The Shire Horse Centre
The development of the Shire Horse Centre provided a new opportunity for the Showcaves to attract more families to the attraction.
James Price provides an explanation of the thinking behind the development.
E. coli has been identified as a bug which is common in the environment and can cause health problems for certain groups of people, including young children. Information about E. coli can be obtained from the following BBC News link.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8254710.stm
Activity 1a
Using the link above produce a summary of how the E. coli bacteria can be transferred to humans and explain what health risks are associated with the bug.
Activity 1b
Using the links below, explain what happened in the E. coli outbreak at the farm in Surrey and what the possible consequences could be.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/surrey/8253823.stm
www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/jun/15/blunders-blamed-for-ecoli-outbreak
Advice and guidance relating to E. coli and other Health and Safety issues in the UK are managed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Activity 2a
Study the information provided by the HSE in the links below, including the video.
www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/farmsafe/ecoli.htm
www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1270122184581
www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1267551712693
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais23.pdf
Having studied all the information, produce a 10-point summary of the risks involved for visitors at animal attractions and ‘petting farms’ including how the risks can be avoided.
Activity 2b
Having researched information relating to E. coli, produce a two-page leaflet aimed at young parents which explains how to reduce the risks of children contacting the bacteria.
James Price outlines the measures in place at the Shire Horse Centre to combat the risk of E. coli.
Activity 3
The Risk Assessment developed by the managers of the Showcaves for the Shire Horse Centre is provided below.
Explain why the actions taken by the managers of the attraction are appropriate.
Hazard |
Person at Risk |
Risk Evaluation |
Alterations/Procedures |
Shire Horse Centre |
All persons in vicinity |
Animals - biting, kicking etc. – LOW |
Members of staff walk around the area checking the animals. |
|
|
Ponds – LOW/MED |
They are clearly visible, and pictorial signs indicate their presence. Buoyancy aids are also clearly visible should they be required. |
|
|
E-Coli contamination - MED/HIGH |
Signs informing ALL people who enter this area to wash their hands on leaving this area are prominently displayed.
An area to clean your hands is clearly visible to all. Visitors have to walk past the hand washing facilities to exit this area.
An audio system plays continuously throughout the day reminding people to wash their hands.
Staff are instructed to discourage the eating of any food items in this area – signs also indicate food should not be taken in to this area.
When visits are discussed with school groups on site they are informed no bags or food should be taken in to this area. |
|
|
Animal sheds/stables & animal feed – LOW |
Due to the high turnover of foodstuffs bacterial/fungal growth within the feed is not considered a problem. All staff receive a training pack. |