Staying safe while volunteering

Updated: 30th July 2022

We all enjoy volunteering in the park, but it’s important we do so safely, including managing any risks from COVID-19.

Volunteering tasks

We can only undertake activities that Friends of Ruskin Park has insurance cover for and where risks can be minimised. These include litter picking and gardening tasks.

Who can volunteer

While formal COVID-19 restrictions have been removed, we ask that you only volunteer if you’re well. Please don’t attend if you have coronavirus symptoms or if you’re being advised to self-isolate.

Guidance for volunteering during COVID-19 restrictions

• Always follow the latest government guidance on social distancing if this is in place.
• Wash your hands before and after undertaking any activity with soap and warm water, or hand sanitiser.Wear gloves, to prevent infection, in case of cuts on hands. Keep your own pair of gloves and wash them regularly.
• Avoid touching your face while working, even if you are wearing gloves.

Reporting issues

For an immediate threat or emergency call 999. For a non-emergency please use 101 to report the incident. For parks management issues contact Lambeth Landscapes by email (parks@lambeth.gov.uk) or speak to Tim (Senior Park Attendant) if he is on site.

Do’s and don’ts for volunteering in the park

• Do wear gloves. Keep your own pair and wash them regularly.
• Do use a picker and hoop when litter-picking.
• Do clean tools before returning to the shed.
• Do make sure children and vulnerable adults are supervised by a responsible adult.
• Do ensure you know where the First Aid kit is.
• Do wear sturdy and anti-slip footwear.
• Do be mindful of uneven ground, overgrown areas or low hanging branches.
• Do dress appropriately for the weather: sun hats and sun cream in warm weather, and waterproofs in wet weather.
• Do bring drinking water and drink regularly.
• Do stay alert for vehicles in the park.
• Do stay alert for dogs not on leads, or aggressive dogs.
  Don’t share tools or equipment during your activity.
• Don’t volunteer for too long without a break, particularly in warm weather.
• Don’t overfill bags or carry heavy items. Be particularly careful if you have pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.
• Don’t approach members of the public to challenge inappropriate behaviour. Report any confrontations to the police if necessary.
• Don’t approach suspicious looking containers, with or without hazard labels. Be aware that fly-tipped waste could contain unsafe materials such as asbestos. Leave them, report them.
• Don’t touch syringes. Leave them, report them. Any accidental piercing by syringe should be immediately treated at a medical practice or A&E.
• Don’t touch faeces. If touched, wash your hands thoroughly. Check for and wash any cuts. Seek medical attention if required.
• Don’t put sharp objects in bags.
• Don’t volunteer in extreme weather conditions.
• Don’t go too close to the edge or in the ponds without permission and supervision.
• Don’t go near the railway tracks.