Field Research Safety Best Practices

Transcription

1 Field Research Safety Best Practices

2 Intent and Scope Promote safety of research activity participants in a field setting Applicable when there is elevated risk of harm compared to routine, classroom based activities NOT intended for all off-campus work (e.g. library at another university, etc.)

3 Field Research Safety Protocol Communications Hazards specific to the research Training, Personal Protective Equipment, etc. to address those hazards

4 Communications Plan Types of Devices/Charging Accessories Emergency Communication Protocol For each group member: Cell phone number Emergency contact information Key Campus Contacts, at minimum: Villanova Public Safety Emergency Contact (Department Office representative, etc.) Insurance and Risk Management Principal Investigator/Research Supervisor if not at field site Local Emergency Contacts 911 or equivalent Other emergency responders International SOS

5 Communication Protocol Every member of the field crew has a copy of the Communications Plan Emergency Contact (someone NOT in the field): Knows the field schedule with check in times specified. Has a copy of the Communications Plan Field crew must check in according to the schedule. If field crew does not check in, Emergency Contact will contact local emergency services.

6 Hazards Questions to Consider Beginning the moment the field crew leaves campus: What work is to be done at the research site? What can go wrong? Think about the worst case scenario to be prepared for vehicle accident, chemical exposure, injury, accommodation issue, etc. What Villanova policies are in place to address these possibilities? Insurance, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Lab Safety Training, etc. What steps will the field crew take to prepare for the hazards? Training, personal protective equipment, etc.

7 Vehicle Hazards What vehicles will be used: University, personal, or rented cars, vans, trucks All Terrain Vehicles, snowmobiles, or other access vehicles Watercraft Are operators licensed and trained Is there a backup operator for each vehicle (should the operator be injured) Safety devices (seatbelts, personal flotation devices) available for each vehicle occupant Make clear that all safety devices are to be used all the time

8 Lab-related Hazards What chemicals will be used Special arrangements to transport (temperature, shocksensitive) Personal protective equipment needed (as in campus lab) Appropriate equipment (ventilation, spark-proof, etc.) Suitable training (Villanova Lab Safety Training via Blackboard plus research-specific supplement) Waste management Containers, labels, storage

9 Environmental Hazards Animals and wildlife What species are native to the area? Will work be done during mating season or when offspring are present? Does the work involve handling animals? What additional protections are required? Snakebite kit? Leather gloves? Is a firearm, dart gun, etc. required for protection? All crew members must be trained to use. Insects, bacteria, viruses, and other vectors Confirm availability of clean water and food. Or provide water purification options. Are vaccinations required and, if so, how far in advance of exposure? Precautions against ticks, mosquitos, etc. (attire and, in some cases, repellants)

10 Environmental Hazards Terrain and weather Temperature extremes Sunburn Altitude Review possibilities and determine appropriate personal gear for crew members

11 Equipment Electrical Safety What is the power source for any electrically operated equipment? Generators must not be operated inside. Check all equipment for wear and repair before departure. Identify additional safety measures if electrical equipment must be operated near water sources. Dangerous equipment All crew members who will use potentially dangerous equipment (saws, motors, electric nail guns, etc.) must be trained. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be provided.

12 Location Specific Considerations Cellular access Varies, even in non-remote locations. Have a backup plan. International locations have additional requirements. Proximity to water sources If work is to be done on, in, or near bodies of water, personal flotation devices should be used. Determine availability of life guards or if a trained life guard should be included in the crew. Getting There If the site is remotely located, standard GPS functionality may not be available. What alternate arrangements will be made? All crew members must be familiar.

13 People Related Considerations Cultural/Social Will field crew members interact with people of unfamiliar cultures? Training in local customs, social norms is essential. First Aid Fully stocked first aid kits should be provided Check contents for expired items before departure and restock regularly If location is particularly remote, consider Red Cross first aid and CPR training If a crew member s medical history suggests, consider an AED

14 Transportation - Drivers On Line Driver Safety Training Student drivers must complete the training (see page 8 of Motor Vehicle Record Check Policy for instructions) before moving to record check requirements below. Motor Vehicle Record Check Student drivers of University owned, leased, or rented vehicles complete consent form on page 6 of Motor Vehicle Record Check Policy Faculty and staff drivers of University owned, leased, or rented vehicles complete consent form on page 7 of Motor Vehicle Record Check Policy.

15 Transportation University Vehicles Preference for use of University owned, leased, or rented vehicles. Reserve a vehicle All fleet vehicle users must review and follow Van Fleet Policy. For additional information contact Parking and Transportation Office at University insurance applies only to University owned, leased or rented vehicles driven by University approved drivers while in the United States and Canada. Vehicle use outside the United States and Canada requires the purchase of additional insurance by the research team. Non-University employees may not travel in University vehicles

16 Transportation Personal Vehicles Strongly discouraged Not covered by University insurance If use of personal vehicle is absolutely necessary there must be written notification that personal auto insurance is the ONLY available coverage. Complete Acknowledgement Use of Personal Automobile (Appendix D) Students/employees can refuse to use their personal vehicles

17 For More Information Field Research Safety Guidelines Appendix A: Sample Communication Plan Appendix B: Sample Field Safety Protocol Appendix C: Off Campus Incident/Accident/Injury Report Appendix D: Acknowledgement Use of Personal Automobile Environmental Health and Safety Department ( )