BONFIRE HILL ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION
RISK ASSESSMENT
HAZARD
Bonfires. Burning annual prunings’s etc.
WHAT IS THE RISK
Fire may spread.
HOW IS THE RISK CONTROLLED
Think about where you are having the fire. Do not leave fires unattended. Where possible use a
garden incinerator to help contain the fire.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
Everyone
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HAZARD
Storage of chemicals in shed. Petrol, for use in strimmers. Garden fertilisers. Herbicides and
pesticides.
WHAT IS THE RISK
Fire and contamination of environment.
HOW IS THE RISK CONTROLLED
Store only those chemicals that are for use on the allotment gardens. Do not bulk buy or bulk store any chemicals. Read the manufacturer’s instructions.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
The person who stores or uses the substances.
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HAZARD
The allotment sheds may contain asbestos. The roof material looks like asbestos sheet. The
dividing panels are of unknown origin.
WHAT IS THE RISK
Asbestos is known to be a significant health hazard. Some forms have a higher risk factor than
others. The risk is from inhalation of dust particles, particularly when the product is disturbed.
HOW IS THE RISK CONTROLLED
Do not drill, cut or otherwise disturb the roof or dividing panels. The matter was brought to the
attention of the town clerk on 6th December 2011.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
Salcombe Town Council
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HAZARD
Slips & trips
WHAT IS THE RISK
Because of the nature of the site and the activity, slips & trips are an ever present risk. Particular
risk areas are the paths. Wet grass or mud is slippery.
HOW IS THE RISK CONTROLLED
Each member is responsible for maintaining the paths along the northern and eastern edges of
their plot. This particularly involves keeping the grass trimmed to reduce slip hazard. Paths to be
kept clear.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
Individual plot holders for their northern and eastern (lower) paths. BHAA are responsible for the
western (top) path.
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HAZARD
Use of tools and machinery
WHAT IS THE RISK
Any tool improperly used poses a risk of harm to the user or others. Strimmers, being mechanical
with moving parts, require particular care.
HOW IS THE RISK CONTROLLED
Each member is responsible for the safe use and storage of tools. Anyone using a strimmer is
responsible for their own safety and others safety. Check there are no loose parts, safety guards
are in place and a clear working area.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
All members must help to ensure that the site paths are clear of debris that could be thrown by a
strimmer, especially small stones, screws, nails and glass. Be aware that you are at risk if you
approach someone who is strimming.
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HAZARD
Glass
WHAT IS THE RISK
Glass is used in garden activities, i.e. greenhouses and cloches. From time to time glass breaks
and can be incorporated into or onto the soil. Digging occasionally unearths pieces of broken
glass. Glass shards can cut the unwary. Also they can be picked up and thrown at speed by
strimmers, causing injury or damage to property.
HOW IS THE RISK CONTROLLED
Individual plot holders are responsible for the glass on their plot. In recent years there has been a
significant effort to remove broken and unwanted glass from the site. Do not leave any broken
glass on the allotment garden or path. Think about using alternatives, e.g. plastic cloches.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
Whoever brings glass on to the site or uses glass that is already on their plot is responsible for
clearing away all broken glass. Plot holders who are unable to solve a broken glass problem on
the plot must ask a committee member for assistance.
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