CREW SAFETY BRIEFING
V2.4 updated 22-08-25
Volunteers should read and be familiar with this BTC safety brief before attending sessions.
- COMMUNICATION: The crew WhatsApp group this will be used to communicate session information in advance including:-
- Location
- Expected Duration
- Objective
- U18's should be accompanied at sessions by a designated parent or guardian.
- WORKING ALONE should be avoided where possible and all crew are recommended to carry mobile phones to call for assistance if necessary.
- NO FACILITIES: Note, there are no facilities on the hill.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equip't): All crew are strongly advised to wear heavy duty gloves to protect their hands.
- SUPPLIES: All crew are recommended to bring a small rucksack with adequate food / water supplies to get them through the session.
- VALUABLES: It is very easy to lose small items like keys or wallets or damage mobile phones and watches when working on the trails. Crew are advised to put these valuables into zipped pockets or inside rucksacks. If bringing bikes they are responsible to keep them well away from working areas to avoid damage.
- INJURIES: Carrying a small basic first aid kit in your rucksack is always recommended. Here is a list of common trailbuilding injuries:-
- BITES from midges or ticks
- BLISTERS from tools
- CUTS + SPLINTERS from bracken, thorns and sticks
- CRUSHED fingers, hands or legs between heavy rocks or logs
- ANKLE INJURY when climbing between fallen brash/logs
- TRIPPING INJURY from hidden fallen sticks/roots
- IMPALEMENT on log spikes
- BACK INJURY from lifting
- FOOT/LEG INJURY from dropped or rolling boulder
- FALLING BACKWARDS INJURY when walking backwards with a heavy item
- TOOL STRIKE INJURY from standing too close to someone with a swinging heavy tool
- EYE INJURY from flying debris/mud
- DOGS: Yes it’s a day outside on the hill and we fully understand that you might want to bring your dog. If you do, note that you are WHOLLY responsible for its safety. Your dog must not worry sheep or chase any wildlife. If your dog is off the lead keep it under control and well away from tools and any heavy work. It is YOUR responsibility if it runs in and around workers and gets injured.
- NO HEROICS PLEASE: All crew should be reminded that whilst sessions should be fun, they need to be careful and sensible - it’s not a strong-man competition. Be vigilant, stand clear and keep activity safe and within personal limits. Otherwise, enjoy your trailbuilding session with the crew.
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