Author Topic: Schools and railway sleepers (Read 12648 times)

manicscousers · « **on:** February 07, 2011, 15:09:33 »

Went to a school today that has requested some advice about growing fruit and veg.
They already have 2 large beds made and planted up with fruit and herbs, these were made last year.
The beds are made from very old railway sleepers that we could see were still seeping. We asked the head to look up about seepage and said we wouldn't eat anything grown in them.
He seems to think we are over reacting, what do you think ?

grannyjanny · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2011, 15:24:11 »

We wouldn't either Mal. I'm surprised they used them in the first place. I wonder who advised them?

manicscousers · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2011, 15:42:58 »

couldn't get him to tell me ???

landimad · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2011, 16:13:59 »

manicscousers,

As someone who works with these timbers a lot, I would say not to eat anything either.
The seepage could contain all sorts of nasties and then they could be sued for lack of care due to poor hygiene in the garden (workplace).
Advise him to either wrap or replace them as a matter of urgency.
Overreaction on your part is safer than sorting out the claims after.

manicscousers · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2011, 16:17:08 »

we've advised all the edibles should be taken out and placed somewhere else. the two beds , we hope, will be used as a sensory garden and a butterfly,/ bee/ bird garden. we'll just have to see if he listened :)

landimad · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2011, 16:34:46 »

Possibly wishful thinking on your part.
Just have to wait and see if good advice prevails.
Good luck with that one.

bluecar · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2011, 19:33:09 »

It might seem a bit drastic, but I think you should write to the education section of the council. This will ensure that there is a written log of your concerns. If there was a problem at the school the head may say he invited some experts in to discuss the use of the beds and unless you have substantial poof of your advise, you could face some liability. Belt and braces seems to be the way forward rather then wait and see.

Regards

Bluecar

daitheplant · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2011, 19:46:48 »

Old sleepers were usually treated with Creosote and should be lined with a plastic or butyl membrane to prevent soil contamination. I certainly wouldn`t eat anything either.

cornykev · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2011, 19:47:13 »

What bloody liability, they wanted advice you gave it, I would steer well clear now and make some of the parents aware of your advice, do they actually eat the food they grow. :-\ :( :( :(

manicscousers · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2011, 21:02:01 »

I think they did last year :P

grawrc · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2011, 21:20:48 »

Culpable ignorance ...innit! :-X

bluecar · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2011, 21:50:29 »

Bump.

You have to protect yourself. I know it's repeated information, but ....

It might seem a bit drastic, but I think you should write to the education section of the council. This will ensure that there is a written log of your concerns. If there was a problem at the school the head may say he invited some experts in to discuss the use of the beds and unless you have substantial poof of your advise, you could face some liability. Belt and braces seems to be the way forward rather then wait and see.

Regards

Bluecar

manicscousers · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2011, 22:00:44 »

I'll have a word with our environmental officer :)

manicscousers · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2011, 18:15:08 »

we've decided to do no more until the beds are either painted, there's a new, very expensive paint out to paint them with, or they are taken out altogether as children will still be looking after the plants in them.Our environmental officer is dealing with it, phew ;D

Unwashed · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2011, 18:23:58 »

Manics, I'm sure old railway sleepers are banned because of what they contain, but I'm not sure of the details. I think tonybloke might know.

manicscousers · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2011, 18:32:11 »

Thanks, unwashed, I'll :) pm him

Kea · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2011, 18:33:44 »

I'm guessing it wouldn't be a good idea to use them to build a storage bay on our allotment site for manure, woodchips etc.
The person heading our association sub committee showed me his plans today and I noticed used railway sleepers on the list. I think I need to broach that subject at the next general committee meeting I assumed it was going to be the unused ones!

1066 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2011, 18:38:47 »

Kea, you could still use them but you should consider lining them first

tonybloke · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2011, 20:19:38 »

read this
http://www.railwaysleeper.com/railway%20sleeper%20treatments.htm

manicscousers · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2011, 20:39:31 »

That's the site I visited which started all this off :)

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Author Topic: Schools and railway sleepers (Read 12648 times)