Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
(1) Be prepared
Ensure that you or one of the members of the fi eld group have
the correct equipment and that it is all in good working order.
This not only includes the specifi c safety items such as those
listed in Section 2.11.3, but also the means to locate yourself
and to return via a safe route to civilization (i.e. a map and
compass and/or a GPS), enough food and drink for the time
you will be spending in the fi eld along with some emergency
rations, suffi cient clothing for the expected range of weather
conditions, a fi rst aid kit and the means of raising the
emergency services (i.e. mobile phone, radio or satellite phone;
Table 2.1). At least one member of the party should be trained
in fi rst aid. If required by your fi eld organizer, university or
employer you should complete a risk assessment form
(example risk assessments are provided on the website that
accompanies this topic - www.wiley.com/go/coe/geology). The
party members should also decide whether they are physically
fi t enough to traverse the terrain that they will encounter.
2
(2) Assess and monitor the potential hazards
If possible, assess the hazards before going into the fi eld area
either by talking to someone who has been before or with the
use of maps, guidebooks to the area, satellite images (such as
Google Earth
TM
), aerial photographs and fi eld photographs.
Even if you are able to assess the hazards prior to your visit, or
it is a locality you have visited before, it is still necessary to
constantly monitor any potential dangers whilst you are in the
fi eld. If it is really dangerous and there is a high probability of
injury or worse you should be prepared to discontinue
fi eldwork at this locality. Common hazards and the preventative
action that can be taken to avoid them are as follows.
•
Falling rocks
:
Avoid areas of recent rock fall and/or areas
with large overhangs or unstable faces. Wear a hard hat that
meets safety standards at all times. Take care not to
dislodge rocks onto other people. Many cliffs and slopes
become unstable as the weather conditions change, e.g.
after heavy rain or as they dry out and heat up in the sun.
If the rocks are often unstable observe under what
conditions they are least likely to fall and complete
fi eldwork at these times if possible.
•
Snow avalanches
:
These are only a hazard in high mountain
areas where there has been snow fall. They are most common
after new snow fall, on convex slopes of 30-45° and as
temperature changes. You should ensure you know where
avalanches occur, take note of any avalanche warnings, and
pick routes that use uneven/wooded slopes or follow a ridge.
•
Mudslides and unconsolidated rocks
:
Freshly formed
mudslides and other water-saturated sediments are
Maintain an awareness of
hazards around you and
ensure you warn others if
you think that they are in a
dangerous position.
