You will have to read, understand and agree to these rules and the basic sanctuary rules to get to level 1 sanctuary volunteer. As a level 1 volunteer, you will have access to the green area inside the gate, the dish-washer shed and the washing-up area. For any other areas you will have to be with a higher level volunteer or a member of staff, unless told differently by a member of staff.
In case of an emergency, you will obviously be allowed to go wherever you need to find help!
Wash area – Level 1
- We advise that you use gloves when you wash up but it is not a requirement. Gloves can be found in the utility shed. If you notice that we are getting low on gloves please let a member of staff know.
No matter if you chose to wear gloves or not it is really important that you keep safe. Remember that you are handling washing up that has been in contact with wild animals – often with parasites, viruses, illnesses or infections. - We use bleach and washing up liquid for washing up. Remember that it is far more important that you do things properly than doing it fast.
As much as it often can be overwhelming seeing how much washing up there is, don’t get tempted to try to get through it all unless you can do so in a safe way. If you want to set goals for yourself, make sure that these are realistic. If you end up cutting corners you will put our animals and birds, as well as staff and volunteers at risk. - Everything you need should be found in the utility shed: Brushes, sponges, spray bottles, cleaning products and towels. If you see that we are running low on anything please let staff know so that we can order more.
Used towels should go in the bin. As much as it would be amazing to clean and dry them right now that is just not a priority. - If something is hard to clean, leave it to soak in water and bleach for a little while. For those hard-to-reach areas use a spray bottle and small brushes.
Please ensure that everything is cleaned properly. If you need to dismantle something to do so, just make sure to put it back together again and make sure that all parts are still there. - Be careful! There are sharp things at the sanctuary!
- Cat carriers can be dismantled to ensure that it gets cleaned properly. If you do, put it back together before you dry it and put it in storage.
- You’re are responsible to put away anything you use.
It doesn’t matter if you are the first one in or the last one to leave; If you get things out you put them away. If you hand over to someone else, make sure that they know where things need to be put away once they are done. - If something touches the floor it has to be washed again.
The ground at the sanctuary is a high traffic area and should be treated as a high risk. If you wash something and put it down on the ground it needs to be cleaned again! Just think of how many feet – animal and human – that walk across it every day. - Rinse everything properly after cleaning it. Bleach and washing up remnants could be harmful to the animals and birds in our care.
Dishwasher shed – Level 1
- We advise that you use gloves when you wash up but it is not a requirement. Gloves can be found in the utility shed. If you notice that we are getting low on gloves please let a member of staff know.
No matter if you chose to wear gloves or not it is really important that you keep safe. Remember that you are handling washing up that has been in contact with wild animals – often with parasites, viruses, illnesses or infections. - All bowls should be pre-soaked in a bendy bucket with bleach and water (hard stuff takes approx 30 minutes to soften).
- Check filter before loading and after emptying.
- Pre-rub everything before putting in the dishwasher. Please ensure there is no newspaper etc still on the item.
If something is broken, chipped or seems dangerous show a member of staff. - Don’t overload the dishwasher. All bowls have to point DOWN.
Stacking more things into the dishwasher will only slow you down as you will have to re-do it all. - Put dishwasher on a fast 70 with one tablet in.
If you see that we are getting low on anything please let a member of staff know. - When you empty the dishwasher please put the bowls away
Green area - Level 1
- Keep it clear and tidy – if you have a few minutes over you can always rake the green area.
This is the first area you see when you get to the sanctuary and also the one with the most amount of traffic. Keeping it clear and tidy will help keep you and other people and animals safe. - Only leave things in the green area if you are asked to. The same goes for the porch area in front of the hospital.
- If you see rubbish on the ground – put it in the bin
- If the bins need emptying please do so. Make sure to put a new binbag in.
- If the poop bag is betting full – please get it to the muck heap. The empty used bag goes in the bin. Make sure to leave a new bag ready for the next person.
As always:
*If you see anything that you don't understand - ask!
*If you see that we are running low on something - tell a member of staff!
*If you are un-sure of how to do something - ask!