Thank you for offering your support to Windmill Community Gardens Margate! In order to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone who is on site at the time of your volunteering, could you please read the below policies, safety checklists and then complete the form at the bottom of the page.

General Safety Checklist

Tetanus – Make sure your tetanus immunisation is up to date
Hand washing – Hands should be washed before eating and drinking particularly after contact with manure, soil or stagnant water. Gloves will be available. Always cover cuts with waterproof plasters.
Protective clothing – Always wear sturdy footwear such as strong boots or shoes, steel toe caps are even better. Gloves should be worn when clearing rubbish, handling sharp objects such as glass, prickly plants etc. But should not be worn when using tools which are swung such as scythes, mattocks, sledgehammers etc.
Self-care – Wear layers, bring waterproofs and sun protection as needed. Make sure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade in hot weather. Vary tasks and locations to keep warm during cold or wet weather.
Moving materials – When lifting, pushing, or carrying, do not attempt to move weights that are too heavy or awkward for you. Either ask for help or use lifting or carrying aids such as a wheelbarrow or sack barrow. Remember to lift with your knees bent and let your legs do the work.
No consumption of alcohol or drugs on the site. There will be no admittance on site if believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Tool Safety Checklist

• Carrying – Always carry tools at your side, with the ‘business’ end facing forward, points or blades facing towards the ground.
• Never carry tools over your shoulder; human heads are easy to damage!
• When not in use, tools should generally be laid flat on the ground. Spades, shovels, forks and rakes should be placed with the points downwards.
• Power tools are for adults to use once instruction given and competence assured whilst a responsible member of staff is on site.
• Never use a tool with a split, damaged handle, or loose head.
• Please report any broken or damaged tools to a member of staff.
• When chainsaws or brush cutters are in use keep at least 15 metres away from the operator.
• You will be shown how to correctly use tools, but if in doubt ask.