Safety & Engineering Bulletin No.

43 Transco

All NGT UK BUSINESSES

SHE ALERT
GIANT HOGWEED (INVASIVE WEEDS)

Who it applies to
This Bulletin applies to all NGT UK employees and contractors required to visit any site.

Background
In a recent incident an employee inadvertently came into contact with Giant Hogweed whilst clearing
weeds from a watercourse. This resulted in burns and blistering to the skin. This Bulletin is aimed at
reminding employees and contractors of the Health and Environmental issues associated with Giant
Hogweed.

What does Giant Hogweed look like?

Giant Hogweed grows up to 5m in height. It has a reddish purple stem
and spotted leaf stalks, with fine spines that make it appear furry. The
leaves may expand to 1.5 metres in width with flower heads commonly
250 mm in width. It is typically found by riverbanks and on waste ground.

What are the health issues?

Giant Hogweed contains a substance within its sap that makes the skin
sensitive to ultra violet light. This can result in severe burns to the
affected areas, producing swelling and extremely, painful blistering.
Large, watery blisters usually appear 15 to 20 hours after contact with the
sap and sunlight. Damaged skin will heal very slowly leaving residual
pigmentation that can develop into Phytophotodermatitis - a type of
dermatitis that flares up in sunlight for which there is no straightforward
treatment. Contact between the skin and the sap of this species occurs either through brushing against
the bristles on the stem (as with a stinging nettle) or breaking the stem/leaves. In the event of contact
with the sap of this plant, the skin should be covered to reduce the exposure to sunlight and washed
IMMEDIATELY and thoroughly with soap and water; medical attention should then be sought.

How should it be controlled?

Spraying with an appropriate herbicide such as glyphosate or 2,4-D amine is the most effective
treatment option available although it can take several years to eradicate this species if the plants are
well established. Digging and spraying can also be performed if the plant is less than 1m tall. Measures
taken should include:

Issued by: Malcolm Brain, Date of issue: 17 June 2004

Environment Manager

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Safety & Engineering Bulletin No. 43 Transco
· Establishment of an exclusion zone around any Giant Hogweed plants identified on site and
around any cutting/removal works. Only personnel involved with the removal of this species
should be permitted entry to this exclusion zone.
· Risks associated with this species should be outlined to employees prior to work commencing.

· The use of full wet weather clothing with gloves and face visor or similar to undertake any
cutting or removal of this species. Personnel must not come into direct contact with the plant

· The provision of washing facilities and eyewash for operatives involved with this operation.
· Strimmers must not be used as this can result in the sap becoming airborne and affecting those
nearby

Other invasive weeds

A number of other plants found in or near water are classified as invasive weeds. It is an offence to
“plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild” either Giant Hogweed or Japanese knotweed.

What are the environmental issues?

Giant Hogweed and Japanese knotweed, where identified on NGT sites, should be eradicated. Spraying
near watercourses should only be performed after prior consultation and agreement with the
Environment Agency. Plant material is considered a ‘controlled waste’ and must be disposed of at
a suitable facility and have the necessary Waste Transfer documentation. Giant Hogweed and
Japanese knotweed must not be disposed of as ‘green’ waste.

Japanese knotweed

Giant Hogweed

What action to take

If either of these plants is discovered they should be reported to your line manager and your SHE
Business Partner to agree the actions to be taken. The Centre for Aquatic Plant Management,
Broadmoor Lane, Sonning, Berkshire, RG4 6TH should also be informed.

Issued by: Malcolm Brain, Date of issue: 17 June 2004

Environment Manager

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