Bradford Beekeepers Association Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper Continuing Learning

Transcription

1 Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper Continuing Learning This learning guide will help you meet the requirements of the activity: BfdGL2 Carry out a risk assessment for beekeeping activity In this unit, you will learn about: Assessing Risk and taking action to avoid risk How to prepare to take immediate action if a problem occurs Why this task is important Inspecting a colony of honeybees without a good knowledge of risks involved puts you, your bees and other at risk. Keeping and caring for honeybees involves a degree of risk for yourself, for others and for property. These risks must be minimised and you need to be prepared to act correctly if an emergency situation arises. Resources you will need for this Activity Risk Assessment documents Appendix 1 Important safety note An awareness of the nature of the honeybee colony and of individual bees will allow you to work with the bees in a safe manner avoiding aggressive bee behaviour towards yourself and others. Most sting incidents are the result of poor practice on the part of the beekeeper.

2 Health and Safety around Honeybees Health and Safety in Beekeeping should be approached, like any other activity, by using your common sense to think about what s involved in the job before starting. In Health & Safety terms this is known as carrying out a Risk Assessment, the purpose of which is to identify any hazards and the likelihood of something or someone being injured by those hazards. Once these have been identified a plan of action can be devised for minimising the risk of accident or injury, and what action should be taken in the event of such an occurrence. The most common hazards connected with beekeeping are from procedures and products used in normal hive manipulations such as slips trips and falls, stings, back strains, fire, burning, poisoning and asphyxiation. It all sounds very dangerous when put like this but in reality accidents don t happen very often, all you have to do is apply just a little common sense! Where Risks Occur Apiary Location proximity to other people, animals and property Access in and out of the apiary Opening & Examination of Stocks Transporting Hives Use of Potentially Harmful Substances Visitors to the Apiary Health Concerns Sting Reactions Collection of Swarms & Observation Hives BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 2

3 Risks from Bees Honeybees like bumblebees, wasps and hornets have a sting at the posterior end of their abdomen. The sting which is connected to a venom sac, is a modified egg-laying tube. So if you are stung, it was a female insect that did it. Most stinging insects can sting more than once, the exception is the honeybee (the female worker bee) which has a barbed sting. When the worker bee escapes after stinging a person, the sting and attached venom sac are ripped out of the bee and stay in the victim's skin; the bee will die shortly afterwards. The damaged venom sac releases a pheromone that attracts more bees and causes them to be aggressive. This is a very sensible defensive reaction on the part of the bees. Hazards of being stung Generally, most stings only result in a temporary injury - pain, swelling, redness and itching around the sting site. However, sometimes the effects can be much more severe and can even be life-threatening, depending on where you are stung and whether the injured person has allergies. Summon medical help if the sting is near the eyes, nose or throat. Normal Reaction - Most people experience local effects like pain, swelling, itching, and redness around the sting site. Painful stings in the mouth and throat can result if you accidentally swallowed a wasp or bee (e.g., drinking a soft drink from a can that a wasp had entered). Mild Allergic Reaction - Some people will experience swelling in a larger area, not just immediately around the sting site. They may develop hives but no systemic effects (effects in the body away from sting site like effects on breathing and blood flow). This mild allergic reaction can last a few days. The area will be sore and uncomfortable but one should not give in to the temptation to scratch the stung area. Scratching may cause a break in the skin which could lead to an infection. Severe Allergic Reaction - In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction can occur. This situation is serious and can cause "anaphylaxis" or anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may appear immediately or within the first 30 minutes. The symptoms include: hives, itching and swelling in areas other than the sting site, swollen eyes and eyelids, wheezing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing, hoarse voice or swelling of the tongue, dizziness or sharp drop in blood pressure, shock, unconsciousness or cardiac arrest. The anaphylactic reaction can occur the first time someone is stung or with subsequent stings. Death can occur within minutes of being stung. If you see any signs of this reaction, or even if you are not sure, get medical help immediately. People, who have had severe allergic reactions to insect stings in the past, will probably have a similar or worse reaction if stung again. Bee sting kits may be available to allergic people through their Doctor. BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 3

4 The Risks To You The Beekeeper - There is always a risk of being stung when working around honeybees, for beekeepers it is an occupational hazard. In general honeybees will not attack and sting unless provoked or physically attacked (or think they are being attacked). Normal hive manipulations creates a great disturbance in the colony making the bees tetchy and prone to sting anyone in close proximity. Honeybee colonies differ in temperament some are well behaved and will tolerate fair amounts of disturbance, while others are ready to meet the beekeeper at the apiary gate, will harass them all the time they are there, and then escort them out of the apiary. To Other People As well as the risks to the beekeeper in the apiary, there are risks to other people in the vicinity of the apiary. Flight paths are often quite direct and may take bees straight into areas where people are going about their normal business. Stinging occurs when individuals try to wave away bees in a manner that looks threatening. There is always a risk to humans when apiaries are sited near to public areas such as pathways where adults, children and animals pass. The latter two are often inquisitive and may get closer than is safe. Note: Any sting to a member of the public will be from your bees, even if it was a wasp!! To Property - Honeybees must void their bowels the same as any other living creature. They do this mostly in the relative vicinity of the apiary (up to 50 metres or more) and can cause soiling of laundry, windows and vehicles. BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 4

5 Risk Management The risks involved in beekeeping can be minimised to an acceptable level by following a few simple rules:- Bee Prepared! Site apiaries well away from areas where people and animals will be in close proximity. Ensure there are barriers to lift bee flight paths above areas where people and animals will be Use hedges, fencing and existing plants to direct bees on a safe flight path Keep the apiary tidy and free from debris, and maintain clear access ways. Lift only what you are comfortable lifting, get assistance if necessary. Always wear the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hat, veil, suit, gloves and footwear when working in the apiary. Make sure you maintain them in good condition and ensure you are completely bee-proof before entering the apiary. Wash PPE regularly, especially if you get bee stings in clothing the pheromone will cause the bees to be aggressive next time you visit the hive. Avoid working on hives when bees are likely to be aggressive e.g. too cold, colony structure upset, wrong time of day, recent disturbance. Avoid working on hives when there is a risk of members of the public being in the vicinity Exercise care when using a lighted smoker particularly during long dry spells. Always follow manufacturer s instructions and approved codes of practice when using chemicals and products for disease control and hygiene, and only use approved products. Dispose of chemicals etc. in an approved manner. Know what you need to do in the event of and accident, and Bee Prepared! Be prepared for all eventualities and assess the risks before working with honeybees. BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 5

6 Identify Risks associated with my apiary Task: Do a quick sketch of your apiary and the immediate surrounds (or print off an aerial view from an internet mapping site. Task: Draw arrows on the sketch to show the most likely flight paths of the bees Task: Highlight, on the sketch, any places where risk might arise from the apiary and the flying bees. BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 6

7 Identify Risks associated with my apiary (cont) Who is at risk? What are the risks How will you minimize the risks? The Beekeeper The Bees Other people Property BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 7

8 Identify Risks associated with inspecting my bees Who is at risk? What are the risks How will you minimize the risks? The Beekeeper The Bees Other people Property BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 8

9 Writing a Risk Assessment A sample risk assessment, written for one of Bradsford Beekeepers Association apiaries, can be found in appendix 1 together with a blank proforma for writing a risk assessment in appendix 2. Task: Complete a risk assessment document for your apiary. Signs and Notices:- It can be helpful to have a notice in the apiary warning that honeybees can be dangerous anyone who then interferes with the bees in anyway then only has themselves to blame. You don t want to say that they are dangerous just that if people who don t know what they are doing enter the apiary then they are putting themselves in danger. Sometimes it is also useful to put up a sign when you are inspecting the bees this might be to warn other family members, occasional visitors or neighbours that the hives are open. If you are moving bees then a sign can be useful to warn people that your car boot is full of bees (for example). Here are some samples BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 9

10 Apiary Signage and the Emergency services It is useful to have a notice or document that gives people the information they need in order to contact the emergency services if an emergency occurs. This is particularly useful to display at an out-apiary. An example is given below:- Task:- Produce signs that will be useful to you for display in your apiary and display when you are inspecting your bees. BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 10

11 Final activities and assessment Answer the question:- Have I made my apiary, and the way I work in it, as safe as I can? Appendix 1 SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES TITLE Bradford Beekeepers Apiary Esholt Works Yorkshire Water INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE: This covers apiary safety and safety during hive inspections REFERENCES: British Beekeepers Advisory Leaflets Number B6 Organising an Apiary Meeting. British Beekeepers leaflet B2 Bee Stings. Bradford Beekeepers Association Apiary Management Protocol. PERSONS INVOLVED: Nominated offers of Bradford Beekeepers association Paul Winder & David Lamont. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: (List all items of plant and equipment to be used, including personal protective equipment and any special welfare requirements) Warning signs Protective clothing Hive Cover clothes Smokers and water spray SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK: ACTION RECORDS (Methodical description of how the task BY is to be undertaken) Preparation Site the honeybee colonies in a situation agreed with the site managers. Ensure that there is sufficient space around the hives (the apiary) to ensure that the YW workforce and visitors do not come into immediate contact with the colonies or flying bees Use existing site features and/or debris netting to ensure that bee flight lines are away from and above any working areas, walkways or similar. Place warning signs at appropriate points to inform the workforce of the presence of the apiary and of the possibility of stings. Place first aid advice Site Management and Bfd Beekeepers Association Beekeeper Inspecting hives BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 11

12 at an appropriate place. Bradford Beekeepers Association Ensure that Esholt Works Managers are made aware when an inspection is to take place. Ensure that all beekeepers entering the site are registered as required by YW (and that exiting is also recorded) Identify equipment to be used including protective clothing and warning signs. Ensure that members of the work force in the immediate area are aware that an inspection is taking place.. Ensure that a mobile phone is to hand and the exact location of the apiary is known. Beekeeper Inspecting hives Read appropriate British Beekeepers Association Advisory leaflets. During the Inspection Make sure that apiary netting and fencing is intact. Access weather conditions and determine if suitable for the procedures to be undertaken. Assess the temperament of the bees and determine if they are appropriate for the procedures to be undertaken. If the above are not right cancel the proposed procedures. Place inspection warning notices at apiary entrance. Beekeeping procedures to be carried out in accordance with Bradford Beekeeping Association Apiary Protocol. After the inspection Ensure that all hives and colonies are settled. Remove signs. Ensure that the apiary is secured. BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 12

13 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: (Include detail of arrangements including names and telephone numbers or reference to other controlling document) Follow procedures as per British Beekeepers Association Advisory Leaflet Number B2 Bee Stings repeated on Emergency Proceedure notice. First aid kits, means of communications (mobile phones), map grid co-ordinates and knowledge of access routes to hand in case of emergencies. Beekeepers Beekeepers LIST OF ATTACHMENTS: (Risk assessments, COSHH assessments, contractors statements, maintenance records, training records) List of requirements of YW Esholt for site visitors British Beekeepers Advisory Leaflets Number B6 Organising an Apiary Meeting. British Beekeepers leaflet B2 Bee Stings. Bradford Beekeepers Association Apiary Management Protocol. Example Hive Record Sheet YW Bradford BKA BfdBKA / Bill Cadmore Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper 13

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15 RISK ASSESSMENT FORM C O N SE Q U E N C E RISK RATING MATRIX LIKELIHOOD Probable (A) Possible (B) Remote / Unlikely (C) Improbable / Negligible(D) Fatal injuries (4)/ Permanent Environmental Effect High (4A) High (4B) Medium (4C) Low (4D) Major Injuries (3)/ Major Environmental Effect High (3A) High (3B) Medium (3C) Low (3D) Minor Injuries (2)/ Minor Environmental Effect Medium (2A) Medium (2B) Low (2C) Low (2D) Negligible Injuries (1)/ Negligible Environmental Effect Low (1A) Low (1B) Low (1C) Low (1D)

16 ACTIVITY / LOCATION: Bradford Beekeepers Association HAZARD EFFECT RISK RATING Bee sting Injuries to site workforce 2B and site visitors CONTROL RESPONSIBILITY RESIDUAL RISK RATING Apiary to be situated to ensure YW & BfdBKA 2D minimum danger to YW workforce and site visitors. Bee sting Injuries to beekeepers 2B Protective equipment to be used and beekeeping to be carried out in accordance with Bradford Beekeepers Association apiary protocol. Bee Sting Anaphylactic Shock 3C Apiary to be situated to ensure minimum danger to YW workforce and site visitors. Protective equipment to be used and beekeeping to be carried out in accordance with Bradford Beekeepers Association apiary protocol. Beekeepers Y Beekeepers W & BfdBKA 2D 3D Assessment by (Print Name) Signature.. Date.. Review date (if applicable).(generally 12 months or following any significant change or an incident) Note: Any assessments carried out for expectant mothers, young persons, children, etc must be in conjunction with Health and Safety Manager Certificate of Competence as a Beekeeper Page 16