Howdy! How can we help you?
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Safety instructions for staying and working at Yuyo S.R.L.

Posted
Updated
Bysmerdjakoff

🔒 Safety Guidelines for Volunteers at Yuyo

Welcome to Yuyo – a place of biodiversity, learning, and shared responsibility. We live on the edge of the jungle, and with that comes beauty, but also risks. To ensure your safety and well-being, we ask all volunteers to carefully read the following guidelines.

🪴 1. Plants

Some tropical plants are inedible, toxic, thorny, or can cause skin or eye irritation.

  • Do not eat or touch any plant you don’t know.
  • Wear gloves when handling thorny or irritating plants.
  • Machete work: Gloves are optional. Only use them if they fit well. In many cases, bare hands offer better control.
  • Safety goggles are recommended when cutting shrubs that release sap.

Gloves and goggles are available. Please ask.

🐜 2. Animals

🦟 Insects

  • Dengue is a real risk in the region. In 2023, 6 people on the finca were infected simultaneously.
    • Use repellent, wear long clothing if needed, and sleep protected.
  • Leishmaniasis exists in Costa Rica but is very rare in our area.
  • Ticks are uncommon but possible – check after working outdoors.

🐜 Ants

  • Bullet ants: Two nests on site. Not aggressive unless stepped on or grabbed. Painful but not dangerous.
  • Driver ants: Visit every ~3 months, swarm through houses for a few hours. Stay calm and move to an unaffected area.

🕷️ Spiders

  • Golden silk spiders are harmless, but don’t inhale web fibers.
  • Phoneutria (wandering spiders): Seen every 2–3 months. If sighted:
  • Do not approach. Call us – we will relocate them carefully.
  • If bitten (hasn’t happened here, but to a neighbor), we will help you reach a hospital immediately.
  • Tarantulas: Rare. We gently remove and relocate them with a bucket. Let us know if you see one.

🐍 Snakes

  • Fer-de-lance (terciopelo) is the most common venomous snake in Costa Rica. We’ve had 3 sightings inside buildings.
  • Coral snakes and boas have also appeared, but moved on peacefully.
  • If you see a snake:
    • Do not approach. Inform us immediately.
    • If we are not around: keep a safe distance.

In case of a bite: remain calm, wash the wound, immobilize the limb, and get medical attention immediately. Do not cut, suck, tourniquet, or give alcohol.

🥾 3. Terrain

The terrain can be steep, slippery, and overgrown. Hidden holes or debris from previous owners may cause tripping hazards.

  • Wear sturdy boots or rubber shoes.
  • Watch your step and ask for help if you’re unsure about certain areas.

🛠️ 4. Construction Zones

  • Do not enter marked-off areas under repair.
  • Report any damage or signs of termites.
  • Some wooden floors may become unsafe quickly – be attentive.

⚙️ 5. Tools & Machines

  • Do not use machines without training or permission.
  • If you have experience, let us know and we’ll assess together.
  • The tool room is open – ask before using anything.

🔪 6. Machete Use

  • Briefing required before use.
  • Gloves optional (see section 1).
  • Always clear your surroundings.
  • If you don’t feel comfortable: no problem, there are many other tasks.

🔥 7. Fire Safety

  • Fire extinguishers are installed in multiple locations. Please learn where they are.
  • No open fires without permission.
  • In case of fire or smoke: stay calm, evacuate, and alert us.

📌 Final Notes

  • These instructions are based on experience and updated regularly.
  • Nature is unpredictable – ask if you feel unsure.
  • You’re never required to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.

All volunteers are asked to initial each page of the printed version and sign the final page as a confirmation of having read and understood these guidelines.

Categories