Customer Health and Safety (Sri Lanka)

Flight safety

• Do not place flammable liquids, lighters, matches, gasses or aerosols in your suitcase

• Always carry medication in your hand luggage

• Keep your passport safe and have a photocopy with you just in case

 • Pay attention and follow any in flight safety information

• To avoid DVT, drink plenty of water and follow simple exercises or occasionally move around the cabin

Transport safety

• In vehicles always wear a seat belt if one is provided –though it is not compulsory in  Sri Lanka  to do so. We cannot guarantee that vehicles will be fitted with seat belts

• In minibuses never place luggage in the aisles or footwells

• Ensure you know where your nearest emergency exit is.

• Check the location of the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and break glass hammer

• Follow any safety instructions provided by your driver/guide

Road safety

• Car hire is not recommended in most areas

•  Take care crossings as vehicles do not automatically stop 
• Often paving can be uneven and loose with kerbs higher than you are used to. Please take more care walking around cities and resort areas

• Crash helmets are often not provided with mopeds and motorbikes – we do not recommend you hire these vehicles

Fire safety

• Ensure you know the location of your nearest fire exit

• Check the location of the nearest fire extinguisher

• Study the fire instructions in your room

• Identify how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs

• Do not smoke in bed

• If a fire occurs, leave immediately, do not stop to collect your belongings

• Proceed to an assembly point well away from the building

Balcony safety

• Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony

• Families with small children should request ground floor rooms whenever possible

• Do not climb or stand on balcony furniture

• Keep all balcony furniture away from the wall/railings

Pool safety

• Familiarise yourself with the pool and its layout, deep and shallow end

• Make note of the depth markings and any hazards

• Most pools do not have life guards, so please take care

• Shower before entering the pool

• Do not swim, if suffering from an upset stomach

• Observe pool rules and information signs at all times

• Do not swim at night, even if it is lit

• Do not swim immediately after a meal or when drinking alcohol

• Pool surrounds can be slippery, don’t run around them

• Observe No Diving signs at all times

• Never jump or dive from raised pool features

• In the event of an emergency ensure you know how to raise help

Food safety

In order to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets:

• Make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked

• Ensure that serving utensils are used during each meal

• Hot food should be hot, cold food should be cold

• Avoid any uncooked food, except fruit and vegetables,(notably those you can peel or shell yourself)

• Always drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact when purchasing

• Use boiled or bottled water for brushing your teeth

• Avoid ice in drinks as this is generally made from unsafe tap water

• Avoid purchasing food from street vendors, we cannot vouch for the health and safety of the food and drinks they provide

Personal safety

• Avoid walking in poorly lit areas

• Be aware, stay away from situations where you do not feel comfortable

• Avoid carrying too much money and/or valuables

• Use of a money belt is encouraged at all times

• Ensure your room is left secure when you go out

• Place all valuables in a safety deposit box, where available or with reception (use of these are often a condition of your insurance policy)

• Never leave windows or balcony doors open

• Ensure your main luggage can be locked when left unattended in rooms, carriages, luggage rooms etc.

• Do not take any valuable jewellery on holiday with you

Sun care

• Ensure you have adequate protection for your type of skin, high factor sunscreens should be        utilised initially

• Re-apply sunscreen frequently

• Stay out of the sun during the hottest time of the day

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

• At the first sign of burning, cover up and get out of the sun

• Beware, you can still burn, dehydrate and get sunstroke in the shade or in the water.

• Take a sunhat, sunglasses and lip salve

Insurance

• Ensure you have appropriate insurance for your holiday and that it covers any activity you intend to undertake

• If participating in any high risk activity, appraise yourself of the safety standards being operated by the supplier

• Avoid purchasing activities or excursions from anyone not connected to Wendy Wu Tours they often lack public liability insurance and have unchecked safety standards

• Any accident or injury should be reported immediately to the National Escort or Tour Guide and a report obtained

Altitude sickness

• High altitudes on some tours can affect customers. Please see your Tour Dossier, which will indicate if altitude is relevant to your tour

• AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can affect people at altitudes above 3000m

• Symptoms include, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, breathlessness or headache

• They usually develop in the first 36hrs and not immediately on arrival

• The symptoms can affect people of all ages and level of fitness

• Symptoms will usually subside on their own after 24/48hrs, if they persist you should consult a doctor

• Drink lots of water and/or non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks

• Avoid any exertion over 3000m

• Our overnight accommodation is generally 100m below the highest level reached in the day, another effective method for combating

Online information

For the latest Health & Safety information for travellers visit www.smartraveller.gov.au or www.safetravel.govt.nz