Important health & safety information on operating a survey raft:
· Always get a local weather forecast on the day of your visit – and know how this will impact on your plans and location.
· If you plan to make this a weekly/daily visit DO NOT assume that because it was safe last time, it will be safe this time. Always check. Don’t forget to let others know where and when you are going!
· Beware of soft and crumbly banks where there is an overhang caused by erosion and river cliff tops. Be especially careful where banks are steep, even if not very high.
· Beware of holes, branches, etc hidden amongst vegetation.
· Never attempt to reach part of your site if you consider it dangerous to do so. You may find that parts of the site you could reach in low flows are inaccessible when water levels are high.
· Do not carry out field work when the river is in spate (flooded).
· After checking your raft clean your hands thoroughly, clean cuts and cover with a waterproof plaster before and after each visit. Remember rats are likely to be using your raft as much as any other species.
· Do not rub eyes, nose and mouth when hands are wet or dirty, or bite nails.
· Do not put your fingers in the trap, either when trap is empty or occupied to avoid injury.
· Contact the Project Officer should you have any queries regarding your health and safety.
