PhDiggers Safety Briefing

This briefing will be delivered to all new attendees to PhDiggers sessions. First-time attendees must sign to say that they have been briefed before they are allowed to participate.

What to Bring and Wear?

• Bring your own water with you to drink
• If you bring any person items (e.g. phones) these are your responsibility
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in
• You must wear shoes that cover your toes, ideally walking boots or ‘work’ boots but at least trainer type shoes with some grip on the bottom
• If it is wet weather, please bring waterproof clothing to wear
• If the weather is hot, you will need to bring and wear your own sun cream and cover up bare skin to avoid sunburn
• In the event of adverse weather, we will contact you via the event page and social media channels to inform you if the session is taking place

Working Environment

• Surfaces may be slippery when wet, take caution when moving in and around the allotments
• The surfaces are uneven around the allotment and there may be trip hazards around. Be cautious when walking around the allotments and alert others to any potential trip or slip hazards that you come across.
• There may be manure on the allotment beds or animal faeces around the allotments, please ensure you wear gloves when working with the earth and wash your hands when you have finished at the allotments
• There are branches, twigs, thorns and stinging nettles in and around the allotments, be careful when walking in and around the allotments to avoid them. If you do get stung or scratched and require first aid assistance, let a member of uea(su) staff know immediately

Appropriate Use of Tools

• The tools you will be using are sharp, can be heavy and could cause injury to yourself or others if not used appropriately
• You will be shown how to use a tool appropriately by a member of uea(su) staff
• If you are unsure of how to use a tool appropriately, please check with a staff member and they will demonstrate how to use the tool and check that you are clear and safe to use the tool appropriately
• You do not need to use excessive force, if you are struggling to dig something, let a member of staff know and they can help you

Reporting an Incident

• If you or someone in the group experiences an incident or injury you must let one of the uea(su) staff members know immediately
• The staff member will contact uea(su) reception (01603 593272) or UEA Estates (01603 592222) if a first aider is required
• In the event of an emergency, call the emergency services immediately on 999
• Incidents must be reported in the uea(su) incident book by a member of uea(su) staff, in Union House Reception.

• Call uea(su) reception 01603 593272
• Call UEA Estates 01603 592222

In an emergency call the emergency services immediately on 999