Field Safety Manual

Texas Tech University is dedicated to the safety of all members of its community regardless of location. The Field Safety Manual is constructed under the remit of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety and provides a guide to the planning and execution of safe research and education experiences in field locations (e.g., non-traditional, off-campus locations).

When working in an off-campus location all rules, regulations, guidelines, and safety protocols established by agency responsible for the work area (Federal, State, County of City Government, or private entity) must be followed and accounted for during the hazard and risk assessment process.

Texas Tech is committed to providing its students, faculty, and staff with an educational and workplace environment free from any form of unlawful discrimination. The Texas Tech community is dedicated to fostering and supporting a culture of mutual respect and communication. Texas Tech University does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of students based on or related to sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected categories, classes, or characteristics. While sexual orientation and gender identity are not protected categories under state or federal law, it is Texas Tech University policy not to discriminate on this basis. Actions related to admission, discipline, housing, extracurricular and academic opportunities shall not be made based on a student's protected status. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited regardless of the way it is exhibited, whether verbally, in writing, or electronically displayed or conveyed. Individuals who violate these policies and laws are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

Examples of the types of discrimination and violence that are strictly prohibited by Texas Tech include but are not limited to: sexual harassment, the failure to provide equal opportunity in athletics, discrimination in a school's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses and programs, discrimination based on pregnancy.

In addition to Title IX, certain Clery specific crimes are also considered to be Title IX violations and will be handled by the university as mandated under both statutory requirements. These include but are not limited to sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Title IX website

Emergency: In the event of an emergency, call 911.

National Park Service Camping Information

General Outdoor Safety: For more information on outdoor and recreational safety including North America Hunting Season and regulations, contact the U.S Forest Service. 800-832-1355

General Health: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a website that describes many topics related to travel, both domestic and international.

U.S. Department of Labor: Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Assists with design,
implementation and evaluation of health and safety programs in the workplace

Disease: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information about many diseases that may occur in the U.S. and internationally and risks of disease in general, and specific to the field location and its environment may be researched.

State Departments of Health Services and Infection Disease Control: All states in the U.S. have departments dedicated to providing information and guidance on state level (general and specific) health and disease risks. The Texas Department of State Health Services Infectious Disease Control Unit provides information in Texas, Tel: 512-458-7676; Toll Free: 1-888-963-7111.

Travel Health & Outbreaks: Information on international and global health and disease risks, including outbreaks of infectious diseases and international travel health recommendations are provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Travel Advisories: Travel advisories are announced through the U.S. Department of State.

Current travel warnings, public announcements, and consular information sheets

National Weather Service

National Weather Service forecasting

National Weather Service Flood Safety

ANSI - American National Standards Institute

cc – engine capacity in cubic centimeters

DOT - Department of Transportation

GPS - Global Positioning System

DEFRA - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

SPF - Sun Protection Factor

TTU - Texas Tech University

Benchmark - something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged, or a point of reference from which measurements may be made.

Designated Contact – An individual not accompanying the field excursion supplied with all Field Safety Plan information. This individual will conduct the established check-in communications with the field group and act on the field group’s behalf should an emergency arise. Individual must have 24 hour / 7 days a week availability and be able to execute emergency procedures if needed.

Fauna - animal life especially the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment

Field Group – group of individuals actively engaged in research activities at the field site

Field Safety Briefing – must occur prior to departure when students are participating and should include a review of the hazard and risk assessment, provision of emergency contact information, emergency procedures, and the schedule of work.

Field Site – Any site where field work or research is being conducted in an outdoor environment and may include (but is not limited to) field stations, natural reserves, private lands, public lands or parks, wilderness areas, coastline, or waterways, including those owned and managed by Texas Tech University System, and more controlled sites such a construction areas, excavations, green houses, agricultural fields, commercial facilities and mines.

Field-Site Kit - a collection of materials appropriate to the location and nature of field-activities.

Field Trip Leader – designated individual responsible for the safety of all field group personnel, as well as the safety of all equipment, vehicles and structures involved.

Flora - plant, bacterial, or fungal life especially such life characteristic of a region, period, or special environment.

Fording Points - a place where a river or other body of water is shallow enough to be crossed by wading.

Go / No Go Criteria - an individual group determination based on possible risks to the field group during the planned research time.

Hazard Assessment - a process of identifying hazards, evaluating the risks presented by those hazards, and managing the risks of the hazards to be performed by incorporating appropriate hazard controls into the experimental design process.

Trekking poles - common hiking accessory that function to assist walkers with their rhythm, to provide stability, and reduce strain on joints on rough terrain.

E3.2.1
Leaders of the field-activity are responsible for creating a Field Safety Plan that must include:

E3.2.1.1
A clear definition of field site(s) to be visited, defined on maps included in the document and/or by providing GPS coordinates.

E3.2.1.2
Routes to, from, and in between field sites.

E3.2.1.3
Timeline of proposed work.

E3.2.1.4
Local emergency contact information, including Police/Sheriff Departments and appropriate State and Federal Offices (National Forest Service, National Park Service offices, State Park Headquarters).

E3.2.1.5
Assessment of potential field hazards.

E3.2.1.6
Establishment of Go/No Go criteria and benchmarks.

E3.2.1.7
Identification of required protective and emergency equipment.

E3.2.1.8
Standard operating procedures for all field activities being conducted.

E3.2.1.9
A list of all field participants and emergency contact information.

E3.2.2
Field Safety Plan must be read and signed by all field participants. The plan shall be sent to EHS for additional review and routing to the cognizant committee/department, as needed.

E3.2.3
A copy of the Field Safety Plan must be given to the Designated Contact (e.g., Department Chair) prior to the field group departing for the field site.

E4.1.1
Vehicle Storage

E4.1.1.1
Do not allow non-employees or children into storage structures.

E4.1.1.2
Vehicles must be stored away from structures housing livestock.

E4.1.1.3
Vehicles must not be stored with fuel storage tanks.

E4.1.1.4
Vehicles must be parked/stored to allow easy entrance and exit from storage structure.

E4.1.1.5
Maintain clear, well-lit working spaces in and around vehicle and machinery storage buildings. Eliminate slips, trips, and falls.

E4.1.1.6
Vehicle keys must be secured if the vehicle is to be left unattended or unsupervised.

E4.1.1.7
Check that all structures, including windows, doors, and gates are secured and locked upon departure.

E4.1.2
Vehicle Maintenance

E4.1.2.1
The vehicle selected for each field activity should be appropriate for the terrain, road conditions and other predicted hazards to be encountered during fieldwork.

E4.1.2.2
It is recommended that departmental or TTU motor pool vehicles are used for all field excursions. 

E4.1.2.3
The vehicle should be current on oil changes and manufacturer service schedule.

E4.1.2.4
The vehicle should be equipped with a fully pressurized spare tire, jack, tire-lever, functioning flashlight, and appropriate safety signage.

E4.1.3
Use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Related Vehicles / Equipment

E4.1.3.1
The National Safety Council has developed recommendations for using ATVs. The recommendations include:

(a) All personnel using small vehicles in the field must take training courses prior to use and demonstrate competency on the vehicle type under similar conditions that will be present in the field.

(b) ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should be operated by people at least 12 years of age. ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc should only be operated by people at least 16 years of age.

(c) Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt, and long pants.

(d) Read owners' manuals carefully.

(e) Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.

(f) Any added attachments affect the stability, operating and braking of the ATV.

(g) Vehicle attachments should be evaluated for safe usage prior to installation. 

(h) Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways, or paved roads.

E4.1.4
Vehicle Handling

E4.1.4.1
Reduce vehicle speeds to meet the safety hazards of rock conditions, and monitor speed and vehicle distancing to avoid sudden breaking and aquaplaning

E4.1.4.2
Reduce vehicle speed when entering standing water, streams, and rivers to avoid mechanical damage and becoming stranded (e.g., engine flooding, loss of control).

E4.1.4.3
Unless appropriately equipped (e.g., 4- or all-wheel drive) avoid water-saturated off-road terrain to minimize risk of being stranded.

E4.2.1
All tools, equipment, and machinery must be checked for proper functioning as described by the manufacturer before and after each use.

E4.2.2
Machinery and equipment should be serviced and maintained according to the manufacturer recommended schedule.

E4.2.3
All electrical (power) tools must be properly grounded or double insulated and all guards or shields must be in place.

E4.2.4
All users of machinery and equipment must wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and make sure that clothing has no strings or loose ends that could be caught by machinery. Long hair must be tied back to prevent entanglement.

E4.2.5
The field site must be checked for hazards prior to use of equipment and vehicles, with particular emphasis on checking for presence and height of electrical lines, aerial impediments (e.g., tree limbs, overhangs, etc.), ensuring unobstructed working space and that other fieldworkers are outside the minimum recommendations and/or maintaining safe distances from field operations.

E4.2.6
Field participants must be trained on specific equipment use prior to using equipment independently. 

E4.2.7
Do not operate any equipment that is damaged, loose, missing parts, etc. Notify the Field Trip Leader immediately.

E4.2.8
Loading, Transport and Moving Equipment to Field Site

E4.2.8.1
Ensure that all loads are secured using straps, chains, or lines prior to putting a vehicle in motion.

E4.2.8.2
Ensure that appropriate equipment for unloading and necessary safety equipment to avoid injury is available at the field site.

E4.2.8.3
Mark equipment as “too heavy” if manual loading/off-loading is not possible.

E4.2.8.4
Apply appropriate control measures when lifting, moving, and carrying equipment.

E4.3.1
One member of the field team must hold all appropriate certificates and credentials for assuming responsibility of the boat (watercraft) to be used. This includes tickets appropriate to the size of the craft, its navigation and safe use.

E4.3.2
Ensure boat is sound before setting out and that no damage has occurred in transit.

E4.3.3
Life jacket/buoyancy aid must be worn by all persons when using a boat, kayak, canoe, or other aquatic vessel.

E4.3.4
Ensure safe anchoring prior to cutting the engine.

E4.3.5
Ensure the fuel tank is horizontal and stable. Open pressure release valve when the motor is running.

E4.3.6
Never smoke near inflatable boats or engines.

E4.3.7
If the boat length exceeds the wavelength, the boat cannot ride the waves during inclement weather. Shelter should be sought.

E4.4.1
Identify the terrain types prior to departure and prepare accordingly.

E4.4.2
Mountains

E4.4.2.1
When preparing for work at a different altitude, follow these general precautions:

(a) Organize your trip ahead of time. Plan for an extra day for participants to acclimate to the elevation change.

(b) It is best practice to have a medical evaluation prior to leaving for a field excursion at high altitudes.

(c) Stay well-hydrated, rested, and educate yourself on the sign of altitude illnesses.

(d) Travel with a group if you are able. The use of a buddy system is very effective in recognizing HAI early.

(e) Gradual Initial Exposure: Graded ascent to high altitude is preferred over rapid exposure to high altitude.

(f) Ongoing Exposure: After 2–3 days spent at altitudes around 3500 m, travelers should increase their sleeping elevation no more than 600 m per day. Gaining more elevation during the day is acceptable so long as overexertion is avoided, and the sleeping elevation does not exceed 600 m gained. In addition, an extra night of acclimatization is recommended every 300–900 m gain in sleeping elevation.

E4.4.2.2

When ascending a steep slope, follow these general precautions:

(a) Shorten trekking poles.

(b) Take small steps.

(c) Ensure secure footing prior to placing weight on the next step.

(d) Walk in switchbacks, slightly weaving to the left and right.

(e) Step on flat surfaces.

(f) Sturdy footwear that provides ankle support should be worn to minimize the risk of falling.

When descending a steep slope, follow these general precautions:

(a) Keep your knee joints loose.

(b) Sturdy footwear that provides ankle support should be worn to minimize the risk of falling.

(c) Don’t arrest your descent speed.

(d) Use trekking poles.

(e) Place your heel down first then your toes to ease pressure on your feet.

(f) Lean back slightly so your center of gravity shifts backward (i.e., toward the mountain top).

(g) Walk in switchbacks, slightly weaving to the left and right.

(h) Use side steps to descend by turning your feet perpendicular to the slope and taking small steps sideways.

(i) Step on flat surfaces.

E4.4.3
Waterbodies (lakes, oceans, rivers)

E4.4.3.1
Life jacket/buoyancy aid should be worn by all persons whenever the waterbody presents a fall hazard (e.g., unknown underwater terrain, quick moving water).

E4.4.3.2
The temperature of the waterbody must be considered when selecting appropriate PPE.

E4.4.4
Deserts

E4.4.4.1
The weather pattern and temperature fluctuations of the desert being visited must be documented in the Field Safety Plan. Deserts typically have extreme temperature changes during a day.

E4.4.4.2
Additional preventative measures to prevent dehydration and sun overexposure must be employed.

E4.5.1
Check forecasts before departure to avoid risks.

E4.5.2 
Heat-Related Danger

E4.5.2.1
See Appendix EC (CDC Heat Stress) for Heat Stress Related Illness information from the CDC. This one-page reference document can be included in your Field Safety Plan.

E4.5.3 
Cold-Related Danger

E4.5.3.1
See Appendix ED (OSHA Cold Stress)for Cold Stress Related Illness information from OSHA. This one-page reference document can be included in your Field Safety Plan.

E4.5.4
Severe Weather

E4.5.4.1
The use of weather alarms (stand-alone radios, or Apps on smart devices) is recommended.

E4.5.4.2
Field personnel shall use the 30-30 rule when you see lightning. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, the thunderstorm is within six miles and there is a need to seek shelter and wait 30 minutes until the storm passes. 

E4.5.4.2

(a) If lightning is present within six miles while working at higher elevations or in exposed regions, move to lower elevations, forested areas or depressions and stay clear of tall, isolated trees.

(b) If caught in an electrical storm lie flat face down on the ground and cover your head if in an open area. Do not sit on ground.

E4.5.4.3
In the event of a hail-warning seek shelter to minimize risk of personal injury.

E4.5.4.4
Unless pursuing severe-weather surveillance and monitoring activities in the case of severe weather warnings seek appropriate shelter, or if time permits, identify a safe route to leave the area of the warning.

E4.5.5
Rain and Flooding Hazards

E4.5.5.1
Do not enter creeks or fording pointsd unless the water depth can be verified against a flood gauge. 

E4.5.5.2
Do not enter water when the depth gauge meets or exceeds vehicle clearance.

E4.5.5.3
Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you must walk in water for field activities, walk where the water is calmest. A walking stick can be used to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

E4.5.5.4
Unless necessary for environmental safety (toxicity) the use of long-water boots is discouraged.

E4.5.5.5
Do not wade into streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes unless there is a buddy present on the shore

E4.6.1
All field workers must recognize that they are entering the natural habitat of the native flora and fauna; you are their guests. It is every workers responsibility to minimize the impact of their presence and to leave minimal evidence of their visit.

E4.6.2
Fauna

E4.6.2.1
Carefully look for insects or hazardous animals (e.g., snakes, scorpions, spiders) before placing your hands, feet, or body in areas where these creatures may live or hide (wood piles, crevices, etc.).

E4.6.2.2
Wear insect repellent (30-50% DEET), but only if it will not endanger any susceptible animals being handled, especially birds.

E4.6.2.3
Carry a first aid kit with you on any excursion so you can treat bites or stings. If the pest is poisonous or if the bite appears inflamed, seek medical attention immediately.

E4.6.2.4
Thoroughly shake all clothing and bedding before use. 

E4.6.2.5
Avoid contact with sick or dead animals

E4.6.2.6
Minimize the amount of time you use lights after dark as they may attract pests and animals.

E4.6.2.7
Location-specific animal hazards should be addressed in the Field Safety Plan and during the Field Safety Briefing. 

E4.6.3
Flora

E6 Establishing Campsites