This policy relates to medical and hygiene issues in general but specifically to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. By implication this is extended to other virus or pathogens that may pass between students or staff during any of our courses and cause a risk to health.
The controls measures against infection start at Registration. Feral Science sends out forms for registration before the course which prompt students, carers, parents and guardians to consider the risks involved, we appreciate your honesty in completing these. Please note that any answers identifying a risk will not necessarily preclude a students from attending a course, however they will provide essential information in mitigating the risks involved.
When a risk is identified Feral Science will consider the implications for that student on the course, during this stage further information may be sought.
On arrival at the course delivery venue there will be opportunities to clarify the risk and the mitigation of these risks through practical and physical constraints.
General Hygiene and Handwashing - Staff will ensure that all students are aware of the location of the toilets on the site, in whatever form these take. Feral Science will provide Hand soap and Clean water for this purpose. The water will be replaced regularly where running water is not available.
Towels will not be provided for hand drying as these offer a perfect source for cross infection - paper towels can be made available if required but we request that you use these sparingly as they need to be disposed of off site.
Antibacterial/ Antiviral Alcohol based gel will be available after washing with water to ensure that there is the best possible chance of sterilising hands in this way. Alcohol based gels do irritate the skin and so we request that you are aware of this when you use them. Additionally as some of the outdoor activities involve fire, be aware that these gels are, by their nature, flammable and treat them with respect.
Airborne Pathogens and Infection - Since the arrival of COVID-19 and the increasing awareness that its control has brought we request that you follow current guidelines on the control of infection for viral and other pathogens. At the time of writing the measures in place are; Social Distancing, regular hand washing, the use of masks and face shields, the isolation of those showing symptoms and preventative ‘shielding’ of those who are vulnerable.
Those showing pre-exiting symptoms should not attend as students until they have completed the advised period of isolation.
Social Distancing - We are aware that even though the outdoor environment provides for a significantly reduced risk of cross-infection we request that students follow the current guidelines on how social distancing be maintained. The vulnerable or the infected should have made their situation known, initially at registration, but again on arrival at the course venue and be prepared to take preventative measures.
Where situations arise that require social distancing guidelines to be compromised; if certain teaching situations and first aid treatment necessitate this, then face shields will be made available. The remainder of the time the current advice is that maintaining social distance outdoors is sufficient to protect students from cross-infection. If students are concerned that they may be showing symptoms of the virus then we request that they wear an appropriate mask over their nose and mouth.
Post course: If any students display Covid symptoms in the 14 days after a course we request that they notify us. We, in turn, will ensure that other students, are notified according to the guidelines in place at the time so that they are able to follow the current advice. We reserve the right to cancel courses in order to follow guidelines on the prevention of transmission of COVID-19.
We are aware that the measures in place for the control of COVID-19 will control the majority of common infections and so would request that common sense be applied around any potential infection.
Allergens and Anaphylaxis - Thankfully serious forms of these conditions are very rare, however there are allergens in any woodland environment whether they be of plant origin (Pollen, Nettle), Insect (Bee or Wasp stings), animal (fur or dander), Fungal (Moulds, fungal spores) or other environmental origin. Feral Science is unable to protect against contact with these and requests that students on courses manage their own allergies in anticipation of this.
Where exposure to an allergen could result in Anaphylaxis please ensure that you have made Feral Science aware of the risk and take responsibility for minimising this. If a student should carry and Epipen (or similar) then we request that this is carried with the student at all times.
Food Allergies - Students are responsible for providing their own lunch so allergies or serious food intolerances should be a rare event. We do however request that students do not share lunches, food containers, cups or water bottles if they are susceptible to food allergies or intolerances. Students who suffer from the potential for Anaphylaxis (Nuts or Peanut allergies in particular) should manage this through communicating with the group and requesting that the allergen in question not be consumed nearby.
First Aid - Feral Science will endeavour to ensure that accidents that require First Aid treatment do not occur by providing thorough instruction we request that students on courses follow directions given for safety reasons. The registration form includes a permission to administer First Aid, or call for paramedic assistance, should it be deemed necessary. Should First Aid be required while on a course Feral Science will make face shields available, in addition to gloves.
Sun Block, Insect Repellent and Topical Antihistamine: Our registration form includes permissions for the application, or assistance in self applying, Sun Creams, Insect Repellent and Topical Antihistamine. Feral Science will make every effort to ensure that there is sufficient shade to work under on exceptionally bright days and may move activities if it is considered necessary. At certain times of year the application of Insect Repellant may be considered necessary; Feral Science will advise and assist in the application of Insect repellants if appropriate. Feral Science will only use DEET free Insect repellants. Where a student does suffer from Insect bites the application of Topical Antihistamine will be suggested and supported. In addition to this any students who are susceptible to bites or other allergies should have taken their usual antihistamine as a preventative; if antihistamines have been taken we request that we are informed in order that we may avoid double dosing.
Wild Food and Foraging - At this stage Feral Science itself does not offer courses. If customers require a component of this then this will need to be stated in sufficient time for us to book the necessary expertise. Should there be a food preparation component though Feral Science anticipates that students will be responsible for their own hand sanitation before eating.
GDPR - At Feral Science we undertake to protect any data provided and restrict its use to only what is necessary for the course. You have the right to:
Request to see a copy of the information we hold.
Request corrections or deletions of the information that is no longer required.
Ask the organisations to stop using your images at any time, in which case it will not be used in future publications but may continue to appear in paper publications already in circulation.
You have the right to lodge a complaint against Feral Science Limited regarding data protection issues with the Information Commissioner’s Office (https://ico.org.uk/concerns/).
For Student Registration Forms please follow the link at the top of the page.