planning and safety

1. RHS Level 2 Certificate
WEEK 25 HEALTH AND SAFETY
PLANNING FOR SAFETY

2. Planning for safety
Safety considerations are an integral part of garden planning.
Common hazards are: slipping and tripping; drowning (children); skin irritation and poisoning;
falls; electrocution.
These are all related to particular garden features – such as slippery paving or steep steps
without handrails. Planning can minimise such hazards.

3. Hard landscaping – planning and design
Horizontal surfaces – consider materials used, risk of algae and moss developing,
particularly if shaded. Junctions between materials – these should be level, or marked
by a distinct step of appropriate hight (avoid toe catchers).
Steps can be a tripping hazard in the dark, or if they are uneven in height or too steep.
Planning decisions include choice of depth, gradient, handrails etc. Lighting can be
provided for treads. Inclusion of landings and changes of direction in long flights of
steps are essential.
Features like sculpture or structures that divide the garden should be of a suitable size
and materials, and provision made for anchorage.
Existing walls and buildings should be checked for stability and safety – this may need
expert advice.
Changes of gradient and elevation required careful planning – how can falls be
prevented by making the edges clear, and the route through the garden obvious and
safe. Again handrails and barriers are relevant.

4. Water
Consider replacing open water with features that incorporate the movement
and reflection of water but without open water surfaces.
For example, water walls, pebble pools and fountains circulate water over a
design feature from a closed reservoir using a pump.
If open water is necessary for the design, consider the users carefully – if
children are to use the garden then open water should be fenced, or a grid
installed. For adults it may be enough to make the edges clear, or raise the pool
to avoid accidental entry to the water.

5. Electricity in the garden
Lights, fountain pumps, supplies to the shed and greenhouse all require
electrical work in the garden.
All work should be done by a qualified electrician. Cables if buried must be
armoured and their positions noted.
Planning can include using solar powered lights to avoid the need for cables,
planning cable runs under lawns to avoid the possibility of them being
disturbed by digging etc.
Mains powered lights (e.g. fairy lights) should never be placed permanently in
trees or hedges – the risk of damage to the cables (whether over time due to
the wind or by tools) is too great.

6. Plant toxicity/ Access for maintenance
Plant toxicity – check all proposed plants for risk when planning planting. Some plants should be
avoided in gardens used by children (those with poisonous but attractive flowers or fruit).
Others can be managed by their placement – avoiding those with irritant sap by pathways etc.
If the garden is to be used by dogs then check for toxicity to them as well – useful lists are
provided by the Dogs Trust.
Access for maintenance
Plan access to hedges and trees for pruning and trimming into the design (such as an access
path in front of a hedge before the boarder area). Consider using lower maintenance woody
plants.
Ensure adequate space in large planted areas to allow access to weed etc – small gravel paths
may be used as these are hidden as the plants grow up.

7. End of Section
You have reached the end of the presentation on
planning and safety.
Now move on to the safety assessment to complete
this part of Week 25