There is nothing more disturbing than to find your shed has been broken into and your tools and equipment stolen. Thieves are not particular and will take any opportunity that is given to them - this includes helping themselves to your hard gained fruit and vegetables.

Your committee would like you to strictly adhere to these rules:

1. Do not make or have cut a copy of the site key.

2. Always lock the site gate after yourself when entering and leaving, even if you are only making a flying visit.

3. Do not give or lend your key to anyone who is not a "rent paying" member of your site.

4. Please return your site key to the Steward as soon as your membership has ended.

5. Some sites may be fitted with combination locks. The above references to keys also applies to combination numbers.

6. For reasons of security the combination numbers will be changed at varying intervals. Rent paying members will be informed of the new number prior to any change taking place.

7. Please report all incidents of damage or theft to the POLICE and your Steward. Also please take a moment to complete the incident report and send it to the Societies Secretary at the address shown on the site notice board.

8. It should be noted that anyone who "helps themselves" to produce from any plot other than their own without the express permission of the plot holder, will be liable to eviction from the society and the site. If appropriate, a report will be made to the police.

SAFETY

Everyone has a general duty of care for the health and safety of others. This duty of care can be fulfilled by acting in a reasonable and considerate way at all times.

Please do not leave tools and equipment where they may cause someone to trip or injure themselves.

Please seek the help of fellow plotholders before attempting to lift or move heavy loads or objects.

Please drive slowly and carefully around the site roadways and be on the lookout for people stepping out into the road from between sheds.

Take extra care when repairing or working on the roof of sheds or greenhouses. Avoid using glass where and when ever practicable.

Please do not block avenues or roadways. Deliveries of manure should be moved to your plot as a matter of urgency.

Please take special care when using pesticides and insecticides. Do not contaminate watercourses or neighbouring gardens or property with spray drift. Always follow the COSHH instructions given on the product.

Guns of any type must not be taken onto or used on any site at any time of day or night.

Thank you for your cop-operation.

CHILD PROTECTION

The safety of children and young people is of utmost importance to us. To this end we are working with the Leicester Allotment Gardeners Council to develop a child protection policy through which we will endeavor to rnsure the safety of all children and young people.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Gardening is a pleasurable pastime, but it can also be dangerous. What you do and how you do it will play a big part in your personal safety. The following list will give you guidance on how to keep safe whilst gardening.

1. Think about what you are going to do and choose th right tool for the task.

2. When lifting heavy objects remember to bend your knees, keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

3. Be careful and don't leave forks or rakes etc. where you are liable to tread on them. Remember the adage "A place for everything and everything in it's lace".

4. When using chemicals, liquid or dry, always follow the manufacturers instructions. Where appropriate be sure to wear the correct safety clothing and equipment, such as rubber gloves, goggles and dust mask etc. according to the hazard present.

5. Be sure you have some means of attracting attention to yourself and contacting others such as a mobile phone or personal alarm.

6. Intruders, trespassers and strangers - if you see someone you do not recognise do not approach them. Rather watch what they do and where they go. Take particular note of their appearance, what they are wearing, colour of hair, age etc. Do not approach them under any circumstances. Observe what they do and if appropriate report the incident to the police and complete an incident form.

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