Garden safe, garden well‌ Gardening is a healthy and enjoyable activity. Get more out of it by gardening safely. You may get cuts or grazes when gardening and there might be bleeding. It is important to protect yourself and others against infections from such accidents. Blood can carry germs which can pass on diseases, so it is good to know the rules to be blood safe. The chances of catching diseases through gardening are extremely low but it is still important to be safe and know the rules around blood.
Rules for blood safety If you get a cut or scratches while gardening, wash and cover with a water-proof plaster. Have your own gloves. Do not share. Sharing is not always caring.
If someone else gets hurt or gets a cut, before giving first aid: - Wash your hands with soap and water. - Cover up any cuts. - Wear latex or rubber gloves.
After First Aid Wash your hands with soap and water immediately, regardless of whether or not you had worn gloves. Make sure all surfaces that people might come into contact with are cleaned of blood. Clean up any blood spills with paper towels and soapy water. Gloves should be worn when cleaning and handling used towels. Throw the materials used to clean up the blood spills into a plastic bag, tie up and put away in the rubbish bin. If blood had got onto your clothing, change out of them as soon as possible. Wash as normal. If you are a student or young person, get a teacher or adult to help you with the first aid.
REMEMBER: PROTECT yourself and others
Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs if possible. Cover all cuts and grazes with water-proof dressing or plaster. Do not share gloves. Make sure first aid kits are readily available, including waterproof latex or non-latex gloves.
For more information on how to be blood safe, call 1800 437 222. SA Health has contributed funds towards this program.