Dangerfield

Enjoying your allotment usually doesn't do you any harm. In fact, exercising outdoors is really good for you and being down the allotment and eating your own veg has far more benefits than drawbacks. But sometimes it's worth talking about things that can go wrong so that we can hopefully avoid them.

Tools and Machinery

Everyone over a certain age has had a rollocking off their dad for playing with tools! So, for those who were lucky enough to escape this fatherly advice, please be careful, and only touch things you know how to use safely. There was a good reason behind this. Although standing on the end of a rake is painful, I have a general rule... the more noise it makes and the more sharp bits it has, the greater the skill and care required. If you're using power tools and someone inadvertently enters your workspace, stop it straight away until they are clear. Use the appropriate protective clothing. Familiarise yourself with where the first aid kit is, it's best to know before you injure yourself!

Poisons and Chemicals

I know that there're plants that will kill you and apparently no person has ever died from rat poison, but poisons and chemicals are not only a potential source of immediate problems if accidentally consumed, they are also likely to build up over time in the body. If your neighbour is growing organically then please keep your chemicals to yourself. Ensure they are locked away from children and animals. If it's your poison, then it's also your fault if someone eats it. To be really sure, take it home with you so you know where it is. Remember, most chemicals not labelled as poisons are by their very nature, still poisonous!

Junk

A tidy (ish) allotment is a safe (ish) allotment. Obviously the more junk and broken stuff you have lying around, the more likely you, someone else, somebody's pet or wildlife will get injured /trapped / killed by it. Please tidy up anything, but especially sharp things like metal or glass and anything that's a suffocation hazard straight away if it's not being used. Remember, water is a very effective suffocation hazard to air breathing animals (including children) so cover those water barrels!

Allergies

Varies from person to person, but if you are allergic to something it's better a) to know! and then b) stay away from it. I've had a nice rash from something in the hedge, possibly ivy but unfortunately I wasn't able to work out what it was, as it didn't come out until a few hours later. I'll be more careful next time to cover my skin.

Diseases

I heard a story about a guy who died (a long time ago) after being bitten by a pig. The bite didn't kill him, but the tetanus did 2 weeks later. This disease is in the soil and if you've not had your immunisations topped up, you should. Ask your doctor if you're unsure. Horse manure is a good source of this disease as well as containing E. coli. Wearing gloves when handling fresh manure after it's been dumped at the gate is a good idea. It only takes a small cut for an infection to take hold. If something doesn't look or feel right, then seek medical advice.

Have fun and stay safe. Happy growing. Hopefully we will have a such a good summer I'll be able to do another blog on the dangers of the sun!!

Submitted by Tigger