Clean Up Langley Day

Determine a representative from your group to be the contact person.

The contact person is responsible for submitting all required documentation and serves as the liaison between the Township and any volunteers represented. The contact is also responsible for reminding volunteers to use good judgment and safe practice during clean up activities. The items in this guide should be discussed with the group prior to each clean up event.

Remember: safety first! Under no circumstance is the welfare of a participant to be compromised during cleanup activities.

The following are general guidelines that may help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 while conducting a litter cleanup. Learn more about COVID-19 from the BC Centre for Disease Control and always follow the latest BC COVID-19 guidelines and Provincial Health Orders.

• Practice physical distancing from others when in public spaces such as streets and parks, maintaining at least 2 m (6 ft) between you and anyone outside of your immediate household or core bubble. If physical distancing can not be maintained, masks must be worn.
• Do not use your hands to pick up litter, instead use the picker tool provided.
• Wearing gloves and non-medical face masks are recommended (not supplied).
• Avoid sharing supplies. Vests and picker tools can be labelled with a sticky label or masking tape and stored in separate garbage bags. Extra supplies are available upon request.
• Do not participate in cleanup activities or pick up/drop off supplies if you feel sick in any way.
• If you do feel sick, complete the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, and seek appropriate medical attention by calling 8-1-1, your physician or an Urgent and Primary Care Centre.

• Avoid horseplay while working.
• Keep an adequate supply of water.
• Report your cleanup activities to your program coordinator as indicated on the Clean Up Report
  form. Include significant irregularities and report injuries immediately.
• Always wear the safety vests provided or other high-visibility clothing.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs while working. Smoking and vaping are not permitted during cleanups.
• Participants should wear suitable footwear – boots or closed-toe shoes.
• Dress appropriately for the weather (sunscreen, hat, warm gloves, etc.).
• Avoid use of headphones/earbuds or restrictive clothing.

• Work on one side of the street at a time.
• Pick up litter walking against traffic. This ensures all volunteers are facing oncoming traffic and are aware of dangers.
• Leave garbage bags at each Adopt-a-Program sign, if possible. If bags are too heavy, leave them at the location where filled.

• Keep a cell phone handy or know where the nearest phone is.
• Have transportation available.
• Know the quickest route to the nearest hospital in case of a serious injury.

1. Discuss the cleanup route.
   Take note of any areas of concern or potential danger, such as high traffic areas or locations where there is limited vision of approaching traffic.
2. Supervise minors.
   Ensure a responsible adult is present to supervise minors.
3. Prepare your materials.
   Make sure you have all tools and materials required to complete your task safely and efficiently. Check that your equipment is in good working condition.
4. Review safety instructions with participants:

• • Watch for vehicles and bicycles.
    Drivers may not expect to see volunteers working; participants should watch for approaching vehicles.
  • Obey traffic regulations.
    Volunteers should obey all signals and traffic lights and use intersections and marked crosswalks, where available.
  • Handle dangerous refuse carefully.
    See table below for further reporting.
  • Never reach blindly to pick up an item.
    Use a tool or stick to identify the item before picking it up.
  • Work in pairs if possible.
    Working in pairs is safer than working alone as it allows volunteers to look out for each other.