ESR 101 Lab: Field Safety Sheet

These guidelines are presented to help you think about safe field research. They should be applicable in any situation (not just Portland, which is incredibly safe).

1. Plan your field trip and know about the conditions and the area.

Have the appropriate clothing, food/water, and other gear. Know something about the area that you are travelling to and in, such as what is the weather expected to be?, are their fires in that zone during this time of the year?, is it hunting season?, etc.

2. Carry all safety and protective equipment that may be required.

Get, know how to use, and use all equipment such as personal floatation devices, maps, compasses, GPS unit, whistle, sunscreen, shotgun, etc.

A cell phone is not protective equipment.

3. Get to and from your site safely.

In many parts of the world (including Portland) driving to the site is more risky than any other part of the trip.

Be thoughtful about driving home late after a full day in the field.

4. Be aware of hazards and have thought about how you will handle them.

One of the best ways to handle potentially dangerous situations is to have a field partner or group.

5. Leave extra time on site.

This is both a safety consideration (allowing you some buffer for fixing problems in the field) and an opportunity to explore and personally experience the field site. For example, I always try to explore some other part of the lake or basin in each trip to get to know the area more. I also use this time to chat with people whom I meet at the lake or stream.