Health and Safety Advice
Some animal diseases can be transmitted to humans. There is a small risk of children acquiring infections such as Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter and Salmonella. These organisms can be found in some farm animals and may be contracted by hand to mouth contact.
As it is difficult to stop very young children putting their hands in their mouths after touching the animals, we advise that children under 3 years old DO NOT touch the animals.
General Health & Safety Rules
- Wash hands, using soap and running water before eating or smoking and after handling animals.
- After handling animals please use disinfectant gels in addition to washing your hands.
- Children should not drink from animal water troughs.
- Do not allow children to kiss the animals.
- Do not allow children under 3 years of age to touch the animals.
- Children should not put fingers in their mouths.
- Children should be forbidden from eating sweets or other snacks during the farm tour.
- Eat only in the designated areas.
- Do not allow children to climb on any walls, fences or gates.
- Cover all cuts, wounds & grazes with a waterproof dressing to avoid infection.
- Children's dummies that have fallen to the ground should not be put back into children’s mouths.
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Stay with your group.
- Ensure all responsible adults are aware of the rules.
- Smoking is only permitted in the car park
Pregnant Women
Ewes are sometimes infected with an organism called Chlamydia Psittaci, which can cause miscarriage in women. The risk is very small, but it is important to be aware of the potential problem. To avoid this risk, pregnant woman must not have any contact with newly born lambs, kids or the birth products of sheep or goats.
Minimum Adult to Child Ratio
Based on HSE Guidelines
The ratio of children to (Supervisors/teachers/assistants/parents) should be;-
1:1 - children under 1 years old
1:2 - children between 1 and 2 years old
1:3 - children between 2 and 3 years old
1:4 - children between 3 and 5 years old
1:8 - children between 5 and 8 years old
If supervision levels are less than this there should be no direct contact with animals.