ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT FORM (STUDENT)

Discipline of Archaeology, School of Geography and Archaeology, NUI Galway.

(This form to be completed by each student carrying out independent field research. Please note: Students are not permitted to commence fieldwork until this form is completed and signed off by the relevant Supervisor or Head of Discipline and a copyof it is submitted to the Administrative Assistant – Room ARC217)

Fieldwork category / Student research / Field-tuition / Module No./class

Date commencing:Date concluding:

Location(s) of fieldwork:

Address and phone no. of residential base:

Nearest A&E hospital to location(s):

Student contact E-mail: Student contact mobile phone and/or landline:

Fieldwork approved by Supervisor/Head of Discipline? / YES / NO / N/A
Fieldwork in compliance with ‘Health and Safety’ / YES / NO / N/A

guidelines as detailed in Student Handbooks

and School/Discipline webpage(s)?

School ‘Health and Safety’ induction completed? / YES / NO / N/A

(e.g. attendance of introductory lecture/meeting)

‘Health and Safety’ briefing with supervisor? / YES / NO / N/A
Confidential ‘Student/Participant Health and Safety Statement’ / YES / NO / N/A

completed, signed by student, and submitted along

with this form to the Administrative Assistant?

Hazard Identification / Likelihood
(1-4) / Severity
(1-4) / L’hood x Severity / Existing Control Measures / Control measure required /
Remedial measures
Physical hazards
Archaeological buildings, sites and monuments:
slippery surfaces underfoot
irregular surfaces underfoot
falling masonry / structural collapse
low doorways
lack of safety barriers, ramps or handrails etc. / 2
3
1
2
2 / 2
2
4
2
2 / 4
6
4
4
4 / (see ‘safeguards and emergency procedures’ below) / Wear appropriate outdoor footwear preferably with ankle support.
Potentially dangerous buildings or structures are to be avoided.
Avoid taking unnecessary risks when exploring or recording sites and monument by using the recognised walkways and access routes as appropriate.
Hard-hats are required f reconnoitring any building or structure with unknown hazards or risk.
Environmentalhazards
Adverse weather Conditions:
snow/sleet, rain, sun, wind
Challenging terrain:
irregular, boggy, slippery,
Water hazards:
seashore, rivers streams and lakes
Building site/Quarry / 2
2
1
1 / 2
2
3
3 / 4
4
3
3 / (see ‘safeguards and emergency procedures’ below) / Dress appropriately for the time of year and be prepared for worst-case weather conditions : Bring gloves, hat, scarf, waterproofs, boots and change of clothes (if staying overnight) during the winter conditions: Bring boots, waterproofs, long-sleeved shirt with collar and change of clothes (if staying overnight) in summer conditions, in addition to sunscreen, sunhat and insect repellent)
Wear appropriate outdoor footwear, preferably with ankle support.
Use a walking stick or ranging rod for support
Avoid wading into deep water or engaging in water-based activities without the taking necessary safety precautions in consultation with the supervisor.
Avoid working in the dark or twilightconditions. If returning from fieldwork along darkened roads etc. it is advisable to bring a torch and/or vis-vest as a precaution.
Biological hazards
Animals:
aggressive farm animals,
aggressive dogs,
aggressive wild animals
vermin & rats
Harmful insects (wasps, ticks)
Virus/Bacteria
Harmful vegetation / 1
1
1
1
2
1
1 / 4
2
2
3
2
3
3 / 4
2
2
3
4
3
3 / (see ‘safeguards and emergency procedures’ below)
Students/participants and staff are advised to get a tetanus inoculation prior to undertaking fieldwork / Avoid crossing fields in which there may be potentially dangerous animals or livestock. Remain vigilant at all times and keep close to a fence or means of exit from a field. Carry a walking stick or ranging rod as a deterrent.
Avoid areas potentially infested by rats. Wash hand during/after fieldwork and/or bring antiseptic hand wipes on fieldwork expeditions.
Avoid disturbing bee or wasp nests. Tuck trousers into socks in long grass to avoid ticks. If unlucky enough to be bitten, be careful to remove ticks in the appropriate way to avoid the possibility of contracting infectious diseases. Wear an insect repellent in summer conditions to deter horse flies, mosquitoes, midges, etc. Be sure to cover/bandage open cuts and wounds to avoid infection, before, during or after fieldwork.
Avoid harmful vegetation (brambles, nettles, thistles, giant hogweed, etc.) unless the appropriate protective clothing and gloves and safety equipment are available (see other hazards below).
Accessibility/mechanical/electricalhazards
Walls, fences, electrical fences, hedgerows
Vehicles, farm machinery, building machinery
Silage/hay cutting or crop spraying/harvesting in progress / 1
1
1 / 2
4
4 / 2
4
4 / (see ‘safeguards and emergency procedures’ below) / Use recognised gates, stiles or crossing points when traversing fields taking care to avoid unstable walls, barbed-wire or electric fences.
Be vigilant for farm machinery and vehicles when walking roads and country lanes. Avoid areas where machinery is cutting, harvesting or spraying crops. If necessary, it is advised to wear a vis-vest to ensurefieldworkers are more easily visible.
Personal safetyhazards
Lone working
Working in isolated remote locations
Harassment/aggression/interpersonal conflict / 1
1
1 / 4
3
2 / 4
3
2 / (see ‘safeguards and emergency procedures’ below) / Ensure to bring adequate food and water
It is advised not to work alone and to bring an assistant when working in isolated remote areas. Fieldworkers should endeavour to make themselves visible in the landscape (carrying a ranging rod and/or wearing a vis-vest).
Ensure to carry a fully charged mobile phone with the necessary contact and emergency numbers. Ensure to tell a responsible person/persons of your whereabouts when on fieldwork, your contact details and your estimated time of return.
Be courteous to people at all times and respectful of property. Ensure to bring a ‘student card’ for the purposes of introductions and identification. Avoid confrontational situations and vacate the area if requested to do so or if there are any doubts regarding personal safety.
Other hazards
Hunting activities in the area
Shooting activities in the area
Clearing vegetation in advance of fieldwork / 1
1
1 / 2
3
2 / 2
3
2 / (see ‘safeguards and emergency procedures’ below) / Avoid areas where there are hunting or shooting activities occurring. If working in the vicinity of such activities ensure fieldworkers make themselves as visible as possible, wearing vis-vests as appropriate.
If it is necessary to clear vegetation for the purposes of fieldwork research it is advised to wear the appropriate protective clothing and safety items (gloves, goggles, boots, as necessary). Be aware and avoid contact with potentially harmful vegetation, insects, etc.
Safeguards and Emergency Procedures / Before engaging with fieldwork and related research activities I have been:
  • appraised of ‘health & safety’ and ‘risk assessment’ concerns as part of an introductory lecture and/or consultation with their supervisor.
  • directed to and have read the ‘health & safety’ documentation on the School/Discipline website.
  • Completed the appropriate ‘fieldwork risk assessment’ and ‘health and safety statement’ forms (available on the School/Discipline websites) , approved and signed by Supervisor/Head of Discipline, and submitted these to the Administrative Assistant prior to commencing fieldwork.
  • acquired the necessary ‘health and safety’ items required for this programme of fieldwork (e.g. first aid kit, safety gloves, vis-vest, hard hat, goggles, field equipment, etc.) some of which may be made available/borrowed with prior notice from the School/Discipline.

Assessor (student): Student No.:

Signature: Date:

Signature of Supervisor/Head of Discipline:Date: