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Reagents

Risks	Associated Control Measures
Risk of personal injury/long-term health effects	Read all relevant COSHH guidelines and risk assessments pertaining to reagents to be used and follow instructions for use.(Available from Lab Supervisor) Wear gloves and safety glasses Wash hands frequently. Clear up any spillages immediately using methods indicated in COSHH guidelines.
Risk of environmental damage due to inappropriate disposal	Do not pour any chemicals into drains, rivers etc. Dispose of all reagents in accordance with Departmental guidelines (see Departmental Safety Arrangements) Waste should be brought back to the Department inÌýclearly labelledÌýcontainers for disposal. Do not mix different types of waste reagents - they may react violently or need to be disposed of by different methods. Do not put waste reagents into "food" containers - eg. Soft drinks bottles, Ice cream tubs etc. Do not put waste or any reagent into any inappropriately labelled container.
Risk of endangering other people's health and safety	Label all reagents clearly. Do not leave chemicals unattended in the field. Follow guidelines for correct disposal. Clear up any spillages immediately using methods indicated in COSHH guidelines. Do not put reagents into "food" containers - eg. Soft drinks bottles, Ice cream tubs etc.

Agro-chemicals

Risks	Associated Control Measures
Crop spraying - Risks of poisoning due to ingestion and absorption of agrochemicals including organophosphates.	Seek information from the land owner as to when crop spraying is likely and when entry to the field will be safe. Do not enter fields until safe to do so. Avoid pools and puddles which may contain chemicals Ensure waterproof protective gloves are worn. Clean hands frequently, especially before eating - preferably use antiseptic medical wipes.
Plants and Soils - may be contaminated with chemicals. Risk of ingestion and absorption through the skin.	Be aware that any skin contact is hazardous - avoid wearing shorts if walking through a field that has been sprayed. Keep arms covered - long gloves or gauntlets are suitable. Ensure waterproof protective gloves are worn. Clean hands frequently, especially before eating (or smoking!) - preferably use antiseptic medical wipes.

Pathogens

Risks	Associated Control Measures
Health risks from working in aquatic environments	Be aware of health risks from water-borne pathogens eg. Hepatitis A, Weil's Disease, Polio and toxic cyano-bacteria Hepatitis AÌýand Polio vaccinations are highly recommended. Ensure Tetanus vaccinations are up to date Wear waterproof gloves. Clean hands frequently. Always wash hands before eating, preferably using antiseptic medical wipes.
Health risks from miscellaneous sources	Ensure Tetanus vaccinations are up to date Hepatitis AÌýand Polio vaccinations are highly recommended. Have the recommended vaccinations before travel. AvoidÌýdrinking contaminated water Avoid close, prolonged contact with infected people. In remote/overseas locations be careful of eating food prepared by other people - particularly meats or fish and salads. In remote/overseas locations - Be wary of accepting ice in drinks.
Risks from agricultural diseases	Be aware that some fields are cordoned off due to soil-borne pathogens. These are easily spread from field to field if you walk or drive through them. Do not enter fields with DEFRA notices on them, even if the landowner gives permission. Consult DEFRA for further information.

Plants

Risks	Associated Control Measures
Associated risks	see also -Ìýallergies see also -Ìýpathogens - agricultural diseases
Risk of Poisoning	Do not eat any wild plants as they may be poisonous or carry parasites. If handling plant material, wear gloves. Wash hands frequently Plants may be coated with any airborne pollutant present in the area - avoid brushing against plants with bare arms/legs.
Cuts and grazes	Be aware of any plants with thorns, spines etc. Clean and cover any cuts or grazes sustained to prevent infection. Be aware of low, overhanging branches. Be aware of tree roots and creepers that may cause you to trip.

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