SAFETY ADVICE FOR ALL MEMBERS

Fishing is a great sport and pass-time but like most sports there is a certain amount of danger associated with it. Here are some guidance notes to help that you have an enjoyable days fishing.

Weil's Disease? (Leptospirosis)

Weil's disease is an infection carried in rats urine which contaminates water and banks of lakes, ponds and rivers.

 The disease which is notifiable is serious and requires hospital treatment. Symptoms start 3 to 19 days after exposure to contaminated water.

 Early symptoms are similar to 'Flu'A few sensible precautions

DO cover with waterproof plasters or gloves all scratches, cuts, sores and breaks in the skin. Disinfect any wounds soon as possible if they occur

whilst at the waterside.

ALWAYS wash your hands or cover food with a wrapper before you eat.

NEVER put your hand to your mouth after immersion in river water and never place bait or fishing line in the mouth.

DON'T touch any dead animal especially rats.

NEVER leave food, groundbait or bait on the bankside.AND ALWAYS TAKE YOUR RUBBISH HOME!!!!

An attack of Weil's Disease resembles a cold or flu in the initial stages. The incubation period is from 3 to 19days

Early Symptoms are: Fever, Muscular aches and pains, loss of appetite, nausea when lying down.

Later Symptoms may include: Bruising of the skin, Sore eyes, Nose bleeds, Jaundice.

The fever lasts for approximately five days, then a significant deterioration follows.

If untreated, Weil's Disease can be se

Overhead Power Lines

Every year cases are reported of angling equipment contacting overhead electric power lines. Some of these have resulted in horrific burn injuries, a number resulting in death. The main cause of these incidents is a lack of awareness on behalf of the angler.

The following information has been prepared to reduce the risk to anglers from overhead electric power lines.

Key Facts

Overhead electric power lines are most commonly supported on wood poles normally at a minimum height of 5.2 metres.

Overhead electric power lines are often difficult to see, particularly at night and against a dark or very bright background.They are normally bare (not insulated) and can be mistaken for telephone wires, with disastrous consequences.

Overhead electric power lines suspended on wood poles can carry between 230 & 132,000 volts, steel towers can carry up to 400,000 volts Currently the higher voltage lines normally have yellow Danger of Death warning notices fitted to the poles or towers but lower voltage lines may not be marked.

At higher voltages electricity may jump short distances through the air. This means that it is not necessary to touch an overhead line to electric power suffer an electric shock and burns which could result in death

Fishing rods and poles made from carbon fibre and similar materials will conduct electricity. Many other materials will allow electricity to flow along them when they are wet.

Key Precautions

It is not easy to estimate the height and distance of overhead electric power lines from the ground, consequently an adequate safe distance must be kept to avoid accidental contact.

Anglers must not fish within the default exclusion distance of 30 metres of overhead electric power lines that cross or run parallel to the water

unless a suitable and sufficient risk assessment has justified a variation of this distance (greater or smaller). This distance must be measured from the outer conductor at 90 degrees to the direction of the line.

If you see anglers line or other items of equipment hanging on overhead electric power lines do not try to free it. Inform the local Electricity Company, land or water owner or relevant angling club official.they will arrange for its removal.

In order to comply with requirements put into place by our insurer   with regard to Overhead Power Lines it is imperative that all anglers     and especially juniors exercise extreme caution when fishing any of the club waters where power lines are present. A responsible adult must accompany any juniors fishing any venue where Power lines are present.

safety advice taken from Luton Angling Club website

rious and even FATAL