Litter Picking Safety
Key Points for Litter Pickers
Your safety is important to us, and we need you to work within the guidelines below. These will help keep you safe, and those around you too.
DO
Remember if heading out alone to do your volunteering let someone know where you’re going and what time you expect to be back.
Please check current government guidelines on social distancing, and make sure you follow them. For more information, visit gov.uk/coronavirus
Always use gloves, or a litter picker, to pick up plastics and litter and cover any cuts and grazes before you start.
Wash your hands after the challenge and before you eat, drink or touch your face.
Download the WhatThreeWords app which will allow you to pinpoint your location to within 3 metres. The emergency services, and the Canal and River Trust use this to find people.
DON'T
Don’t reach into the water to collect any plastics or litter and always stay away from the water’s edge.
Don’t climb up or down any embankments, over any barriers restricting access, or try to reach the off side of the water.
Don’t reach into any areas that you cannot see clearly as there could be safety hazards.
Don’t touch sharp or jagged items, such as broken glass, and any bulky items which are too heavy to lift.
Don’t handle any sharps, needles, dead animals or dog poo.
Don’t take any risks. If you see anything dangerous, sharp, heavy or hazardous, do not pick it up and report to the Canal and River Trust on 0303 040 4040 or let them know at canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us