![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Stream/Beach Cleanup Safety Checklist
(Cadettes and Seniors only should not be done by Brownies or Juniors)
Please read Safety Wise before beginning this activity
Before the cleanup...
- Check with your local Department of Health or State Environmental
Office about potential health concerns with the waterbody (e.g., pfiesteria,
poor water quality, currents, mosquitos, rats, etc.)
- Ask for necessary permission to cleanup at your site. Make arrangements
with the appropriate local officials to let them know the location,
days, and times of your cleanup so they can come haul away the trash.
They may be willing to give a talk about the history, wildlife, or environmental
conditions.
- Make sure that someone knows where, when, and for how long you will
be out.
- Develop a safety plan. Find out the location and telephone number
of the nearest phone. Locate the nearest medical center and write down
directions.
- Have each member of the cleanup team complete a permission slip and
a medical form that includes emergency contacts, insurance information,
and pertinent health information such as allergies, diabetes, epilepsy,
etc.
- Listen to weather reports. Never conduct a cleanup if severe weather
is predicted or a storm occurs while at the site.
- Have a first aid kit handy. See SAFETY WISE. It's best if at least one team member has first aid/CPR training.
At the cleanup site ...
- Leave syringes and needles alone! Notify someone in charge and mark
the spot with a flag or a large rock so someone can find it later.
- Don't walk on unstable stream banks. This could be dangerous as well
as cause erosion. Stay off dunes and avoid nesting areas.
- If you must walk across the stream, use a walking stick because the
stream bottom could be slippery, treacherous, and even contain deep
pools. Do not attempt to walk across streams that are swift and above
the knee in depth. These can be extremely dangerous.
- Look out for poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, sumac.
These can cause rashes and skin irritation.
- Watch for wildlife snakes, ticks, hornets, and wasps. Also beware
of large animals like dogs, alligators, snapping turtles, and farm animals.
- Wear rubber gloves (like dishwashing gloves) to protect hands
and arms. Be careful with broken glass and rusty cans.
- Always stay with a buddy. Teams of three or four are probably best.
- If you see anything abnormal (such as dead fish, oil spills, leaking barrels, and other pollution) contact your city or county environmental department right away and report the nature and location of the problem.
Suggested Items to Bring or Wear Shoes or boots that offer coverage & support. |
< Previous | Table of Contents | Next >
