URGENT: Important changes to WBKA (PBKA) Public Liability Policy

The WBKA Insurance provider on 10th May 2012 issued an endorsement regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for beekeeping activities.

 Condition L97: Personal Protective Equipment  reads:

L97 – PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Condition

It is a condition precedent to liability under this Insurance that:-

1.            all EMPLOYEES and members of the public are made aware of the dangers of not using personal protective equipment,

2.            personal protective equipment is provided to all members of the public when engaging in beekeeping activities,

3.            a register is maintained which demonstrates that EMPLOYEES and members of the public have received appropriate training and are fully conversant with the way in which to access such personal protective equipment prior to engaging in beekeeping activities.

Therefore prior to undertaking beekeeping activities with members of the public / employees the need for personal protective equipment should be explained. Following this a list (register) needs to be kept of the people receiving instruction in the use of the PPE. They should sign the list as you may need to demonstrate they have had the appropriate training before engaging in beekeeping activities in the event of a claim.

If you have any questions regarding the above please feel free to contact me via email at Rhodri.gp.powell@sky.com

Kind regards,

Rhodri

Rhodri Powell

WBKA Insurance Officer

146 Pandy Road, Bedwas, CF83 8EP

Email :  Rhodri.gp.powell@sky.com

Website:    www.cardiffbeekeepers.co.uk

Twitter:      @cardiffbees

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/CardiffValeValleysBeekeepersAssociation

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Bee Stings – Scrape or Pinch?

When I started beekeeping I was told, as you probably were that: 1) I would get stung and 2) I should scrape the sting not pinch and pull.  The reason given was that the pinch method would squeeze venom into the skin.

Recently this was tested by researchers at the Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA and the Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA.  This work found that the speed of removing the sting was more important in reducing the venom injected than the method used.