A heartfelt thank you to everyone that has written to me in my three months here. I've loved the whole experience and my webhut messages has been a big part of that. They've been superb and thank you all so much for taking the time and effort to write to me - it's something that i still find weird to comprehend.
Do you know any of the Edenites? What are their dark secrets? Email us and dish the dirt.
Health and Safety Briefing
Life in Eden is basic. The environment in which you will be living raises real health and safety issues and it is important that you are fully aware of the hazards involved. Please read the following carefully. If there is any part you do not understand you should discuss it with the production team.
Water safety
If you are not confident in the water, please let the producers know. It is important for us to have a clear idea of your level of proficiency for safety reasons.
You must not go swimming on your own. Make sure you are with at least one other person and let someone know what you are doing, where you are going and how long you expect to be.
Exploring
For safety reasons we need to know your whereabouts. We encourage you to explore your surroundings but it is absolutely imperative that you do not go off on your own and that you inform a member of the production crew before setting out. You will be provided with a whistle to use to call for help in an emergency. Please carry it with you.
Sun
The sun is very strong and failure to protect yourself adequately heightens the risk of skin cancer. You are advised to keep covered up for extra protection where possible. You will be provided with high factor sunscreen. Please ensure you apply it regularly during your time in Eden. You have been asked to bring sun hats and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. Please make sure you wear them.
Dehydration can also occur if you do not drink water regularly. Symptoms are headaches and lethargy. Fresh drinking water will be provided.
Fire hazards
Cooking will be done on an open fire. There is an inherent risk involved in the use of naked flames, so please make sure you take extreme care not to burn yourself or allow the flames to spread outside the designated cooking fire area.
Fire extinguishers will be provided and you will be shown how to use them. Please make sure you know where they are at all times.
You will be given benzene lamps to use for light at night. These are pressure lamps that require careful handling. You will be trained in their use, please make sure that you understand exactly how to operate them safely or, if you are unsure, please ask to be shown again. Care must be taken to place these lamps in positions where they will not be blown or knocked over.
Dangerous animals
Eden is home not only to you but also to several species of venemous snakes and spiders. Although bites can be treated with anti-venom, they are painful and potentially very dangerous. It is vital that you do everything you can to avoid them. You will be provided with a pair of boots and it is essential that you wear them to protect your feet when walking through the forest. On arrival in Eden you will also be thoroughly briefed by an expert on how to spot, avoid and address these dangers.
Mosquitoes, leeches and ticks
There will be a lot of mosquitoes in Eden. They do not carry malaria, but nevertheless they can be extremely irritating. You will be provided with insect repellent and it is up to you to remember to use it. Wearing lose long-sleeved clothing in the evenings will also help protect you. Bites can be very itchy and if scratched may become infected, so please do everything you can to avoid being bitten. You will also come across leeches and ticks, which are not usually life threatening but, again, can be irritating. Please be aware of them when you are wandering around.
Medical supplies/drugs
If you are feeling unwell, please report the symptoms to a member of the crew. We have a doctor on stand-by who will also visit Eden once a week to inspect the health of the cast and treat any minor ailments. There will be a well-stocked first-aid kit for the community containing plasters, bandages, antiseptic etc. Health and Safety regulations prevent us from distributing painkillers, so it would be advisable for you to bring a small personal supply.
Hygiene
Camp hygiene, including disposal of human waste, is a crucial issue when living in these conditions. Please ensure that you use and maintain an adequate 'long-drop' facility. Defecation anywhere else will be a major health hazard.
It is also crucial to maintain a high standard of hygiene when it comes to cooking and storing food and waste disposal. If food is left lying around it will attract and encourage pests such as flies and rats and increase the risk of disease.
Food
You will be advised during training on what is edible, and you will also be provided with relevant reference materials on the local flora and fauna. If you are in any doubt as to whether something is edible DO NOT EAT IT.
Condoms
Will be supplied, and anyone engaging in sexual activity must use them to protect themselves and their partner.
Knives and tools
You will be provided with tools including machetes, knives, axes and saws. Please make sure you exercise extreme care in how you use and store these items, their blades will be very sharp and could cause very nasty injuries if misused or left where someone could accidentally step on them. You will be given specific training in how to use and store a machete.
Living in Eden you will encounter genuine hazards. Please think carefully about whether you are prepared to accept the risks involved.
The Eden small print Laws of Eden - a sound constitution is the basis of a civilised society. Advised kit list - what you can take.
