James Madison University
FIELDWORK
General Safety Guide
for
Participants on
Supervised Courses and Field Courses Field Trips
PLEASE COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE
(APPENDIX 2) AND
RETURN TO THE FIELD TRIP LEADERS
September 2014
Safety Statement
It is unacceptable to incur
any avoidable accidents
during fieldwork activities
This is achieved by:
Staff and students exercising
a "duty of care" at all times
Appropriate planning and risk assessment, see Appendix 5 Fieldwork Check List for additional information
Staff and students undertaking fieldwork to be fully informed as to the hazards
Reporting and investigating any accidents that do occur
Promoting a "safety culture" at all times
Table of Contents
Appropriate planning and risk assessment, see Appendix 5 Fieldwork Check List for additional information
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Advice to Students
General Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment
Clothing
Head Protection
Hand Protection
Leg and Feet Protection
Eye protection
TRANSPORT
EMERGENCIES
Accidents
Medical Aspects and First Aid
Hypothermia
How your body loses heat - The mechanisms of heat loss from your body include the following:
When to see a doctor
Unconsciousness
Reporting Injuries
THE TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
Mountains, Uplands, and Cliffs
Quarries and Rock Faces
Caves, Mines and Tunnels
Agricultural Land
WEATHER
Warm Weather
THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
The Coast
INSURANCE
ACCIDENT REPORTING
APPENDIX 1 – Student Accident Investigation Report
APPENDIX 2 - Health and Emergency Treatment Authorization Form
APPENDIX 3...... Vehicle Advice
APPENDIX 4...... Contact Names and Addresses
Appendix 5 Fieldwork Trip Check List
Appendix 6 - INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
INTRODUCTION
Fieldwork is one of the most difficult areas in which to ensure a safe working environment. There is a clear line of responsibility from the university through the department to the academic staff member leading the field trip. In fieldwork, after the initial choice of location for the exercise, there can be little control of the actual worksite or the weather; therefore, careful risk assessment of every site is required. The fieldtrip leader is usually the senior academic member of staff present and is responsible for all aspects of safety. In this Safety Guide, "student" applies to all attendees of field courses unless specifically mentioned otherwise.
Experience and sound judgement are essential requirements. Without knowledgeable leadership and the right equipment and clothing, a fieldwork experience can turn into a tragedy. The staff member in charge of a fieldwork expedition is not expected to be infallible either in law or by the university; but he or she is expected to take reasonable care. For example, many accidents occur by persons falling off cliffs or down quarry faces, but it would be quite unreasonable and impracticable to fence every mile of cliff face in the country. If a staff member advises a student that the edge of a particular cliff face is dangerous and that it should be avoided; he is doing all that he can reasonably be expected to do, and if the student thereafter goes over the cliff edge, it is unlikely that the member of staff could be held responsible. If, on the other hand, a fieldwork leader is careless, offhand, or negligent and does not pay due care and attention to those the fieldwork leader is in charge of and an accident happens, thefieldwork leader may be required to prove theirinnocence in court. Faculty, staff, and students all have a "Duty of Care" to each other and must behave accordingly.
Although the ultimate responsibility for matters of safety lies with the university, in terms of the university safety policy, Department Heads and others in overall authority are responsible for putting into effect most of the university’s legal obligations. It is they who must ensure that any person about to supervise or undertake fieldwork is not only trained in the basic techniques and practices appropriate to his work and appreciates the potential hazards and dangers that might arise, but also passes on an appreciation of the safety practices down the line of authority to the individual worker.
In practice, the leader of a group of students carrying out fieldwork will most often be a member of the academic staff. While the university and department head are obliged to provide sufficient resources for the fieldwork task to be successfully completed, it is for the individual staff member to ensure that he or she discharges their duty to the best of their ability. Before accepting this duty, any shortcomings in thier abilities or training should be recognized and, if appropriate, remedial training provided. Because of the onerous responsibility borne by members of staff as leaders of fieldwork expeditions, it is unreasonable for them to be coerced into accepting such duties or additional responsibilities. For example, willingness to lead a fieldwork expedition does not imply willingness to learn how to drive a minibus.
The student must bear in mind the onus for his/her personal safety lies with the individual. All students also have a responsibility to the group to be mindful of the safety of colleagues.
It should be noted that while not all the environments covered in this Safety Guide will be experienced during the field trip, hiking and other outdoor activities in your leisure time could also be hazardous. THINK SAFETY at all times.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Advice to Students
All students taking part in fieldwork exercises have a responsibility to adhere to sensible standards of behaviour. Students should be aware fieldwork activities have inherent hazards which staff members will seek to minimize by imposing appropriate safety precautions. However, the potential dangers make it imperative that students behave responsibly in order to reduce the risk of accidents.
Students are specifically advised to:
- Obey all safety instructions given by party leaders or supervisors. Anyone not conforming to the standards required may be dismissed from the field course or trip.
- Stay with the party except by clear arrangement with the leaders and observe instructions for reporting after completion of work; report any personal injury or illness to the university as soon as possible using the JMU Student Accident Investigation Report (Appendix 1).
- Wear adequate clothing and footwear for the type of weather and terrain likely to be encountered as advised by the field trip leader.
Field trip leaders should refuse to allow ill-equipped students on their field trips, since they have a responsibility to ensure students observe the provisions regarding personal safety. Prior to the trip, a JMU Field Trip Information Form should be completed by all field trip participants (Appendix 2).
General Precautions
In later sections of this safety guide, there is advice on the safety precautions to be taken during specific fieldwork activities. It is important, however, irrespective of the activity, certain basic rules should be observed. These are:
- The likely safety problems or risks need to be identified and discussed and the nature and purpose of the fieldtrip clearly understood by all concerned.
- The work should be planned carefully bearing in mind the experience and training of those taking part and the activity and the nature of the terrain to be covered. Take care not to over-estimate what can be achieved.
- The number of students who can be safely supervised by a member of staff will vary according to the type of work being undertaken andthe location of sites to be visited. Where large numbers of students are involved or the work is over an extended period of time, or particularly if work is being undertaken outside the Commonwealth of Virginia, then more generous staffing should be provided than is necessary for day trips to less hazardous areas. It is for the department head in conjunction with the field trip leader to define the appropriate staff/student ratio, bearing in mind all the necessary factors.
- Students must notify the field trip leader of any physical handicap (e.g. asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, allergies, etc.) so that any necessary modifications to the program can be made. Students are personally responsible for carrying a sufficient supply of any necessary medication.
- Verify that all necessary emergency equipment is available and functioning properly. This equipment may include, but not be limited to, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight, communications devices, and roadside signalling and warning devices. Field trip leaders should be knowledgeable in their use. All members of the party should know what to do in the event of an accident or emergency.
- The personal protective equipment and clothing of all participants should be suitable for all weather conditions and terrain likely to be encountered during the course or outing. These items may include, but not be limited to, footwear, hard hats, bug repellent, sunscreen, water, food, eye and ear protection, etc. Students should be informed of general trip requirements in advance.
- It is recommended all participants be able to give and know the appropriate response to the international distress signals. See Appendix 6 – International Distress Signals.
- Avoid touching any machinery or equipment in quarries, mines, factories, building sites, or fields. Special care should be taken on active or inactive military sites, ranges, or practice grounds. Explosives, detonators, etc. found on sites shall be touched or disturbed in any fashion. Any found should be reported to the party leader immediately. On no account should students climb on cliffs, quarries, or trees unless expressly instructed by a supervisor. In such case full and appropriate safety equipment must be worn. See the section below on Personal Protective Equipment.
- Always obtain the permission of the landowner or official department responsible for the site before entering any area. Do not use railways as footpaths.
- Always be aware of land use: hunting lands should be avoided during applicable hunting seasons and precautions taken on adjoining lands such as the wearing of blaze orange.
- Students must not work alone without the express permission of the group leader. Immediately alert the trip or group leader if someone becomes separated from the group.
- It is advisable that all members of the party are able to read a map and use a compass or GPS when working in remoter areas. These must be available for each independent group.
- The weather forecast should be checked, and preparations for inclement weather should be made in advance. A constant lookout for changes should be kept. If the weather deteriorates do not hesitate to turn back.
- Do not go into the field without leaving the sponsoring academic department a Field Trip Itinerary and preferably a map reference showing the exact route, work location, and expected time of return.
- At the conclusion of fieldwork, all equipment should be checked, cleaned, and properly stored. Any non-functioning or damaged equipment or vehicles should be repaired or reported for repair.
- Any damage to state owned vehicles shall be reported to JMU-FM Transportation 540-568-7429 immediately; this includes minor or seeming insignificant damage. For additional information on reporting vehicle damage please see the JMU Risk Management website at:
Personal Protective Equipment
Clothing
Fieldwork usually involves workers for protracted periods of time away from a primary operating base. Team leaders must therefore ensure in advance that suitable clothing is available at the time of the proposed field excursion and that it is in good condition. There are four main functions for protective clothing.
- To combat exposure due to adverse weather conditions, particularly cold and damp.
- To protect the worker from physical and chemical hazards in the environment.
- To combat biological hazards.
- To act as a marker in recall or rescue operations.
For those who disregard precautions, the onset of bad weather can mean acute physical discomfort, loss of direction, growing anxiety, exhaustion, and even collapse. In general, warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing should be worn with adequate protection for head, ankles, wrists, and hands where heat loss is greatest. Virginia weather is notoriously unpredictable and the effects of wind are of considerable importance, being often underestimated, particularly in and around coastal waters and on high ridges, mountains, or open upland.
In warm, dry weather, waterproof clothing should be carried in a pack as should extra clothing. Not having extra dry clothing to change into is a considerable hazard in cold, wet, and or windy conditions. It is advised to dress in layers allowing for adaption to changing weather conditions.
Head Protection
The head should be protected against cold, rain, and wind. In adverse weather conditions, considerable body heat can be lost from the head and this fact must be seriously considered in planning any outside activity. It is also advisable to protect the head and eyes to avoid sunstroke or snow blindness where appropriate.
Helmets (hard hats), provided by the university, must be worn in appropriate situations. Wear a safety helmet when visiting old quarries, cliffs, trenches, mines, or where there is any risk from falling objects. It is obligatory to do so when visiting working quarries, mines and building sites.
Hand Protection
Hands and wrests are a significant source of heat loss as well as being easily injured while working with tools, in falls, or due to exposure to various hazards. Gloves are often a hindrance, especially when collecting data and making notes, but warm hands are important to well-being and should be protected where possible with fingered thermal flexible material. Mittens are a better choice for protections from cold although create their own problems with dexterity.
Leg and Feet Protection
Waterproof clothing on the trunk often leads to water draining onto the legs, especially at the knees. The collection of data can also require a kneeling position in wet areas. Such conditions can cause legs to become excessively wet, accompanied by considerable heat loss and discomfort. Jeans or denim trousers may be unsuitable, becoming cold and clammy when wet. Wear waterproof pants when necessary, with trousers of material which does not become cold when wet.
In general, boots to support the ankle are best. They should also have a good grip. This is most important on rocky shores where slippery and sharp surfaces can be very dangerous. Sports shoes may be unsuitable for fieldwork. Open toed shoes are never a good option in any fieldwork situation.
Eye protection
Any time there is a risk of foreign material becoming airborne safety glasses or goggles should be worn. If it is necessary to hammer rocks in the field, wear safety glasses or goggles. Note that many outcrops visited by the university are in protected areas where sampling is not allowed. Safety glasses should be worn anytime there is a danger of projectiles of fluids contacting the face and eyes. Safety glasses are mandatory on most industrial and building sites.
TRANSPORT
Care should be taken to minimize the risk of accident during transport of personnel and equipment to the site and during the fieldwork exercise itself.
The group leaders should be aware of the travel arrangements made by every member of the group, both before initial assembly and subsequently at the start of each working day. Group members must be told how to contact the group leaders in the event of unavoidable changes in transport plans. Group members must stay with the group except when a clear arrangement has been made with the group leader.
Group members must ensure they understand and comply with instructions for reporting after completion of work. Group leaders must make sure the group is complete at the end of each stage of a trip. Solo transport over rough country or in isolated areas should be avoided whenever possible, particularly when severe weather is anticipated or when any special danger might be encountered (e.g. in small boats or over coastal areas).
Whenever solo transport over rough or isolated country is unavoidable, information about the intended travel route should be left with a responsible person at base, ideally with a map showing precise details. When vehicles are parked in remote areas and the solo driver has to walk out of sight of the vehicle, written information concerning the intended route and destination should be left with a responsible person at base or clearly visible from outside the vehicle.
Whenever public transport is employed, group members should ensure that any equipment or materials carried comply with the carrier’s regulations and are stored under safe conditions both for normal movement and in the event of any foreseeable emergency.
Hired vehicles from theJMU Transportation Department or rental agency vehicles for university fieldwork should only be driven by personnel acting with the express permission of the appropriate department head and registered with Transportation or the rental agency. Driving departmental vehicle on university business should be at the discretion of the member of staff involved, even if all other safety criteria are fully met. This permission should only be granted when the driver concerned has been adequately familiarized with all the vehicle controls and the location of any safety equipment (the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)and is known to have the requisite level of experience. No pets or unauthorised persons not associated with the fieldwork may be carried in university vehicles.