FOI_6617

Internal Reference Number: FOI_6617

Date Request Received: 06/06/2022 00:00:00

Date Request Replied To: 13/06/2022 00:00:00

This response was sent via: By Email

Request Summary: Use of herbicide containing Glyphosate on hospital grounds

Request Category: Private Individuals


Question Number 1: What is your policy for weed control in the hospital's grounds?

Answer To Question 1: Our standard operating procedure is: • To spray minimally and weed out the large weeds before spraying. • The operator will not spray in windy conditions to avoid spray drift • When spraying the gardeners use the products original container (Pump n Go sprayer) (decanting into an empty container). • The operators wear the provided PPE – gloves and goggles. • After spraying an area a warning sign is put out & a record is kept of the date an area is treated • We have spill kits (granules) and we have eye wash in case of incident.

Question Number 2: Do you use herbicides containing glyphosate eg Roundup, Weedol etc If yes, what do you use What areas have been sprayed with herbicides containing glyphosate?

Answer To Question 2: Yes, Roundup, Across the estate

Question Number 3: What is your policy on the use of glyphosate?

Answer To Question 3: • To spray minimally and weed out the large weeds before spraying. • To use Roundup (glyphosate) as it denatures after 7 days

Question Number 4: What precautions were taken ahead of its use?

Answer To Question 4: • SOP 009 Spraying Herbicide • COSHH data sheet on file • The operator will not spray in windy conditions to avoid spray drift • When spraying the gardeners use the products original container (Pump n Go sprayer) (decanting into an empty container). • The operators wear the provided PPE – gloves and goggles. • After spraying an area a warning sign is put out & a record is kept of the date an area is treated • We have spill kits (granules) and we have eye wash in case of incident.

Question Number 5: For the calendar years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, please can you tell me: a) The volume of these herbicides you have you used b) The cost

Answer To Question 5: We estimate our annual usage is 120 Litres at a cost of £570 inc. VAT – that can be used for each of the year’s listed as this is not something we keep a record of.

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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.