Have you just started your own compost pile? While tending to your own garden can be a very enjoyable experience, it is not without its safety risks. In this blog, we are going to talk about a few key safety tips that you will need to be aware of when composting.
Wash your hands after you have been handling compost. I know this seems like a very obvious safety step, but it is easy to forget, especially if you are carrying on with another task in the garden immediately after.
There are many dangerous pathogens present in compost so try to have as little direct contact with it as possible. Always wear protective gear when you are handling it such as a mask, a good pair of gloves, and appropriate footwear. Make sure you remove these items before entering the house.
In order to break down compost, it must be tilled. If you are doing this manually, make sure you have a face mask that will prevent you from inhaling any hazardous matter coming from the rotting compost. As we mentioned, compost produces some dangerous pathogens that will become airborne during the tilling process. For this reason, you may also want to avoid tilling in windy conditions.
Finally, you should be aware that compost can become combustible if it is not stored properly. Whatever container you choose to store your compost in should be able to allow for good airflow.
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