Fieldworkers
Invasive aquatic plants and animals harm the environment and block waterways. They can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on damp equipment and clothing. Once established they become extremely difficult and expensive to eradicate, which is why it is so important to prevent their spread in the first place.
When you’re working or volunteering in the field, it’s important to keep your kit free of invasive plants and animals in order to protect the environment. This is part of your legal responsibility to prevent the introduction or spread of non-native and invasive species.
Check Clean Dry applies to all fieldworkers and organisations that commission field work.
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CHECK – for what’s visible
Check your gear, clothing and footwear after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site. Remember to drain water from every part of your boat and trailer before leaving the site. |
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CLEAN – for what’s not visible
Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can. Pay particular attention to nets, waders, and areas that are damp and hard to inspect. If possible, safely use hot water or a high-pressure spray. Hot tap water in most homes is usually set to about 55oC. |
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DRY – to be sure
Dry everything for as long as you can before using in other water bodies. Some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions. The hull of a boat and tailer can dry when being towed. |
Additional biosecurity advice for anyone working in the field
Plan visits so that the most risky visit is the last one of the day.
Arrive at the site with clean footwear and vehicle.
Ensure footwear is clean (visually from soil and debris) before leaving the site.
Ensure your vehicle is kept clean – in particular remove any accumulated mud before leaving the site.
Make use of facilities provided on the site to clean footwear/equipment.
Keep access to a minimum. If practical do not take vehicles onto premises, keep to established tracks and park vehicles on hard standing.
Where possible avoid areas of livestock and areas with known plant disease.
Check whether your organisation has any other guidance, policy or position statement.
Disinfection and cleaning agents
Always remember to ensure that the item you are disinfecting is Clean before you start. Organic matter decreases the effectiveness of disinfectants
When complete drying is not possible, you should consider disinfecting everything using an approved disinfectant such as Milton (follow product label), Virkon Aquatic (3-10g/L), Proxitane(30mg/L) or an iodine-based product for 15 minutes.
Items difficult to soak can be sprayed or wiped down with disinfectant.
Engine coolant water or residual water in boats/kayaks should be drained and where possible flushed out with disinfectant.