DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT. National Course - Name & Number

Transcription

1 FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY National Course - Name & Number Assessment Author : Faculty Name Date of Assessment : Date Group Leader(s)/Staff : Faculty/Staff Name Cell Phone: College Contact : Faculty/Staff Name Cell Phone: Locaton of Field Site(s) : Site(s) Activity : Note General or Specific Fieldwork Activities Dates of Departure and Return : Dates No. of Students : XX No. of Staff : XX Date Reviewed : Date Campus Security : Name, Address & Phone Nearest Local Police Station(s) : Name, Location & Phone Nearest Local Hospital(s) : Name, Location & Phone Local Rescue : Name, Location & Phone Accommodation(s) Name & Address : Name & Address Accommodation(s) Phone : Phone Number and Name(s) of Qualified First-Aiders : Number and Name(s) National Poison Control Center : (anywhere in the US) Chance of Exposure: High = frequent/daily; Medium = occasional; Low = infrequent; NA = not applicable

2 Hazards Risks Chance Control Methods Environmental Animals Mammals,Reptiles, Birds, Fish, etc. High Wear protective footwear. Biting and Stinging Insects; Jellyfish; Reptiles People s pets Phobias Farm animals Domestic/wild animals with young Hunting season Disease Medium Look carefully where you are treading or putting your hands. Low If appropriate, check and shake out clothing and shoes before putting them on. Ensure you know where to go or who to contact should an injury occur. Seek local knowledge before commencing work. Use insect repellent, especially in the evenings or near standing water. Carry antihistamine tablets in case of bites. Be aware that some forms of antihistamine can cause drowsiness. Clean and cover any bites in order to prevent infection. Do not attempt to pull ticks off the skin; mouthparts may be left and will cause infection. Scrape off head. Ideally, seek medical attention. Clean bite/sting area; restrict patient movement; seek IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. Remove rings, bracelets, etc. on afflicted limb. Be aware not all pets are friendly. Individuals who have phobias relating to, e.g. wasps and bees, should be 'buddied' with others who do not. The buddy should help calm the individual and, if necessary, frighten off the insect. Try to avoid situations that will bring you into contact with your phobia. Ensure at least one other person knows of the phobia. Aggression from domestic animals that have been disturbed. If large domestic animals may be encountered, participants should be aware of what to do if a large domestic animal becomes aggressive. Do not approach animals with young or get in between mother and young. Knowledge of open hunting season (usually month in study area). Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap after any handling of animals or related materials.

3 Highlands & Mountains Slips, Trips & Falls Rocky outcrops are extremely slippery when wet; avoid walking on them wherever possible. When walking downhill, walk across the slope, not down its steepest path. When walking downhill keep your weight on the back foot as much as possible. If you slip, try to fall backwards, not forwards. Wherever possible use existing paths. Be aware of the effects of altitude,e.g. headaches, nausea, & report them immediately. Move to lower altitude. Beaches & Cliffs Slips, Trips & Falls Be aware of high winds on cliff tops Do not stand closer to the edge of a cliff than necessary. Check for soft or crumbling ground near to cliff edges. Where necessary, approach cliff edges on all fours to spread your weight. Do not stand and peer over a cliff. Take special care on slippery rocks. Always look ahead at ground when walking around the water's edge. Drowning/Cut off by tide Always consult local tide tables and ensure escape route is not blocked Saltmarshes & Mudflats Slips, Trips & Falls Avoid wearing waders calf-length rubber boots are preferable. Waders are cumbersome and may encourage you to go deeper than is safe. Use a pole to probe ahead to assess the stability of shoreline terrain. Take special care on slippery rocks. Always look ahead at ground when walking around the water s edge. Deserts Drowning/Cut off by tide Stuck in mud See Weather & Climate; Hyperthermia; Reptiles Know the tidal conditions and always consult the tide tables. If stuck in the mud, do not struggle, as this causes deeper sinking. Roll on back to spread weight and attempt to sledge to firmer ground.

4 Working on or Near Slips, Trips & Falls Avoid wearing waders calf-length rubber boots are preferable. Water Drowning Waders are cumbersome and may encourage you to go deeper than is safe. Use a pole to probe ahead to assess the stability of shoreline terrain. Take special care on slippery rocks around lakes and riverbanks. Always look at the ground ahead when walking around the water's edge. When sampling in flowing water, be aware of slippery or steep banks and fast currents. If the current is fast or the water looks deeper than 3 feet (1m) do not enter the water. If you must enter the water, a rope should be tied around your waist and secured to the bank. Post look outs along the banks or edges of water bodies. Wear life jackets where practical. General Disease/Pollution Be aware of health risks from water borne pathogens, e.g. Weil s Disease, toxic cyano-bacteria, etc. Ensure Tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Wear waterproof gloves. Wash and clean hands frequently, especially before eating. Preferably use antiseptic medical wipes. Do not drink any 'natural' water, e.g. from streams, lakes, springs, etc. Treat or filter water. Weather/Climate Miscellaneous Consult the daily weather forecast before setting out. Wear suitable clothing for expected weather conditions, however, be aware that sudden changes can occur and be prepared. Strong wind and cold reduce energy levels, so take adequate food and drink supplies. Hypothermia Hyperthermia Poor Visibility Sunburn Dehydration (Hot/Cold Weather) Ensure that clothing is suitable and emergency blankets are available. Wear a woollen hat to reduce heat loss. Wear lots of layered clothing. Wear woollen gloves under waterproof ones. Eat plenty of food and take frequent drinks. Ensure that clothing is suitable and that high-factor sunscreen is applied. Drink plenty of fluids; soda is not recommended. DO NOT consume alcohol. Rest frequently and seek shelter in shade. If practical work should be conducted at cooler times of the day. If overheating occurs, cool patient and seek medical attention. If problems are due to adverse weather conditions, seek shelter and wait for conditions to improve. If working at dawn or dusk ensure that a flashlight, with spare batteries, is carried. Wear high visibility clothing so that you can be seen. Use a high factor sunblock. If working in full sun do not expose skin unnecessarily. Make sure the back of the neck is covered. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes. Drink plenty of fluids but NOT alcohol.

5 Plants Risk of poisoning Do not eat wild plants as they may be poisonous or carry parasites. If handling plant material, wear gloves. Wash hands frequently. Plants may be coated with any airborne pollutant present in the area avoid brushing against plants with bare legs or arms. Cuts and Grazes Be aware of any plants with thorns, spines, etc. Clean and cover any cuts and grazes to prevent infection. Be aware of low overhanging branches. Be aware of tree roots and creepers that may cause a trip. Allergies Anaphylactic Shock Causes severe breathing difficulties DO NOT DELAY; SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. Be cautious of the first signs of allergic reaction and DO NOT ignore them. Some plant material may cause allergic reactions Insect Stings and Bites If aware of an allergy, carry the necessary medication. Be aware that some forms of antihistamine can cause drowsiness. Be cautious of the first signs of allergic reaction and DO NOT ignore them. If aware of an allergy, carry the necessary medication. Location Factors Risk of causing offence that may Respect must be paid to local customs and problems and advice taken from local lead to personal attack/abuse contacts, etc. Dress appropriately. Working within other establishments, businesses, laboratories, etc. Working beside roads Ensure establishments have their own safety guidelines in place. While on the premises follow their guidelines. Wear brightly coloured high visibility vests/clothing. Avoid having your back to the traffic flow. Appoint a watcher to monitor traffic/students. Equipment Failure Personal Injury/Injury to Others Do not use equipment found to be faulty or damaged. Do not attempt to repair equipment if you are untrained. Report any faults as soon as possible. Label faulty equipment clearly so that no one else tries to use it. Using Equipment Personal Injury/Injury to Others, Read Risk Assessments associated with each piece of equipment. damage to equipment. Read the instruction manual and follow it. Ensure equipemnt is operating properly. Read manufacturer s safety information. Do not try to bypass or tamper with any safety device. Seek instruction from trained personnel. Do not use damaged or faulty equipment. Ensure that equipment is suitable for the work. Do not use electrical equipment in wet/damp conditions or if you have wet hands.

6 Food & Drink Lack of food & drink various risks, Do not forget to stop for food breaks. including dehydration, fatigue, Drink plenty of fluids, particularly in hot weather. fainting, etc. Always carry plenty of water. Alcohol risks of dehydration: Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in the evenings before going into the field. inability to work efficiently due to DO NOT drink alcohol during fieldwork. hangover; in cold weather alcohol Be aware that alcohol can impair judgement and will remain in the system for several consumption can lead to hypothermia. hours after consumption. Miscellaneous risks food poisoning, Try not to drink contaminated water. Treat or filter water. dehydration, allergies Caffeinated drinks (coffee, soda, etc.) can enhance dehydration avoid drinking them in hot weather. Be cautious of the first signs of allergic reaction and DO NOT ignore them. Recreational marijuana Difficulty breathing, changes in motivation, impaired judgement, anxiety, depression, drowsiness Medical Conditions Risk of illness while in the field Ensure any necessary medication is carried at all times. A First Aid Kit will always be carried. & Fitness Ensure someone else is aware of medical conditions and will recognise signs and symptoms. They should also know the location of any medication. Diabetics should ensure sufficient food is carried in case there is a delay in returning. Medical supplies or treatment be aware where these can be purchased if a medical condition or illness arises. Risks of dental problems Lack of physical fitness, leading to risk of personal injury/illness Be aware where dental treatment can be obtained. Carry emergency dental treatment as first aid. Know your limitations do not be forced to overstretch your limits. Do not be afraid to tell someone if you feel unwell or cannot carry on with a task. Plan your work within your limits. If you feel unwell STOP. Agrochemicals Crop spraying risks of poisoning due Seek information from landowner as to when crop spraying is likely to ingestion and absorption of and when entry to field will be safe. Do not enter fields unless agrochemicals, including organophosphates safe to do so. Avoid pools and puddles that may contain chemicals. Ensure waterproof protective gloves are worn. Wash and clean hands frequently, especially before eating. Preferably use antiseptic medical wipes. Plants & Soils may be contaminated chemicals, risk of ingestion and absorption through skin Be aware that any skin contact is hazardous avoid wearing shorts if walking through a sprayed field. Keep arms covered. Ensure waterproof protective gloves are worn. Wash and clean hands frequently, especially before eating. Preferably use antiseptic medical wipes.

7 Transport to & from Risk of accident/death/injury Inform students to wear seatbelts. Ensure vehicle safety daily. Sites Stow away loose equipment, bags etc. Have 2 drivers at all times. Change drivers every 2 hours (max). Rest as appropriate. Take extra care when disembarking from transport. Person becoming separated from group or lost Assure all know daily itinerary and contact numbers of leaders and rescue authorities. Carry a map and/or GPS unit. If lost, stay where you are. Call for help and await rescue. Urban Milieu Risk of causing offense that may lead to Respect must be paid to local culture personal attack/abuse Traffic Use designated crosswalks; follow all traffic regulations Cultural factors Be aware of local religious norms, ethnic and racial parameters; dress appropriately Safety Avoid working alone or after dark; be aware of neighborhood safety and dynamics Identity Always carry a prominently displayed institutional/municipal identity card Sense of Place Be aware of urban spatiality and space; adapt to crowded circumstances; adapt/renegotiate preconceptions of your environment Accommodation Fire Make certain that all students and staff are familiar with all fire evacuation procedures. Make sure the accomodation has had an up to date fire inspection. Make sure fire extinguishers are easliy available. Injury Know where to report accidents/breakages or anything considered to be dangerous. Student with Impairment Injury For all outdoor activities students with visual, auditory, or mobility impairements will have a (visual, auditory, support worker with them at ALL times. mobility, etc.) Students with visual impairments will never be allowed to work alone in the field. In accommodation, support staff will be housed in rooms next to the visually impaired student. Other Evaluate Specific Risk Recommend control method.

8 Faculty Signature & Date: Student Signature & Date: On File With: List appropriate offices & date of filing.

9 E Miscellaneous Notes; Person Responsible; Action Comments