9. Potential Hazards Identified Possible Outcome Control Measures a) Location Uneven/wet ground Slips, trips, falls Wear appropriate footwear and work alone Rivers/lakes Strong currents/ deep water may cause loss of footing and result in drowning Steep banks may pose a risk Areas with strong currents/ deep water should be avoided. Life jackets should be worn at all times Areas that present a particular danger, i.e. high cliffs, steep and unstable banks should be avoided Unknown substrate Unseen hazards present on the river bed may cause injury (cuts, scratches, etc) Field site should be inspected prior to work commencing. Workers should keep a watchful eye for any hazards. If substrate stability unknown, probe ahead with a walking stick/ ranging pole Becoming lost / disorientated Wear high visibility clothing. Carry maps, mobile phone, compass, torch and whistle b) Weather Strong winds, heavy rainfall or extreme low temperatures Exposure causing illness Obtain weather forecasts. Wear appropriate all weather clothing. If hypothermia strikes, rest, replace wet clothing and lie victim in a horizontal position in a survival bag Strong sun Sunburn/dehydration Apply a high factor sun cream. Wear a hat with a brim or peak, sunglasses and cover skin from sun where possible. Drink water regularly c) Transport/Vehicles Any person using the University vehicles must be registered with the School Accidents may occur travelling to and from field site Accident/ injury Ensure driver and passengers are wearing a seatbelt and care is traveling between sites. Car/truck being un-roadworthy Accident/ injury Check vehicle is roadworthy before commencing on the fieldwork each day – lights, water, windscreen wipers and washer, oil, fuel, tyres. Appropriate insurance, road tax and MOT Off road driving Accident/ injury Off road driving only by staff licensed and registered with School for such activities d) Health and Fitness
Fatigue/ exhaustion Becoming stranded/ unable to continue or return to base Understand what fieldwork will involve. Do not work in the field for extended periods of time without sufficient breaks. Carry water and food Disease Tetanus may result from the infection of even wounds and scratches Immunisation Act with due care, wearing protective clothing if appropriate All open cuts and sores should be covered with a waterproof plaster and gloves worn, if necessary Weil’s disease (leptospirosis). This is carried by rats and excreted in their urine, and persists in water such as puddles and slow-moving rivers in rat-infested places Anti-bacterial/ microbial hand wash to be carried and used after contact with water, particularly before eating, drinking or smoking Lyme disease, a bacterial disease transmitted by animal ticks associated with rank vegetation. Sheep, deer and pheasants may act as hosts Remove from skin as soon as possible using tweezers, wear light-coloured clothing so that ticks are visible. Tuck trouser bottoms into socks so that ticks cannot attach or climb up the leg, and make regular checks of skin and hair Insect bites – possible allergic reaction Use insect repellant, as much body surface as possible with clothing. To be considered: Tetanus Rabies Malaria Cholera Tropical diseases that may require prior inoculation or course of treatment. Seek medical advice before undertaking field work to ensure that any necessary immunizations are in place. Pre-existing medical conditions, for example: diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, allergies… Injury, illness, fatality School H&S Questionnaire to be completed and assessed by Supervisor. Ensure fieldwork will not increase risk to individuals to an unacceptable level and implement additional precautionary measures as required. Where necessary advice will be sought from the University Health Team. Disabilities Inaccessibility, injury Where reasonably practicable, additional measures will be taken to ensure that individuals with declared disabilities have access to fieldwork activities and are able to fully participate. e) Lone working: Please delete as appropriate – Yes/No Lone field working should only be undertaken if unavoidable. The following must be completed: