Health and Safety on Farms  

 

Please read this advice before you begin your visit. If you have any questions please inform a member of staff who will be more than happy to help.

 

Farm visits are enjoyable and educational experiences however, all animals naturally carry a range of microorganisms which can be transmitted to humans, potentially causing ill-health. It is important that all visitors are aware of these risks and what they can do to prevent them.

 

What we do to minimise the risk:

• We are active members of the National Farm Attractions Network and follow the industry code of practice for all activities/operations.

• Supervision of all animal contact through the guided tour.

• We explain and enforce strict rules on the tour regarding food and drink, hand and mouth contact, and thorough handwashing practice. While our staff do their utmost to ensure all visitors follow their instructions, it is however the parent’s responsibility to supervise their child at all times and ensure that they follow these rules. For this reason all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult when visiting our farm.

• Provide facilities and instructions around the site for regular handwashing.

• Provide information for visitors and staff to ensure that they are aware of the risks.

• Maintaining as high a standard of cleanliness around the farm as is practicably possible. 

 

What you can do to minimise the risk:

• Do not put hands on faces, or fingers in mouths. Do not kiss farm animals. 

• Pregnant ladies should avoid contact with newborn animals. 

• Do not eat or drink while walking around the farm.

• Do not eat anything which has fallen on the floor anywhere on site. This includes dummies which should be thoroughly disinfected before re-using.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before you exit the farmyard and again before you eat or drink. Hand sanitiser is not a substitute.

• Follow the instructions for cleaning shoes and pushchair wheels at the end of your tour.

• Supervise children to ensure that they comply with all the above precautions. Cuts/grazes should be covered with waterproof dressings

• See www.northyorks.gov.uk/farmvisits for more information.