ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND WAIVER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY RISKS INVOLVED.

I understand that there are certain risks involved in working with bees, as described below, and with participating in Beekeeping activities. I understand that I am advised to consult with a health care provider of my own choosing before participating in any beekeeping activity.

(1) Bee stings: European honey bees are generally are not aggressive toward people, but are defensive of their hive (family and food stores). However, the degree of defensiveness of an individual colony can vary greatly from day-to-day and even within the same day, depending on various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, whether it is sunny or overcast, the air temperature, the degree of wind, the amount of time the hive is open for inspection; odors of the human body, breath; color and texture of clothing; the degree of sharp, quick movement around the hive; accidental killing or crushing of bees during hive inspection; whether the colony has a functioning queen; and other factors unique to a honey bee colony at the time of inspection that currently are not known to or ascertainable by the beekeepers.

At some point or another, a person working around bees will be stung as a result of Beekeeping activities. Stings always hurt and it is rare that a person will not experience some allergic reaction to a bee sting. Allergic reactions to honey bee stings vary from person to person, and can vary by sting and over time.

Most people only have a localized allergic reaction, including one or more of the following: the skin swells and becomes red, hot and painful, and itching also may occur. The severity and duration of such localized allergic reactions vary among individuals and stings, and over time. These reactions may disappear over a few hours or days, but can persist for a week or longer.

Some people have a systemic allergic reaction which is far more serious than a localized allergic reaction. A systemic allergic reaction can be evidenced by emergence of itchy bumps (hives), redness and/or swelling of the skin at points distant from the site of the sting(s). A systemic allergic reaction also may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. When the most serious of these reactions occurs – anaphylaxis – the person experiences one or more of the following: wheezing, hoarseness, swelling of the tongue, fainting, difficulty breathing followed by a drop in blood pressure that can lead to shock and death. These types of reactions usually occur within minutes of the sting, but can be delayed for up to 24 or more hours after the sting(s).

Mitigation & Prevention: You must wear beekeeping suits and gloves and any other protective equipment  to help minimize the potential risks of bee stings. Ensure the zippers of the suit are completely zipped and Velcro flaps secured. Do not remove the bee veil or open the bee suit until you are far away from the site of the bee hives. Bees can sting through fabric. It is recommended that you wear a light layer of clothing (long sleeve shirt, long pants) for an extra layer of protection under the bee suit. If you have boots, or any kind of high-top shoes or sneakers, wear them. If you don’t have them but you have gaiters, bring them. The key is to prevent bees from crawling up over the top of your shoes and getting caught/crushed between your socks and shoes and stinging you. Bees can sting through gloves. Move carefully and try to avoid crushing and pinching bees with and against your hands/fingers. If you feel scared, or are being attacked, walk away from the hives. If possible walk around bushes and trees and through their branches to disorganize the bees following you while you continue to leave the area.

(2) Lifting and moving hive components: Inspecting bee hives involves lifting, moving and stacking hive boxes inhabited by bees and reassembling the boxes of the hive. Hive boxes can be heavy, up toward 35 kg. per box depending on the size of the box and amount of pollen and honey stored by the bees. Proper body mechanics and lifting techniques are important to help prevent strains and sprains to the back, knees, ankles, shoulders, arms and hands. Even handling lighter items such as hive covers can results in a sprain if the beekeeper is not using proper lifting, carrying or body mechanic techniques. Dropping or lowering heavy hive components too quickly can result in bruising, crushing and broken bones.

Mitigation & Prevention: You should review (over the Internet or otherwise) and practice, proper lifting techniques particularly if you do not regularly lift bulky and heavy objects. It also is advised that, within the one (1) hour immediately before hands-on beekeeping activity, you do at least 15 minutes of stretching to help minimize potential sprains and strains. You will be responsible for your own lifting techniques and body mechanics. You should decline to do any lifting or moving of hive components if you are unsure you can safely handle the weight or use proper lifting techniques or body mechanics.

(3) Burns: Beekeepers use smokers to calm bees. Smokers are made of metal. Inside the smoker cylinder the beekeeper starts a fire and keeps it going to produce a cool smoke for the duration of the hive inspection. Use of a smoker involves starting and refreshing a fire in the smoker cylinder. Burns can result directly from contact with the fire or from contact with the exterior surface of the smoker which becomes hot.

Mitigation & Prevention: Do not put your hand or fingers into the smoker cylinder when attempting to start or refresh a fire. Do not touch the smoker surface. Hold and use the smoker via hand contact with the bellows only.

(4) Cuts/Contusions/Abrasions: Beekeepers use metal hive tools to pry apart boxes from one another, and frames from each other and from hive boxes. Hive tools are sharp, they can slip and cause cuts, contusions and abrasions. Their use also can result in pinching.

Mitigation & Prevention: Hold and use the hive tool as low down on the tool as you can, as close as possible to the part of the tool you are using for leverage. Brace yourself against the hive or other frames. These techniques will give you more control and reduce the likelihood of cutting yourself.

(5) Falling and/or tripping at the site of the hive(s): The apiary site may be uneven and irregular. Twisted and sprained ankles may occur, and other injuries resulting from tripping and/or falling in and around, to and from, the apiary.

Mitigation & Prevention: Pay attention, and watch where you will be walking before you walk there.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY. I acknowledge and agree neither the Amateur Beekeepers Guild nor any of its employees, representatives, agents, or volunteers, are responsible or otherwise obligated to attend to any injuries, stings or medical needs that may arise during
any Beekeeping activities, and I personally assume all risks and responsibility for such injuries, stings and medical needs. Nothing about the fact of this Liability Release, Indemnity and Waiver Agreement or any action taken by The Amateur Beekeepers Guild or any of its employees, representatives, agents or volunteers is intended to create a special relationship between any of them and me. The Guild, through its employees may (but is not obligated to) take any action during the Beekeeping activities that the employee considers to be warranted under the circumstances regarding my health and safety. In case of a medical emergency (and what may appear to be a medical emergency), I authorize in advance that the Guild employee secure for me whatever medical attention and
treatment appears to be necessary or prudent including, but not limited to, the summoning of an ambulance and if I am incapacitated and unable to consent, administration of medication and hospitalization, and I agree that I shall bear all costs for any such medical attention and treatment.

RULES AND REQUESTS. I agree to abide by all posted rules and reasonable requests of Beekeeping supervisors or Guild officials while engaged in Beekeeping activities. I understand that my failure to do so may result in my ejection from Beekeeping activities and my exclusion from them in the future.

 

COVID–19 SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

While participating in events held or sponsored by the Amateur Beekeepers Guild, (“ABG”) “social distancing” must be practiced and face coverings worn, if advised to reduce the risks of exposure to COVID–19. Because COVID–19 is extremely contagious and is spread mainly from person–to–person contact, ABG has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID–19. However, ABG cannot guarantee that its participants, volunteers, partners, or others in attendance will not become infected with COVID–19. In light of the ongoing spread of COVID–19, individuals who fall within any of the categories below should not engage in ABG events and/or other face to face activities. By attending a ABG event,you certify that you do not fall into any of the following categories:

1.Individuals who currently or within the past fourteen (14) days have experienced any symptoms associated with COVID–19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath among others;

2.Individuals who have traveled at any point in the past fourteen (14) days either internationally or to a community in Australia that has experienced or is experiencing sustained community spread of COVID–19; or

3.Individuals who believe that they may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID–19 or have been diagnosed with COVID–19 and are not yet cleared as non–contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.

DUTY TO SELF–MONITOR: Participants and volunteers agree to self–monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID–19 (symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and, contact ABG at RKrumbholz@amateurbeekeepers.com.au if he/she experiences symptoms of COVID–19 within 14 days after participating or volunteering with ABG.

LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS: I acknowledge that I derive personal satisfaction and a benefit by virtue of my participation and/or voluntarism with ABG, and I willingly engage in ABG events and/or other activities(the “Activity”).

RELEASE AND WAIVER. I HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF WHATEVER KIND OR NATURE AGAINST THE AMATEUR BEEKEEPERS GUILD AND ITS AFFILIATED PARTNERS AND SPONSORS, INCLUDING IN EACH CASE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEIR OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS (THE “RELEASED PARTIES”), EITHER IN LAW OR IN EQUITY, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES OR LOSSES CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE, FAULT OR CONDUCT OF ANY KIND ON THE PART OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DEATH, BODILY INJURY, ILLNESS, ECONOMIC LOSS OR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, WHICH I, MY HEIRS, ASSIGNEES, NEXT OF KIN AND/OR LEGALLY APPOINTED OR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES, MAY HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREINAFTER ACCRUE ON MY BEHALF, WHICH ARISE OR MAY HEREAFTER ARISE FROM MY PARTICIPATION WITH THE ACTIVITY.

ASSUMPTION OF THE RISK. I acknowledge and understand the following:

1.Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to COVID–19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist;

2.I knowingly and freely assume all such risks related to illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID–19, even if arising from the negligence or fault of the Released Parties; and

3.I hereby knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm and loss associated with the Activity, including any injury, harm and loss caused by the negligence, fault or conduct of any kind on the part of the Released Parties.

4. To the best of my knowledge, I am not allergic to bee stings. I am fully aware of risks and hazards connected with the activity of keeping honey bees, including the risk of being stung by a honey bee, and I hereby elect to voluntarily participate in said activity, and to enter the above named premises and engage in such activity knowing that the activity may be hazardous to me and my property.

MEDICAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RELEASE. I acknowledge the health risks associated with the Activity, including but not limited to transient dizziness, lightheaded, fainting, nausea, muscle cramping, musculoskeletal injury, joint pains, sprains and strains, heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. I agree that if I experience any of these or any other symptoms during the Activity, I will discontinue my participation immediately and seek appropriate medical attention.

 

 

 

 

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ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND WAIVER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY RISKS INVOLVED.

I understand that there are certain risks involved in working with bees, as described below, and with participating in Beekeeping activities. I understand that I am advised to consult with a health care provider of my own choosing before participating in any beekeeping activity.

(1) Bee stings: European honey bees are generally are not aggressive toward people, but are defensive of their hive (family and food stores). However, the degree of defensiveness of an individual colony can vary greatly from day-to-day and even within the same day, depending on various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, whether it is sunny or overcast, the air temperature, the degree of wind, the amount of time the hive is open for inspection; odors of the human body, breath; color and texture of clothing; the degree of sharp, quick movement around the hive; accidental killing or crushing of bees during hive inspection; whether the colony has a functioning queen; and other factors unique to a honey bee colony at the time of inspection that currently are not known to or ascertainable by the beekeepers.

At some point or another, a person working around bees will be stung as a result of Beekeeping activities. Stings always hurt and it is rare that a person will not experience some allergic reaction to a bee sting. Allergic reactions to honey bee stings vary from person to person, and can vary by sting and over time.

Most people only have a localized allergic reaction, including one or more of the following: the skin swells and becomes red, hot and painful, and itching also may occur. The severity and duration of such localized allergic reactions vary among individuals and stings, and over time. These reactions may disappear over a few hours or days, but can persist for a week or longer.

Some people have a systemic allergic reaction which is far more serious than a localized allergic reaction. A systemic allergic reaction can be evidenced by emergence of itchy bumps (hives), redness and/or swelling of the skin at points distant from the site of the sting(s). A systemic allergic reaction also may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. When the most serious of these reactions occurs – anaphylaxis – the person experiences one or more of the following: wheezing, hoarseness, swelling of the tongue, fainting, difficulty breathing followed by a drop in blood pressure that can lead to shock and death. These types of reactions usually occur within minutes of the sting, but can be delayed for up to 24 or more hours after the sting(s).

Mitigation & Prevention: You must wear beekeeping suits and gloves and any other protective equipment  to help minimize the potential risks of bee stings. Ensure the zippers of the suit are completely zipped and Velcro flaps secured. Do not remove the bee veil or open the bee suit until you are far away from the site of the bee hives. Bees can sting through fabric. It is recommended that you wear a light layer of clothing (long sleeve shirt, long pants) for an extra layer of protection under the bee suit. If you have boots, or any kind of high-top shoes or sneakers, wear them. If you don’t have them but you have gaiters, bring them. The key is to prevent bees from crawling up over the top of your shoes and getting caught/crushed between your socks and shoes and stinging you. Bees can sting through gloves. Move carefully and try to avoid crushing and pinching bees with and against your hands/fingers. If you feel scared, or are being attacked, walk away from the hives. If possible walk around bushes and trees and through their branches to disorganize the bees following you while you continue to leave the area.

(2) Lifting and moving hive components: Inspecting bee hives involves lifting, moving and stacking hive boxes inhabited by bees and reassembling the boxes of the hive. Hive boxes can be heavy, up toward 35 kg. per box depending on the size of the box and amount of pollen and honey stored by the bees. Proper body mechanics and lifting techniques are important to help prevent strains and sprains to the back, knees, ankles, shoulders, arms and hands. Even handling lighter items such as hive covers can results in a sprain if the beekeeper is not using proper lifting, carrying or body mechanic techniques. Dropping or lowering heavy hive components too quickly can result in bruising, crushing and broken bones.

Mitigation & Prevention: You should review (over the Internet or otherwise) and practice, proper lifting techniques particularly if you do not regularly lift bulky and heavy objects. It also is advised that, within the one (1) hour immediately before hands-on beekeeping activity, you do at least 15 minutes of stretching to help minimize potential sprains and strains. You will be responsible for your own lifting techniques and body mechanics. You should decline to do any lifting or moving of hive components if you are unsure you can safely handle the weight or use proper lifting techniques or body mechanics.

(3) Burns: Beekeepers use smokers to calm bees. Smokers are made of metal. Inside the smoker cylinder the beekeeper starts a fire and keeps it going to produce a cool smoke for the duration of the hive inspection. Use of a smoker involves starting and refreshing a fire in the smoker cylinder. Burns can result directly from contact with the fire or from contact with the exterior surface of the smoker which becomes hot.

Mitigation & Prevention: Do not put your hand or fingers into the smoker cylinder when attempting to start or refresh a fire. Do not touch the smoker surface. Hold and use the smoker via hand contact with the bellows only.

(4) Cuts/Contusions/Abrasions: Beekeepers use metal hive tools to pry apart boxes from one another, and frames from each other and from hive boxes. Hive tools are sharp, they can slip and cause cuts, contusions and abrasions. Their use also can result in pinching.

Mitigation & Prevention: Hold and use the hive tool as low down on the tool as you can, as close as possible to the part of the tool you are using for leverage. Brace yourself against the hive or other frames. These techniques will give you more control and reduce the likelihood of cutting yourself.

(5) Falling and/or tripping at the site of the hive(s): The apiary site may be uneven and irregular. Twisted and sprained ankles may occur, and other injuries resulting from tripping and/or falling in and around, to and from, the apiary.

Mitigation & Prevention: Pay attention, and watch where you will be walking before you walk there.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY. I acknowledge and agree neither the Amateur Beekeepers Guild nor any of its employees, representatives, agents, or volunteers, are responsible or otherwise obligated to attend to any injuries, stings or medical needs that may arise during
any Beekeeping activities, and I personally assume all risks and responsibility for such injuries, stings and medical needs. Nothing about the fact of this Liability Release, Indemnity and Waiver Agreement or any action taken by The Amateur Beekeepers Guild or any of its employees, representatives, agents or volunteers is intended to create a special relationship between any of them and me. The Guild, through its employees may (but is not obligated to) take any action during the Beekeeping activities that the employee considers to be warranted under the circumstances regarding my health and safety. In case of a medical emergency (and what may appear to be a medical emergency), I authorize in advance that the Guild employee secure for me whatever medical attention and
treatment appears to be necessary or prudent including, but not limited to, the summoning of an ambulance and if I am incapacitated and unable to consent, administration of medication and hospitalization, and I agree that I shall bear all costs for any such medical attention and treatment.

RULES AND REQUESTS. I agree to abide by all posted rules and reasonable requests of Beekeeping supervisors or Guild officials while engaged in Beekeeping activities. I understand that my failure to do so may result in my ejection from Beekeeping activities and my exclusion from them in the future.

 

COVID-19 SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

While participating in events held or sponsored by the Amateur Beekeepers Guild, (“ABG”) “social distancing” must be practiced and face coverings worn, if advised to reduce the risks of exposure to COVID-19. Because COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is spread mainly from person-to-person contact, ABG has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, ABG cannot guarantee that its participants, volunteers, partners, or others in attendance will not become infected with COVID-19. In light of the ongoing spread of COVID-19, individuals who fall within any of the categories below should not engage in ABG events and/or other face to face activities. By attending a ABG event,you certify that you do not fall into any of the following categories:

1.Individuals who currently or within the past fourteen (14) days have experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath among others;

2.Individuals who have traveled at any point in the past fourteen (14) days either internationally or to a community in Australia that has experienced or is experiencing sustained community spread of COVID-19; or

3.Individuals who believe that they may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.

DUTY TO SELF-MONITOR: Participants and volunteers agree to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and, contact ABG at RKrumbholz@amateurbeekeepers.com.au if he/she experiences symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days after participating or volunteering with ABG.

LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS: I acknowledge that I derive personal satisfaction and a benefit by virtue of my participation and/or voluntarism with ABG, and I willingly engage in ABG events and/or other activities(the “Activity”).

RELEASE AND WAIVER. I HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF WHATEVER KIND OR NATURE AGAINST THE AMATEUR BEEKEEPERS GUILD AND ITS AFFILIATED PARTNERS AND SPONSORS, INCLUDING IN EACH CASE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEIR OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS (THE “RELEASED PARTIES”), EITHER IN LAW OR IN EQUITY, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES OR LOSSES CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE, FAULT OR CONDUCT OF ANY KIND ON THE PART OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DEATH, BODILY INJURY, ILLNESS, ECONOMIC LOSS OR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, WHICH I, MY HEIRS, ASSIGNEES, NEXT OF KIN AND/OR LEGALLY APPOINTED OR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES, MAY HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREINAFTER ACCRUE ON MY BEHALF, WHICH ARISE OR MAY HEREAFTER ARISE FROM MY PARTICIPATION WITH THE ACTIVITY.

ASSUMPTION OF THE RISK. I acknowledge and understand the following:

1.Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist;

2.I knowingly and freely assume all such risks related to illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, even if arising from the negligence or fault of the Released Parties; and

3.I hereby knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm and loss associated with the Activity, including any injury, harm and loss caused by the negligence, fault or conduct of any kind on the part of the Released Parties.

4. To the best of my knowledge, I am not allergic to bee stings. I am fully aware of risks and hazards connected with the activity of keeping honey bees, including the risk of being stung by a honey bee, and I hereby elect to voluntarily participate in said activity, and to enter the above named premises and engage in such activity knowing that the activity may be hazardous to me and my property.

MEDICAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RELEASE. I acknowledge the health risks associated with the Activity, including but not limited to transient dizziness, lightheaded, fainting, nausea, muscle cramping, musculoskeletal injury, joint pains, sprains and strains, heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. I agree that if I experience any of these or any other symptoms during the Activity, I will discontinue my participation immediately and seek appropriate medical attention.

 

 

 

 

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