Presentation Transcript

1. Oregon State University College of ForestryForestry, Oceanic, and Atmospheric Business Center Field Work ! Safety and Process April 27th 2012 Overview of Safety
2. Driving during field work is particularly dangerous Often unfamiliar vehicles Often unfamiliar narrow forest roads Distracted by tasks, maps, GPS, schedules Often over-tired in early morning or after a tiring day of work With a suite of dangers Industrial traffic Animals Loose gravel, down trees, and rocks Driving: the most dangerous thing you’ll ever do.
3. Inspect vehicle for spare tire, jack, and adequate lug wrench. Check lights, wipers, washer fluid, fuel, oil, coolant When first driving check brake response – ABS systems vary in their action and feel Check for tire chains if there is a possibility of snow Driving motor pool or otherunfamiliar vehicles
4. Private Insurance and Liability May Not Cover Work Use Best to Ask Insurance Provider Prior to Need Individual Insurance Companies Vary University Coverage may not apply if Volunteer Paperwork not filed for helpers Best to get Clarification before taking Risks Driving: Private Vehicles
5. Water – for people or the vehicle Spare set of clothes – kept at the vehicle Food First Aid supplies and blankets or sleeping bags Shovel and Pulaski – for road clearing, aid in getting unstuck Communication device When traveling to remote locationsThings to carry:
6. Road Obstructions Trees Landslides or Rocks Road Failures Wash Outs Industrial Activities Gates Other Drivers Driving: Other Hazards
7. Stop and Park - Well Clear of Activity Wear Hardhat and Approach Cautiously Attract Attention before Approaching Equipment Ask How to Safely Pass Though Area of Operation Driving: Industrial Activities
8. And The Big Danger:Being in a hurry – Speed! Drive slow and safe
9. Observe the way you find the gate locked and return it to the same configuration Unless told differently always lock gates behind you to avoid unauthorized entrance by others In summer, beware of wasps in lock boxes Gates : The Ins and Outs
10. First Aid / Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation - 8 hour class Wilderness First Aid with CPR - 20 hour class More than 1 hour from definitive medical care With Field Work this is almost always the case Wilderness First Responder - 80 hour class Wilderness EMT - 170 hour class Carry First Aid Supplies and be aware of the medical conditions of your crew and the medicines they carry and may need – The more trained people in your crew the better. Preparedness: Be Ready for Emergencies
11. Problems: Delays Vehicle Breakdown Weather difficulties Being Lost Clothing : extra layers, dry gloves, dry socks, appropriate outerwear Extra change of clothes at the vehicle Food and Water at vehicle Shelter supplies and first aid supplies with crew Tools and knowledge for fire making Map, compass, and ability to use – understanding area of work Preparedness:Be Ready for Predictable Problems
12. Know the Weather Forecast for your Work Area Be Prepared for it to be Worse Be Psychologically Ready to Abort the Work if Conditions are Dangerous or Too Difficult for Reasonable Continuation – Talk over how people are feeling about the conditions High Winds, Rising Water, Intense Storm Conditions, Lightning, or Deteriorating Crew Well-Being Preparedness: Weather and The Better Part of Valor
13. An Agency and Industrial System of Anticipating Hazards & Thinking Out and Documenting Possible Problems and Solutions Example: Getting a Piece of Pizza Hazard Solution 1) Moving from your Chair to the Pizza Tripping Walk Carefully 2) Selecting Slice Over-eating Awareness Burning fingers Assess First Dropping slice Use Plate 3) Returning to Chair Same as step 1) 4) Consuming Pizza Biting tongue Do not Rush Preparedness: Job Hazard Analysis ( JHA)
14. When arriving at site turn around and be ready to leave. If you get stuck you have the whole day to get unstuck In an emergency you can leave promptly without delay In an emergency you may not turn around at your best Leave vehicle keys at vehicle so all crew members know location Avoid keys lost in the field Avoid crew traveling back for supplies forgetting keys Avoid separated crew member with keys stranding all All crew members should understand map location and route So not dependent on leader – who may be lost or injured So all crew members are capable of leaving for help Preparedness:Share Knowledge and Basic Needs
15. Field Pack Sturdy Boots with Good Traction Abrasion Resistant Long Sleeves and Long Pants Raingear Extra Layers of Clothes Extra Gloves Food and Water First Aid Kit with Personal Medical Items ( Epi-pen, Medication ) Eye Protection ( when working in heavy brush ) Compass and Map Communication Device Hardhat ( Why ? ) Helps you build the habit for Agency or Industrial Employment Protects from Falling Branches Waterproof Head Covering High Visibility Preparedness: Personal Gear
16. Cell Phones : ubiquitous but sometimes out of service Satellite Phones: Expensive, Bulky, but Reliable Radios : Agency or Industry Cooperation SPOT : Satellite Communicator Relatively cheap : $150 + $100 annual fee Not Cell Tower Dependent Transmits predetermined message to specified cell texts or emails or Search & Rescue Transmits Accurate GPS Location Preparedness: Communication Devices
17. Prepare for Field Work Trips by Arranging Safety Check In with a Responsible Party - FOR EVERY TRIP Provide Clear Instructions to “Check-In Buddy” including: Your Vehicle Description Details of Crew Intended Work Area, Itinerary, and MAPS !!!!! Cell Phone numbers or other Communication Information Phone number for Sheriff in area of work or 911 Very Clear “Trigger Time” when “Buddy” will activate Emergency Services,If you have failed to check in by specified time. REMEMBER: If you don’t set this up – no one will look for you !!!! Preparedness: Check Out and Check In