Allotment Site Hazards Checklist – (draft version1 July 2011)

Familiarise yourself with the rest of the policy pack before using this form in conjunction with the Risk Assessment Form. Tick the items as you check each hazard as part of the risk assessment.

Asbestos	Found on buildings, fencing, and hidden on derelict plots. Contact local authority for disposal advice (regulations apply): do not touch.
Boundary	Overhanging trees/obstacles from outside site. May have shared responsibility with other landowner.
Committee emergency contact details	Check posted on notice board.
Communal paths/roadways	May be uneven, slippery when wet/icy weather steep gradient. Are pedestrians at risk from vehicles colliding/speeding/turning? Check for fuel leaks and potholes. Speed limit of 5 mph.
Fuel storage	Insist plotholders store own supply of fuel, e.g. paraffin, bottled gas or coal, in non-flammable container away from structures. Plotholders should not leave petrol for rotavators in sheds, but take it home in suitable containers.
Gates	Check for loose hinges, awkward locks, unsafe structure, and ease of use.
Hedging	Gaps create access for intruders. Overgrown/thorns? Hedges contain nesting birds that restrict when brush cutting can take place).
Perimeter fencing	All metal fencing requires an annual inspection to ensure that it is safe and in good condition. Barbed wire not recommended and is not permitted next to public thoroughfare - razor wire never permitted. Anti-vandal paint must have signage. Gaps create access for intruders.
Ponds	No concealing vegetation on pond surface or at sides.
Refuse	No rubbish causing risk to wildlife or people.
Signs	Legible. No sharp edges or nails exposed. Emergency contact details clearly displayed and safety information provided where useful.
Taps	Ensure non-return valve fitted. Tanks at safe height or covered.
Trees	Check for Tree Preservation Orders (local authority). Use a qualified tree surgeon to carry out risk assessments.
Pesticides and fertilisers	Always follow instructions on labels. Never decant to unlabelled containers.
Vermin	Check for evidence of vermin, e.g. burrows/droppings/sightings.
Water supply	Cover drains and meter stop taps. Ensure water turned off for winter, so lower risk of leaks and ice- slip.
Water storage	No sunken containers or stagnant water. Secure covers.

Bonfires	Specific rules. Ensure plotholders are aware of local bylaws and association rules re:-timing /materials/location/extinguishing/nuisance.
Compost bins/manure storage	Should not contain any hazardous materials. Check for any evidence of vermin, e.g. burrows/droppings/sightings.
Fencing between plots	See åperimeter fencingπ. Barbed wire is not permitted. Discourage sharp-edged metal. Check heights and condition.
Glass	Check for broken glass at ground level in greenhouses or cold frames and trip hazards leading into glass structures.
Trip hazards	Could include hidden glass/rusty metal objects, potholes/unfilled holes or uncoiled hosepipes.
Structures (sheds/greenhouses/polytunnels)	Check all foundations, roof, doors, windows, walls, floor are safe. Chemicals and fuel should be safely stored. Should not contain broken glass or other hazards.
Lone working	Members to Inform family members or friends of whereabouts, carry a mobile phone. Dial 112 for emergency services from a mobile (better than 999). Consider risk from malicious intruders.
Vehicles	All vehicles should be roadworthy. Speed limit of 5 mph on all ridings. Drivers must be insured.
Power tools	Ensure in good working order. All guards to be fitted. Those operating tools to have relevant awareness training and protective clothing, eg eye protection for strimmers.
Barbeques	Consider fire risks, food poisoning risks. Ensure structures are stable and limit access to the hot area to responsible adults. Avoid alcohol if in charge of a barbeque.
Ladders etc e.g. used to access a hut roof	Ensure ladder complies with current legislation. Avoid lone working at heights. Ensure ladder is well secured and will not slip or rock.
Bamboo canes and sticks	May cause eye injury when bending. Cover the ends of canes with a plastic ball or bottle.
Tetanus	Members to ensure they are vaccinated.
Infections from thorns or food poisoning	Advise members to wear suitable gloves and seek medical attention if infected. Wash vegetables before eating.
Bites, stings, allergies	Members to take suitable precautions and seek medical attention if needed. If a member is aware of a severe allergy, inform field steward and consider how to direct an ambulance to the plot. (no postcode, so ambulance will need clear directions)
Dogs and dog faeces	Dogs to be kept on a lead. Dog owners to remove dog faeces in suitable bags and dispose in landfill bin.