Weed Hygiene, Health and Safety

Hygiene Weeds are very successful at spreading – that’s what makes them weeds. They use a range a mechanisms (explosive seed pods, burr-covered seed pods, edible fruit etc) and vectors or spreaders (birds, people, foxes, wind, water etc) to spread themselves around. It is very important that Weed Spotters do not contribute to the spread of weeds. Being aware of hygiene is very important. Seeds and other plant parts are easily carried on footwear, clothing, equipment, vehicles, and companion dogs. Some seeds have burrs or spines that stick to shoe laces and clothing; some are carried in vehicle tyres, some in mud or even dust. Some will adhere to plastic bags that are charged with static electricity. Be sure you do not spread weeds further. Careful selection of clothing, such as cotton, canvas or denim trousers, can reduce seed pick-up. Gaiters can help to cover socks and laces which are often weed seed ‘magnets’.

Importance of Weed Hygiene Photo by: Kate Blood

Health and Safety

Some weeds have health and safety impacts. This includes weeds with spines or barbs that may lodge in skin, footwear or clothing. Some weeds lodged in clothing may eventually work their way through fabric and shoes to eventually pierce the skin. Some of these spines have sheaths, toxins or irritants that remain in the skin once the spine has been removed causing prolonged irritation.

Some weeds cause skin irritation from sap or hairs. The sap of some weeds cause direct irritation and others cause severe irritation once the affected skin is exposed to sunlight. Some weeds can cause severe blistering and other impacts.

Allergic reactions such as respiratory and hay fever problems can be caused by some weeds. This may be caused by pollen or perfume from the weed. For example – Parthenium Weed can cause severe allergic reactions in some people including dermatitis, hay fever and asthma It is very important that Weed Spotters protect themselves from the potential harmful affects of weeds. This includes wearing appropriate clothing including long sleeves and trousers, and appropriate footwear such as boots. Refer to the list of personal equipment below. Gloves should be worn whenever possible while handling weeds. The inherent dangers of working outdoors should always be at the front of people’s minds. Ensure you have appropriate sun-protection, avoid but be prepared for snake bite (have a snake bite kit in your first-aid kit), and be aware of bushfires in summer. Be aware of appropriate safe behaviour during thunderstorms. It is wise to have at least basic first-aid skills especially when working in remote locations. Ensure your first-aid kit is kept well stocked and up-to-date.

Parthenium weed State Prohibited Weed Photo: Larry K Allan

Inform a reliable person if you are travelling for extended periods or in remote locations and have an agreed understanding about calling in at regular intervals. Inform them where you are going and of your expected return time so that help can be called if you have not made contact.

If collecting weeds from roadsides, do not expose you or your vehicle to unsafe situations. Wear a safety vest to maximise visibility and take extreme care when parking on roadsides, exiting and re-entering your vehicle.

You are responsible for your health and safety.

Personal equipment

• Appropriate clothing and footwear
• Gumboots – for wet areas
• Gaitors (to reduce seed spread in socks, laces etc)
• All-weather gear including rain coat
• Safety reflector vest
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• First-aid kit
• Snake bite kit
• Bushfire blanket for vehicle
• Food and fluid
• Spare water bottle
• Mobile phone, cables and extra battery if appropriate
• Other forms of communication as appropriate (eg UHF radio)