Field Safety Plan
The principal investigator, or project lead, should use the Field Safety Plan template to establish site safety procedures and protocols. You should also download the entire Field Safety Guidelines for reference. Results from the Safety Survey Tool will also serve as a guide in identifying necessary training for work covered by OSHA. The plan should then be communicated to all members of the team and kept on file on campus. Planning should address the following areas:
- Description of fieldwork
- Will you be working alone?
- Is there a potable water source, and are sanitary facilities available?
- Are living quarters provided, or will sheltering have to be provided?
- Will you be traveling or working in the backcountry during hunting seasons?
- Are there environmental hazards that must be considered?
- High altitude (over 6,000 ft)
- Extreme heat or cold, or other adverse weather conditions
- Rough terrain, or strenuous climbing/hiking
- Wild animal, insect, or plant hazards
- Caves or other "confined spaces"
- Work over/on/underwater
- Work at night or in poor lighting
- Is there endemic medical disease, such as rabies, hantavirus, or Lyme's Disease, or other biological hazards, that would pose a risk to personnel?
- Itinerary
- Communications
- Prior to traveling, the research team must establish a communication plan and all pertinent parties must be familiar with the contents. This plan includes the following information and considerations:
- Properly informed, competent designated contacts - both within the fieldwork team, with family contacts, and at the university
- Schedules and methods for maintaining contact with the university (and family)
- Details (to contacts) regarding location(s) of work, expected duration, and at what point will the alarm be raised if the communication schedule is not met
- How to activate the Emergency Plan (ex. protocols for missed communication dates/times)
- Alternate means of communication
- Training and licensing are required for use of certain types of radios. Where these are the main form of communication, all members of the fieldwork team must be trained and licensed in their use.
- If cell phones are to be used, verify potential service interruption issues. Battery power for communication equipment should be sufficient to last beyond the expected duration of the fieldwork.
- Local emergency contacts/services
- At least one first aid kit must be available on site. (One or more members of your team should be trained in CPR and First Aid. Classes are available through EHS (540-231-3600), the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad (vtrsoutreachlt@vt.edu)540-231-7138, or the American Red Cross. Fees may apply.)
- Review minimum stock recommendations.
- Additional first aid supplies will depend upon the types of potential injuries that may be expected during the scope of work.
- At least one first aid kit must be available on site. (One or more members of your team should be trained in CPR and First Aid. Classes are available through EHS (540-231-3600), the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad (vtrsoutreachlt@vt.edu)540-231-7138, or the American Red Cross. Fees may apply.)
- Risk assessment
- Personal health risks?
- Existing or potential safety hazards?
- Environmental hazards or risks?
- Locale hazards or risks?
- Equipment
- General :
- Vehicle safety kit
- Two-way radio, CB, or cellular phone (batteries, charger)
- Water purification tablets or filter devices
- Weather radio
- Ax or saw
- Shovel or pick
- Water-proof matches, lighter, flint, or steel wool and a 9-volt battery
- Bucket
- Compass and maps
- Flares
- Flagging
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Candles
- Rope
- Knife
- Blanket or tarp
- Whistle, mirror, or large bright plastic bag
- Duct tape
- High-energy food
- Safety:
- First-aid kit and first aid manual
- Personal medications (i.e. prescriptions)
- Allergy treatments or antivenums
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, rain gear, winter gear, etc.)
- Portable fire extinguisher
- Orange reflective vest
- Mask or respirator
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Face shield
- Wet suit
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Hard hat
- Steel-toed shoes or appropriate footwear
- Floatation devices
- Personal fall arrest system (i.e. harness)
- Hearing protection
- Barriers for direct contact with animals
- Flame-retardant clothing
- General :
- Required training
Note: Multiple trips to the same location, for the same type of work, can be covered by a single plan. The plan should be revised whenever a significant change to the location or scope of work occurs. Environmental Health & Safety is available to assist with the completion or review of the plan.