awallace1962

How we stay safe and are well managed

Purpose
Here is how we ensure that our volunteer work is safe, well‑managed, low‑risk, and aligned with Council standards.

1) Safety & Compliance

  • RAMS: We use a standard Risk Assessment & Method Statement for every task (planting, watering, litter‑picking). Copies shared in advance on request.
  • Lead on site: Named Team Lead at every session to brief volunteers, manage sign‑in/out, and stop work if conditions are unsafe.
  • PPE: Hi‑vis, gloves, eye protection as required. Cones/A‑frames used to mark work areas on pavements.
  • Working at height: No ladders above bracket height without prior agreement. Basket installs follow Council spec and load ratings.
  • Utilities/sightlines: We avoid covers, tactile paving, crossing points. Nothing placed where it narrows accessible routes or impedes visibility.

2) Watering & Drought Plan

  • Rota: Published watering rota with backups. Early‑morning/late‑evening rounds in hot spells.
  • Sources: Use approved taps/standpipes only. Bowser loan if available during heatwaves.
  • Contingency: 48‑hour hot‑spell trigger → extra round; moisture crystals/mulch used to reduce demand.

3) Maintenance Standards & Response Times

  • Adopted planters: We take full responsibility for any planters we adopt.
  • Standard: Well‑filled, litter‑free, no trip hazards; deadheading as routine.
  • Fix times: Minor issues: within 72 hours. Major/unsightly: within 7 days (or we request Council help).
  • Seasonal plan: Clear schedule for refresh (spring/summer/winter) and bulbs in autumn.

4) Accessibility & Public Realm

  • Minimum clear widths maintained (as advised by Council) on all pavements.
  • Temporary works: Cones/barriers set out; tools kept off walkways; no trailing hoses without a spotter.
  • Equality focus: We actively design to reduce clutter and keep desire lines open.

5) Permissions & Assets

  • Hanging baskets/brackets: Installed only with written permission and to Council‑approved specs (height, fixings, load).
  • Street furniture/tubs: Locations pre‑agreed on a map with pavement widths noted.
  • Branding: Use of Edinburgh Living Landscape or Council marks only with permission.

6) Waste, Clean‑up & Vandalism

  • Green waste: Bagged and stored neatly for uplift or removed by us if agreed.
  • Litter: Sites left cleaner than found; end‑of‑session sweep.
  • Damage/vandalism: Logged with photos; make‑safe same day; replacement coordinated with Council/contact.

7) Volunteer Management & Safeguarding

  • Briefing: 2‑minute toolbox talk each session (manual handling, hose awareness, public interaction).
  • Records: Sign‑in/out, incident/near‑miss log, and named first‑aider if required.
  • Youth/Groups: Additional supervision ratios followed.

8) Communications & Reporting

  • Single point of contact: One named coordinator (+ deputy) for Greenspaces.
  • Updates: Monthly photo + two‑line update on activity and any issues.
  • Complaints: We acknowledge within 48 hours and coordinate with Council to resolve.

9) Insurance & Liability

  • Cover: Public liability/volunteer insurance in place for all organised sessions; certificates available on request.
  • Inductions: New volunteers briefed before participation.

10) Monitoring & Value

  • Simple measures: planter survival, bloom days, pollinator presence, trader feedback, before/after photos.
  • Quarterly review: 20‑minute check‑in to share results and unblock issues.

Pilot Details (to be completed jointly)

  • Sites: ______________________________________
  • Start date: __________ 90‑day review: __________
  • Council contact: __________________ CiB lead: __________________

We aim to do the legwork, reduce complaints, and deliver visible wins—safely and reliably—so Greenspaces can focus resources where they’re most needed.