Chapter 6 – Rules for the day
To ensure the safety of visitors, it is important to set some rules for the visit to the farm. At the start of the visit, discuss these gound rules with the pupils and explain why they have to be followed.
- I am in charge on the farm. It is important that you (the visitors) carefully follow my instructions. I tell you, what you are allowed to do. If I say “stop”, it is important that you stop. This is because I know my farm well and I am aware of possible risks on the farm.
- When one person is talking, the others should be listen. When I tell you something important, I will raise my hand. Then you have to be quiet and listen. This is very important, because we are outdoors, we are a large group and it can sometimes be difficult to hear each other.
- Only quiet children are allowed to go to near the animals. The animals are not used to loud screaming and fast motions. They are sensitive and could easily get stressed by loud noises.
- We stay as a group. On every farm, there are places that could be dangerous. I want you all to go home safely and that's why we should all stay together as a group.
- Things we don't want on the farm visit: sweets, electronic games equipment, littering.

Additional advice
Further advice on E. coli O157 including a video on hand washing is available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/farmsafe/ecoli.htm
Other advice is available from a number of other government websites including:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-healthhttp://www.defra.gov.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-
Guidance for managing risks events such as agricultural shows is available at http://www.asao.co.uk/