SAFETY AT WORK
Safety is important for both the human operator and the system itself.
The most dangerous aspect of aquaponics is the proximity of electricity
and water, so proper precautions should be taken. Food safety is
important to ensure that no pathogens are transferred to human food.
Finally, it is important to take precautions against introducing
pathogens to the system from humans
Electrical safety
Always use a residual-current device (RCD). This is a type of circuit
breaker that will cut the power to the system if electricity grounds
into the water. The best option is to have an electrician install one at
the main electric junction. Alternatively, RCD adaptors are available,
and inexpensive, at any hardware or home improvement store. An example
of an RCD can be found on most hairdryers. This simple precaution can
save lives. Moreover, never hang wires over the fish tanks or filters.
Protect cables, sockets and plugs from the elements, especially rain,
splashing water and humidity. There are outdoor junction boxes available
for these purposes. Check often for exposed wires, frayed cables or
faulty equipment, and replace accordingly. Utilize “drip loops” where
appropriate to prevent water from running down a wire into the junction
Food safety
Good agricultural practices (GAPs), should be adopted to reduce as far as possible any food-borne illnesses, and several apply to aquaponics. The first and most important is simple: always be clean. Most diseases that affect humans would be introduced into the system by the workers themselves. Use proper hand-washing techniques and always sanitize harvesting equipment. When harvesting, do not let the water touch the produce; do not let wet hands or wet gloves touch the produce either. If present, most pathogens are in the water and not on the produce. Always wash produce after harvesting, and again before consumption. Second, keep soil and faeces from entering the system. Do not place harvesting equipment on the ground. Prevent vermin, such as rats, from entering the system, and keep pets and livestock away from the area. Warm-blooded animals often carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. Prevent birds from contaminating the system however possible, including through the use of exclusion netting and deterrents. If using rainwater collection, ensure that birds are not roosting on the collection area, or consider treating the water before adding it to the system. Preferably do not handle the fish, plants or media with bare hands, instead use disposable gloves.
General safety
Often aquaponic units, and farms and gardens in general, have other
general hazards that can be avoided with simple precautions. Avoid
leaving power cords, air lines or pipes in walkways, as they can pose a
trip hazard. Water and media are heavy, so use proper lifting
techniques. Wear protective gloves when working with the fish and avoid
the spines. Treat any scrapes and punctures immediately with standard
first-aid procedures – washing, disinfecting and bandaging the wound.
Seek medical attention, if necessary. Do not let blood or body fluids
enter the system, and do not work with open wounds. When constructing
the system, be aware of saws, drills and other tools. Keep acids and
bases in safe storage areas, and use proper safety gear when handling
these chemicals. Always keep all dangerous chemicals and objects
properly stored and away from children.
Safety – Summary
• Use 3CD on electric components to avoid electrocution.
• Shelter any electric connections from rain, splashes and humidity using correct equipment.
• Adopt GAPs to prevent contamination of produce. Always keep harvesting tools clean, wash hands often and wear gloves. Do not let animal feces contaminate the system.
• Do not contaminate the system by using bare hands in the water.
• Avoid trip hazards by keeping a neat workstation.
• Wear gloves when handling fish and avoid spines.
• Wash and disinfect wounds immediately. Do not work with open wounds. Do not let blood enter the system.
• Be careful with power tools and dangerous chemicals, and wear protective gear.
• Shelter any electric connections from rain, splashes and humidity using correct equipment.
• Adopt GAPs to prevent contamination of produce. Always keep harvesting tools clean, wash hands often and wear gloves. Do not let animal feces contaminate the system.
• Do not contaminate the system by using bare hands in the water.
• Avoid trip hazards by keeping a neat workstation.
• Wear gloves when handling fish and avoid spines.
• Wash and disinfect wounds immediately. Do not work with open wounds. Do not let blood enter the system.
• Be careful with power tools and dangerous chemicals, and wear protective gear.