Health, safety and access
On this page you will find resources on implementing the new 'Code of Practice' and some useful tips, metrics and suggestions for improving access on farms.
Improving access on Farms
There are a variety of challenges for people with mobility or sensory impairments and many elderly people on a working farm. Whilst a working farm is never intended to be a 'visitor centre' there are some adaptations that can be made to make more of the visit experience accessible. Measurements, tips and options for steps, gradients, paths, widths, toilets and seats and perches are included in a set of cribsheets to help you make effective changes.
Download the 'Improving access' cribsheets
Code of Practice
Preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions - audio discussion
Following recent outbreaks of E. coli O157 and Cryptosporidium, farmers who invite members of the public onto their farms have developed a new Code of Practice. The purpose of this Code of Practice is to help ensure visitor health and safety by providing sensible, practical and proportionate guidance on preventing or controlling ill health at visitor attractions.
We thought we would record a discussion of some of the ‘grey areas’ of the Code of Practice, to help host farmers make sure they are implementing the necessary control measures on their site. The discussion is based around a series of photographs, which you can view as you listen to the discussion. We hope you find it helpful!
The audio clips are available to listen to in the presentation below.
You can use the buttons underneath the slide to skip to the sections you would like to hear, or listen to the entire presentation (recommended).
Slide one: General introduction to the Code of Practice (COP)
Slide two: Manure seepage
Slide three: Interacting with farm animals
Slide four: Boot washing
Slide five: Wheelchair washing
Slide six: Hand washing
Slide seven: Contact areas and picnic areas
Slide eight: Closing comments
The following people participated in the discussion;
James Taylor, Linking Environment And Farming
Bill Graham, Farming And Countryside Education
Matt Heast, Mead Open Farm
Claire Morris, College Farm
Sue Foxall, Rookery Farm
New Code of Practice - The purpose of this Code of Practice is to help ensure visitor health and safety by providing sensible, practical and proportionate guidance on preventing or controlling ill health at visitor attractions.This Code of Practice has been produced by the industry and is aimed at the owners, operators and managers of such visitor premises.
It provides guidance, including pictures and real-life case studies, of practical measures that you can apply at your premises to help you comply with the law and keep visitors safe. The examples are from businesses, ranging from conventional farms that open to the public for one day a year to attractions that may cater for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Download the Code of Practice Summary [177kb]
Download the Code of Practice [2meg]
Advice to teachers and others who organise visits [115kb]