Rank: Forum user 
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Hi everyone,
Bit of a strange one... We have an allotment and I've been advised we are keeping bees there. Aside from the standard aspects of only qualified people accessing, COSHH and PPE, are there any other aspects we should be considering?
I've been asked if we should be keeping an epi-pen on site, however, we have a record of all staff authorised to work on the allotment and none are allergic to bee stings so there isn't really a need. Should we be keeping one anyway?
Any help or suggestions appreciated.
Kind regards,
Nic
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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Brilliant!! Made me giggle! :)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Nic
I would only keep an epi pen if you can be sure its one of YOUR bees that has done the stinging!
But seriously, sounds like you have done every thing that reasonably practicable, anyone who knows they are allergic to bee stings will probably carry their own - not sure what the outcome would be if you used one on someone who did not have the allergy.
And I agree I Love Paul's link made me smile on a rubbish Tuesday afternoon.
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Rank: Forum user
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Its adrenaline isn't it so I'm guessing they would be a little hyperactive at the very least!! Certainly not like Eeyore!!!
On a serious note, thanks for this. I was questioning myself because its not something I deal with every day!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Epipens are prescription only medicines and you can’t just get one just in case. If someone there has a bee allergy it might be advisable to store one their Epipens on site and even to train someone to use it if person in question needs it quickly and are unable to inject themselves.
My main piece of advice is to keep away from the hives when the bees are active and in particular do not use any machinery near them like strimmers. The low frequency noise drives the colonies bonkers.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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A former colleague of mine kept bees for many years, until the day she woke up in the ITU of our local hospital...
Point is that allergic reactions can develop without warning, up to and including the point of anaphylactic shock, and that the first indication somebody might have is that they die.
Not saying that you shouldn't keep bees, and I agree that you can't just keep an epi-pen on site. What you have to do, in my view, is ensure that your allotment workers can recognise the symptoms of anaphylactic shock, and are primed to phone 999 at the first hint that this is happening.
And no, it's not OTT; this is a known risk and can be mitigated by very simple means,
John
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Contact Ian Harper (Former IOSH President) by DM.
He is a bee keeper so should be able to assist you with your queries.
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