Handwashing health and safety advice

Health and Safety

Handwashing at Cherry Tree Farm is very important for everyone. Visitors and Staff.

We have 6 sinks sited around the petting areas and reception with antibacterial soap dispensers to use at your convenience, all foot pump operated. Paper towel/hand towels are available. This is to prevent getting poorly from any germs, virus, bacteria that can be found outdoors and at animal farms.

WHY?

Animals carry germs that can make people ill, especially the very young, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

WHO?

Everyone – NO EXCEPTIONS

WHEN?

– After touching the animals

– After touching the animal houses or fences where the animals live

– After taking off dirty shoes

– After going to the toilet

– Before eating or drinking

HOW?

– Wash your hands in the sinks provided using the foot pedal

– Put some soap on and make a lather

Diseases

Very low numbers of micro-organisms can cause human infections therefore washing your hands is the best way to prevent such infections from spreading.

Toxoplasmosis

Women who are, or may be pregnant are potentially at risk of acquiring certain infectious diseases such as toxoplasma, chlamydophila abortus and listeria from pregnant livestock including sheep and goats.

E-Coli 0157 & Cryptosporidium parvum

These may be passed to visitors by animal faeces, e.g. by touching the faeces directly or indirectly and then putting fingers into the mouth. Therefore HANDWASHING IS VITAL to visitors.

– Rub for 20 seconds (sing happy birthday twice through!)

– Rinse under lots of running water so all the germs wash down the drain

– Dry your hands with a CLEAN paper towel

– Put the paper towel in the bin next to the sink you are using

Currently the farm has 2 portaloo's which are regularly cleaned and we always strive to have very clean loo's. DUE TO PLANNING PERMISSION, WE DO NOT HAVE DISABLED TOILETS, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING WE ARE RAISING FUNDS FOR.