A SCHOOLGIRL'S ordeal when she suffered burns from poison plants has led to free access to a professional health and safety database for all Bolton schools.
Canon Slade School pupil Rachael Mangnall, aged 12, injured her arms and legs after coming into contact with sap from giant hogweeds in fields off Tonge Moor Road.
Bolton businessman Jeff Hardman, who runs a firm specialising in health and safety for schools, read about her ordeal in the Bolton Evening News.
The European Education Consultants firm has become so worried about the potentially deadly dangers that the firm has formed a database offering information and advice which is usually only available to paying clients.
Mr Hardman said: "I want to offer it to all Bolton schools because this girl has obviously suffered a very painful ordeal. If nothing is done, more children will suffer.
"These plants are horrendous -- even deadly -- but people do not realise the dangers and do not know what to do if they come into contact with them.
"We usually give access to the database to clients with a password but it is clear that schools need it and, because we are Bolton-based, we want to start here."
Rachel was rushed to the Royal Bolton Hospital after large blisters appeared on her legs and arms. She will be scarred for up to 12 months.
Giant hogweed originates from Russia and can grow up to 15ft tall. A council spokesman said officers would talk to Mr Hardman about arranging for interested schools to get access to the database.
The spokesman said: "Bolton Council is already pro-active in highlighting the dangers of plants such as hogweed for free.
"In fact, the health promotion team had a display in the town square just two weeks ago which included information on that very topic.
"We also go along to schools in the borough and give talks on subjects like this.
"Obviously we welcome any additional initiatives offered to our residents that help inform them on safety matters."
Mr Hardman can be contacted on Bolton 852148.
His firm's website is: www.schoolshealthandsafety.co.uk
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