sliced or hooked drives.

• Organiser to ensure advance notice is given to any golf club such that play is suspended during activity or that safe working procedures are agreed

Ground Conditions Risks – Trips, falls and slides

• Avoid dangerous areas and choose the safest possible routes over ground, which is in a poor condition.

• Wear strong boots with good ankle support and well-treaded soles.

• Wear appropriate protective clothing.

• Organiser to brief group as to the need to be aware of ground conditions and the appropriate level of care required

• Supervisor to select safe routes and ensure their use

Hedges, Fences, Walls, Gates and StilesRisks – Falls when climbing styles, trapped fingers or hands when opening and closing gates. Cuts and scratches from

• Take care when climbing stiles, particularly in wet conditions.

• Take care when opening or closing gates, particularly when the gate is in a poor state of repair or is badly hung.

• Avoid climbing walls - always use gaps, stiles or gates.

• Organiser to brief group on general good countryside practice

• Supervisor to select safe routes and ensure their use.

• Supervisor to ensure appropriate clothing is worn.

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barbed wire, brambles and thorn hedgerow bushes. Walls collapsing or stones dislodging, particularly in dry stone walls.

• Take care when walking along paths, which are bounded, by vegetation or where barbed wire has been used in a fence.

Disused mine shafts, adits, wells and cavesRisks – Falls, entrapment, immersion in water, impact from falling debris.

• Exercise extreme care when walking in derelict mine sites or near derelict buildings.

• Examine any records of old mine workings that are available.

• Do not enter caves.

• Volunteer groups should not be allowed access into such sites unless made safe and given permission by the appropriate authority.


Marshes, Bogs and Quick-sand Risks – Entrapment, immersion in water

• Avoid obvious areas of water or saturated ground conditions.

• Check with landowner/occupier before entering suspect areas.

• Volunteer groups should not be allowed access into such areas, they should be identified in advance and avoided


Quarries, Mines and Mineral Waste Tips Risks- Slips and falls.Immersion in water. Collapse of unstable land. Impact from flying or falling debris. Crushing by plant or machinery. Inhalation of dust and gasses. Contacts with chemicals and hot materials

• Wear high visibility clothing, safety hat, and safety footwear.

• Inform Quarry/Mine Manager of your presence on site.

• Keep well clear of all vehicles, plant and machinery.

• Keep well clear of quarry faces, excavations, lagoons and other areas where mining or quarrying operations are taking place.

• Wear face mask if it is necessary to enter an area where dust s present in the air.

• Volunteer groups should not be allowed access into such areas unless by prior arrangement with the site managing authority and the completion of a site-specific risk assessment.


Tides and Currents Risks -Being trapped by in-coming tide, falling into water

• Consult local tide tables, weather forecast and experts when planning work in on beaches or alongside tidal estuaries and keep to planned timetable.

• Avoid hazardous situations and locations such as large estuaries, remote beach areas, etc.

• Organisers must ensure the appropriate level of competent supervision (life guards etc) with local knowledge.

• Volunteers should not be expected to work in or on the water without appropriate training and supervision

Flotsam and JetsamRisks - – Inhalation, ingestion, contact with skin, contact with eyes. Cuts, inhalation of fumes, infection by medical waste or rotting materials

• Make a site inspection prior to the event to identify any unknown objects/substances.

• Brief volunteers that the tide may bring in or expose un-surveyed objects that they should consult the group leader about before touching

• Report any chemical canisters, flares, etc to the coastguards by dialling 999

• Organiser to ensure groups do not work in areas where unidentified objects or substances are likely to be found

• Supervisors should carry out an advance inspection

• Volunteers must be briefed on the exact procedures to be adopted if unidentified objects are found.

WaterRisks - Immersion, ingestion, drowning.

• Avoid banks that appear to be unstable. • Avoid hazardous situations and locations. • Always work in pairs when using a boat or when

intentionally entering water and always wear a lifejacket and have a suitable rope available in these circumstances.


• Volunteers should not be expected to work in or on the water without the appropriate training and supervision

Encountering vehicles Risks -Being struck by moving vehicle.

• Careful lookout in areas where encounters are likely - road junctions, on by-ways, farm accesses and farm tracks, railway and airstrip crossings.

• Wear high visibility clothing at all times. • Ensure young volunteers are properly supervised

if working near vehicle tracks/highways.

• Organisers should seek the advice of competent road safety advisers before allowing any work adjacent to highways

• Organisers and supervisors must ensure that safe distances are maintained between groups and traffic

• Levels of supervision may need to be increased

Use of Vehicles Risks -Collision, mechanical breakdown, becoming “bogged-down”.

• Appropriate training and testing in driving techniques, on and off road.

• Any vehicles used by in the course of the litter clean up should have been regularly serviced and maintained to a high standard.

• Volunteers may only use vehicles if they are trained, insured and appropriately authorised.

• Vehicles will only be used by volunteers under supervision

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• Only four-wheel drive vehicles should be taken off-road.

• Ensure that vehicles are parked safely and legally – do not block junctions, driveways.

• Do not leave dogs in unattended cars – leave them at home

PeopleRisks - Aggressive, threatening behaviour; verbal assault, physical assault, stalking, abduction, unlawful detention, rape and homicide.

• Organisers should be prepared for/ trained in dealing with people and in particular, with aggression.

• The landowner must have granted permission for the litter clean up event.

• Prior to any litter-picking event the landowner should be visited by the organiser, the operation fully explained, an appointment for the event made, and written consent obtained.

• Supervisors and volunteers should be briefed as to how to avoid confrontation

Overhead power lines Risks -Making contact or coming into close proximity. Shock, burns, pain and possibly electrocution

• Unless there is reliable information to the contrary, always assume that any overhead line is a power line and that it is “live”. Information relating to overhead lines can be obtained from the local electricity company.

• Avoid contact or close proximity to an overhead cable.

• Do not climb poles or pylons.

• Volunteers should not be permitted to work within the danger area from power lines if doubt exists consult Western power distribution

• If work is carried out adjacent to power lines then volunteers should be briefed on safe working procedures and an appropriate level of supervision maintained

Fly-tipping of refuse, toxic materials Risks - Cuts, inhalation of fumes, infection by medical waste or rotting materials.

• Wear stout boots and gaiters. • Do not disturb waste - inform the local authority

responsible for environmental cleansing or the Environment Agency of the existence of the refuse.

• Organiser to identify such areas in advance if possible and avoid

• Supervisor to be aware and keep group clear of such areas.

Broken glass, sharpsRisks- Cuts, infection, needle stick injuries

• Wear stout boots and gaiters. • Sharps should only be removed by adults using

appropriate PPE or equipment • Sharps to be stored in clearly marked proprietary

container• Glass etc to be stored such as to minimise any

hazards

• Supervisor to identify such areas in advance if possible and avoid

• Volunteers to be briefed on the hazards presented by sharps and instructed to seek assistance in their removal

Hand ToolsRisks - Sharp edges or prongs of tools accidentally coming into contact with some part of the body. This may arise when tools are in use, are being handled or are stored haphazardly in a workshop or vehicle

• Training in the correct use, handling, storage and maintenance of tools.

• Maintain all tools in good condition. Discard tools that become defective.

• Store tools separately in purpose made containers, or in secure racks, including tools stored in vehicles.

• Use appropriate protective equipment and clothing.

• Volunteers must be trained and approved as competent before any tools are used.

• Tools must only be used with appropriate supervision

• Supervisor to ensure protective equipment is used as required

Trees and ShrubsRisks -Impact from overhanging or falling branches. Trips and falls over exposed roots

• Be alert to the risks and keep a sharp lookout for hazards.

• Organiser to identify such areas in advance if possible and avoid

• Supervisor to be aware and keep group clear of such areas.

• Volunteers to be briefed as to such hazards and the level of care required

CropsRisks- Inhalation of dust, spores and chemicals.

• See Dust; Spores and Chemicals • Volunteers to be briefed on good countryside practice

• Check volunteer medical information, e.g. asthma, hay-fever and they carry relevant medication

• Keep to the footpath provided • Supervision to be maintained to avoid

contact

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Irritant and Dangerous PlantsRisks - Allergic reactions, poisoning

• Training in the identification of dangerous plants, the symptoms of their effects and the first aid remedies to be applied in each case.

• Wear protective clothing when cutting or spraying vegetation that might include irritant or dangerous species. Wash thoroughly as soon as possible after completing such operations.

• Avoid ingesting any vegetation matter. • Wear long trousers, long sleeved top and stout

boots and gaiters when working or walking in dense vegetation.

• Supervisors need to be competent in plant recognition such that accidental contact may be avoided

• The use of protective equipment may need to be considered

• Volunteers should be briefed on the possible effects of contact with some vegetation such that they may monitor for symptoms

Pollens and DustRisks- Allergic reaction - “hay fever”

• Avoiding the irritant can solve the problem but this is not always possible. Sensitive individuals should check pollen forecasts and consider cancelling or re-arranging outdoor work if appropriate and possible.

• Any person with a known or family history of pollen related allergies should seek advice prior to taking parts in this type of work

• Organisers and supervisors should be aware of the possible issues and precautions required.

Extreme cold, ice and snow Risks - Exposure, slips, falls and suffocation in vehicles

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions - reschedule for a more suitable day

• Avoid over exertion in conditions of extreme cold. • Dress for the conditions: i.e. warm, waterproof

and windproof clothing and well-treaded, waterproof boots.

• Organisers to check local forecast immediately prior to work being carried out.

• Seek shelter from weather if possible. • Supervisor to ensure appropriate

clothing is worn and to monitor group health

Dense fogs and mistsRisks - Disorientation Exposure, hypothermia

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions or forecasts.

• Wear clothing appropriate to seasonal weather conditions.

• Availability of radio/mobile telephone to summon help.


• Supervisors to arrange group as to maintain visual contact

Hot sun extreme heat and high humidityRisks - Sunburn, heat stroke.

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions. Avoid strenuous activity in conditions of high humidity.

• Carry plentiful supplies of water and drink frequently.

• Dress for the conditions: i.e. light clothing, protecting body, arms and legs from ultra violet radiation, sunglasses.

• Use barrier cream on exposed areas of skin.


• Supervisor to ensure appropriate clothing and protection is used and to monitor group health.

Lightening Risks - Lightning strike.

• Avoid using radios/mobile telephones during thunderstorms.

• Be aware of weather forecasts and the conditions that can give rise to thunder storms.

• Avoid using any metal tools or equipment during a thunderstorm.

• Do not shelter under trees


• Volunteers to be briefed on best practise.

Heavy rain Risks - Exposure, slips and falls.

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions.

• Dress for the conditions: i.e. warm, waterproof and windproof clothing and well-treaded, waterproof boots.



clothing is worn and amend work patterns as the conditions may dictate

Strong winds Risks - Being blown from path, being struck by falling or wind blown debris.

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions. Avoid vulnerable areas, cliff tops, work near water or tidal beaches/estuaries

• Wear appropriate weather proof and safety clothing.




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Irritant and Dangerous PlantsRisks - Allergic reactions, poisoning

• Training in the identification of dangerous plants, the symptoms of their effects and the first aid remedies to be applied in each case.

• Wear protective clothing when cutting or spraying vegetation that might include irritant or dangerous species. Wash thoroughly as soon as possible after completing such operations.

• Avoid ingesting any vegetation matter. • Wear long trousers, long sleeved top and stout

boots and gaiters when working or walking in dense vegetation.

• Supervisors need to be competent in plant recognition such that accidental contact may be avoided

• The use of protective equipment may need to be considered

• Volunteers should be briefed on the possible effects of contact with some vegetation such that they may monitor for symptoms

Pollens and DustRisks- Allergic reaction - “hay fever”

• Avoiding the irritant can solve the problem but this is not always possible. Sensitive individuals should check pollen forecasts and consider cancelling or re-arranging outdoor work if appropriate and possible.

• Any person with a known or family history of pollen related allergies should seek advice prior to taking parts in this type of work

• Organisers and supervisors should be aware of the possible issues and precautions required.

Extreme cold, ice and snow Risks - Exposure, slips, falls and suffocation in vehicles

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions - reschedule for a more suitable day

• Avoid over exertion in conditions of extreme cold. • Dress for the conditions: i.e. warm, waterproof

and windproof clothing and well-treaded, waterproof boots.



clothing is worn and to monitor group health

Dense fogs and mistsRisks - Disorientation Exposure, hypothermia

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions or forecasts.

• Wear clothing appropriate to seasonal weather conditions.

• Availability of radio/mobile telephone to summon help.


• Supervisors to arrange group as to maintain visual contact

Hot sun extreme heat and high humidityRisks - Sunburn, heat stroke.

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions. Avoid strenuous activity in conditions of high humidity.

• Carry plentiful supplies of water and drink frequently.

• Dress for the conditions: i.e. light clothing, protecting body, arms and legs from ultra violet radiation, sunglasses.

• Use barrier cream on exposed areas of skin.


• Supervisor to ensure appropriate clothing and protection is used and to monitor group health.

Lightening Risks - Lightning strike.

• Avoid using radios/mobile telephones during thunderstorms.

• Be aware of weather forecasts and the conditions that can give rise to thunder storms.

• Avoid using any metal tools or equipment during a thunderstorm.

• Do not shelter under trees


• Volunteers to be briefed on best practise.

Heavy rain Risks - Exposure, slips and falls.

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions.

• Dress for the conditions: i.e. warm, waterproof and windproof clothing and well-treaded, waterproof boots.




Strong winds Risks - Being blown from path, being struck by falling or wind blown debris.

• Adjust work programme to suit extreme weather conditions. Avoid vulnerable areas, cliff tops, work near water or tidal beaches/estuaries

• Wear appropriate weather proof and safety clothing.




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Additional Hazards Additional Control Measures here Vounteer specific controls

The above table is not an exhaustive list of hazards and control measures – the organiser must carry out further visual assessment and list site specific hazards and agreed control measures in the table below. The assessment and controls measures must be discussed with the group prior to undertaking the activity.

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Activity Notes

1Permissions (Landowners, Local Authorities etc, consider courtesy notification of coastguard or other bodies)

2 Take expert advice

3 Interaction with other bodies (highways agency etc)

4 Number of volunteers

5 Standards of behaviour

6 Competence of volunteers

7 Number of supervisors (Competence, Training, CRB requirements)

8 Consent and Medical information

9 Site conditions and surroundings

10 Risk assessment

11 First aid

12 Communication

13 Pre event briefing

14 Tools and equipment

15 Transport

16 Insurances

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Emergency and contingency plans (i.e. what happens if a supervisor has to accompany a volunteer off site, who raise alarm if group does not return on time etc)

18 ‘Safe’ on site storage of collected waste

19 Disposal of waste (how, legislation, controlled waste etc)

Activity planning checklist

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