Safety
Safety must
always be a priority when involved in field work. We will have with us
several copies of the University’s Code of Practice for Field Studies.
You must read this booklet and then sign the posted form to say that you
have understood it and that you agree to abide by the rules and regulations
that it contains. There will also be more extended safety notes available
at the start of the course.
Safety
at Malham
In addition
we would like to emphasise a number of points that relate particularly
to the Malham Tarn Field Course.
- You must
never work alone in the field. Always work in a group and be responsible
for each others’ safe working. This is important at all times
but particularly so if you wish to work during the hours of darkness.
- Swimming
in the Tarn is not allowed. The water is cold and there are extensive
and dangerous weed beds.
- You may
not use the boats unless instructed to do so by one of the course team
and only as part of a course project. If you do use a boat then you
must be able to swim, you must wear a life jacket and normally you must
be accompanied by a member of the course team.
- You must
not, under any circumstances, climb on the scars or rock faces. Care
must be taken when walking along the tops or scars, do not walk close
to the edge, note that wet grass is very slippery and take care not
to dislodge stones.
- Smoking
is not allowed in any building.
- The peat
moss and fen areas to the west of the Tarn contain sedge swamps, quaking
bogs and hidden pools. Unless instructed otherwise by one of the course
team, you should remain on the boardwalk in this area both for safety
reasons and to reduce environmental damage.
You will
be told at what time the work of the course starts and finishes each day.
Outwith these hours the University regards you as being responsible for
your own safety. If you have a problem during the night then contact a
member of the course team or the Centre Duty Staff listed under the stairs
in the House.
General Safety Instructions
We take your
safety very seriously and also expect you to take a responsible and sensible
approach.
To
help you work safely we want you to:
- familiarise
yourselves with the Field Safety Booklet, particularly as it relates
to our course
- read this
material carefully
- listen
carefully to the safety talk on the first evening
- and finally
sign the form to say that you have done all the above and that you fully
understand what is expected of you
- finally,
we want you to act safely and carefully when carrying out your fieldwork
and when working in the laboratory!
Coping
with Problems
- Exposure.
It can become cold and wet. Be prepared with suitable clothing, footwear
and food. Never underestimate this problem and remember that you must
remain dry, if you are going to remain warm, and so waterproof outer
garments are essential.
- Risk of
accidents. DO NOT climb trees, cliffs or rocks. DO NOT go near the top
of cliffs. Even on ‘safe’ ground you can easily twist an
ankle or fall and bang you head or break bones. Wear suitable footwear,
tread carefully and be sensible.
- Working
in water. Working in any water, even if only a small pool or stream,
carries the extra hazard of drowning and/or getting wet and then cold.
Wear suitable waterproof footwear; use a stick to steady yourself; do
not work in deep water or strong currents.
- Biological
hazards. Water may be fouled by human waste (or dead sheep!). There
is also a disease, carried in rodent urine, called Weil’s disease;
and one carried by ticks called Lyme disease. Both show as ‘flu-like
symptoms and Lyme disease usually also has a circular rash around the
tick bite. Always use sensible hygiene precautions when working in water
and, if you get even mild ‘flu-like symptoms within a few weeks
of the course, tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to Weil’s
disease (caused by Leptospira bacterium) or to Lyme disease. Both respond
well to antibiotics but can be very serious if untreated!
Working
with small mammals
Small mammals
may carry Weil’s disease or a TB-like infection and may also be
passive carriers of other pathogens. You will be supervised when working
with small mammals and safe working procedures will be demonstrated before
you start. However, you must always wear safety gloves, cover any cuts
or scrapes and avoid blowing on or breathing near to the animals. You
must then thoroughly wash your hands after working with them.
Lone
working
Except in
the most trivial cases, well within sight and sound of the Centre, DO
NOT work alone! Always have someone with you to give you basic first-aid
and/or to get help.
You must
also get special permission to work in the dark.
Reporting
accidents
Please report
even minor accidents to the staff. Mark is a qualified first-aider and
will help provide treatment or refer you on to a doctor.
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