When cleaning, it is important to pay attention to safety! The well-being of yourself, other cleaners and the environment is most important. Although all participants are cleaning up on voluntary basis and on their own responsibility, the safety of cleaning needs to be considered together before the Cleanup Day to prevent dangerous situations.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING
Thank you for coming to World Cleanup Day! Your contribution is very important to making Estonia a cleaner place! Thank you for it!
The wellbeing of oneself, co-cleaners and the environment is most important at cleanup events. But remember, everyone is volunteering that day and you are there at your own risk.
Therefore, we offer you some useful tips.
PREPARATION FOR THE CLEANUP DAY
ANALYZE THE AREA YOU PLAN TO CLEAN and make sure your companions also know:
– The most precise location (address or coordinates) of the area. This is important if you need to call for help.
– Possible sources of danger in the area, e.g. deep water, dangerous wells, steep slopes, power lines, pipelines, traffic junctions, etc. Avoid going to these spots.
– FIRST AID
Take a first aid kit that includes bandages, patches, disinfectant, protective gloves, painkiller, general allergy pills and make sure that there is at least one member who can provide first aid in the cleanup team. It would be good if every cleaner brings their own personal medication or first aid remedy.
– FOOD AND DRINK
Bring drinking water and a snack if you plan to clean a little longer than an hour or two so that you can keep up and not become dehydrated.
– SUITABLE CLOTHING
For cleaning safely, it is wise to wear gloves, closed footwear, and weather appropriate clothing appropriate also suitable to the harvest area. Pay attention to the weather forecast and take into account the weather conditions to choose the right outfit for the cleanup day.
– IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Make sure you have a mobile phone with a fully charged battery. Important phone numbers / contacts for the day:
– Emergency Number 112
– Names and telephone numbers of co-cleaners.
– Plan how you will explain your location when you need to call for help. If necessary, you can use the Rescue Truck Itinerary. You can find it HERE.
– Also check out the cleaning area so you know where you are going.
SAFETY DURING THE CLEANUP.
WORK SAFETY is a top priority during the cleanup! If you find something dangerous or an emergency happens, stop the cleanup.
– Work at least in pairs. So, if needed, help and support from peers is close by.
– Wear gloves throughout the cleaning.
– Drink water regularly and take breaks!
– Be careful when lifting heavy loads or sharp objects. Unexpected items can be in the trash.
– Do not touch unknown objects, hazardous chemicals or explosives! Mark the find, report it to 112 and follow their instructions. Also warn people nearby!
– When collecting hazardous waste, make sure it is not leaking, in contact with skin, clothing or inhaled and collect it in separately labelled bags (eg old batteries, batteries, syringes, oil cans, light bulbs, asbestos, etc.). Only adults should collect such waste. Check the website www.kuhuviia.ee for where to drop of the waste.
– Parents must keep an eye on their children!
– The everyday safety rules must be observed during the cleanup – water safety, traffic safety, fire safety.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CRISIS OR AN ACCIDENT?
TAKE SERIOUSLY any event that endangers human life and safety or cleanliness of the environment! WHAT TO DO IN AN Unexpected Dangerous Situation:
1. Stop the cleaning.
2. Keep calm and ensure your safety.
3. Decide whether you can resolve the situation on your own or need help.
4. Give safety instructions to others and do not put anyone at risk.
CALL THE EMERGENCY NUMBER 112 when someone’s life or health is in danger and you need urgent help.
1. When calling an emergency number, as the first thing, tell what happened and whether anyone was injured.
2. Listen to the rescue manager’s questions and answer them accurately and concisely (including location and information about the injured). Do not finish the call until the need for assistance has been clarified.
GIVE FIRST AID, if necessary! If your first aid skills are inadequate, follow the directions of the emergency number 112 you and do your best.
1. Make sure you and the victim are safe. Invite other people to help you.
2. Start quickly with life-saving first aid. Injuries requiring immediate medical attention: unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, bleeding, burning, fracture, poisoning.
