Once you've chosen a place for your Love Where You Live event, you should visit the site and carry out a full risk assessment. It's important that you consider all of the possible risks to you and your volunteers.

Potential hazards

Keep an eye open for the following hazards:

> Unidentified cans or canisters, oil drums, poisons, insecticides, clinical waste, other hazardous substances, broken glass, condoms, syringes, etc.

> Deep or fast flowing water, currents or tides, steep, slippery or unstable banks, sharp rocks, mud holes, derelict buildings, busy roads, electric fences (which are identified by yellow warning signs), etc.

Line pins and tape can be used to section off any potentially dangerous areas. For a large operation, a loud hailer could be used to warn participants to stay in a designated area.

If you decide the area carries too many risks, you may want to choose another place to carry out your event.

Other dangers

> Giant Hogweed is an invasive plant species that grows on waste ground and riverbanks. It forms dense colonies that suppress the growth of native plants and grasses, leaving the banks bare of vegetation in winter and increasing the risk of erosion and recolonisation from seeds washed downstream.

Giant Hogweed can cause harm to people and animals. Great care should be taken when working near this weed and it should not be touched at any time. Seek immediate medical advice if skin comes into contact with the weed and irritation, rashes or blistering occurs. To find out more about invasive plant species and how you can help contact the charity Plantlife at www.plantlife.org.uk

> Weil's Disease (Leotospirosis) is a very rare infection carried in rats urine and can be fatal. The symptoms include high temperature, severe headache, flu-like illness or muscle pains. They will appear 3 to 19 days after exposure to contaminated water. It must be treated early.

> Fly-tipping can involve hazardous waste. If you discover fly-tipping, report it to your local council for cleaning up. If you see someone fly-tipping or come across hazardous waste, report it to the Environment Agency on their 24 hour hotline 0800 807 060 or alternatively contact the police.

To find out more about your council's services see www.local.direct.gov.uk/mycouncil