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Safety Rules for Creek Clean Up

A creek can be an aesthetically pleasing and relaxing place to spend your leisure time. If the creek is littered with trash and debris, however, it is not such an attractive sight. When working to clean creeks and other waterways, workers must exercise caution to ensure that they remain safe and free from injury. By following the proper precautions, you can help re-beautify nature.

  1. Appropriate Footwear

    • Creek cleaning participants should wear close-toed, sturdy shoes. Leather work boots are the preferred footwear, but tennis shoes are permissible. When cleaning the creek, you may have to traverse rocky ground or inclined surfaces. In the absence of proper footwear, your toes could take a beating.

    Protect Yourself from the Sun

    • Cleaning a creek is exhausting work. When engaging in creak cleaning you should always wear clothes that protect you from the sun's potentially harmful rays. Optimally, you should wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a hat. Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Skin cancer is a real risk if you are constantly letting your skin take a beating from the sun's rays.

    Drink Water

    • Water consumption ensures that you do not overheat or become dehydrated while you clean the creek. Stop in your efforts regularly and indulge in a thirst quenching sip. This water will not only take away your dry mouth but also give you the energy you need to complete your efforts.

    Watch Out for Snakes

    • Snakes often populate watery areas. Be aware of the potential presence of these reptiles. Before you engage in your creek cleaning activity, learn about the snakes that call the area home. Pay particular attention to information about any poisonous snakes you may encounter during your efforts.

    Steer Clear of Dangerous Machinery

    • If heavy machinery is being used to clear brush or deal with gathered trash, exercise caution around the machinery. Carelessness could put you at risk of avoidable danger. If you are not trained on a piece of machinery, don't attempt to use it, as this attempt could result in injury.

    Watch Your Footing

    • When walking over rocks or hills, be careful. A turned ankle or broken leg presents more of a risk in an isolated area. By carefully minding the steps you take you can avoid these simple injuries and ensure that you are useful, not detrimental, to the cleaning efforts.

    Avoid Handling Potentially Hazardous Materials

    • If you come in contact with material that could be hazardous, such as medical waste or chemicals, do not touch the material directly. Use gloves when picking up anything that could contain bodily fluids. If you come in contact with a material you do not recognize, contact an individual in charge of the creek cleaning efforts instead of dealing with the material yourself.

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